How Can I Make a Difference?
By Ben Robinson
We spend lots of time talking about what landowners can do to benefit quail. Reduce mowing, strip disking, prescribed fire; you’ve heard us mention them all. Quail managers are quick to preach about habitat management, and rightly so. The loss of quality habitat is a leading cause in the decline of bobwhite.
Unfortunately, we too often forget about all of our supporters that may not own land. I know lots of folks who are avid supporters of our quail restoration efforts, but they live in town. And yet we constantly wrestle with how to handle this wonderful group of bobwhite allies. It shouldn’t be hard for us to create a list of ideas for those who want to make a difference.
With help from our friends at the National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative (NBCI) I’ve compiled a short list that I hope will inspire you to get involved with the on-going effort in Kentucky, or wherever you call home.
Purchase a specialty bobwhite license plate
- All proceeds from the sale of this plate go directly back to the management of bobwhite in Kentucky. Don’t live in KY? Check with your local county clerk and see if you have a similar license plate available to you.
Join a conservation organization
- Several organizations are in place that focus on quail and grassland restoration including Quail Unlimited, Quail Forever, the Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation, or the National Wild Turkey Federation, among others. Show your support by joining one today.
Attend a state wildlife commission meeting
- Voice your support for quail restoration in your state by attending an agency commission meeting. Can’t make it to a meeting? Give your local commission member a call or write a letter in support of quail work in your state. Check agency websites for their contact information.
Do you hunt on private land? Encourage those landowners to do more.
- If you hunt on private land, or simply know someone who owns property, encourage those folks to manage some of their land for quail. Put them in contact with a local biologist who can help them manage their property. Encourage them to cut back on unnecessary mowing, too!
Get creative and lead by example!
- I’ve listed a few ideas to get you started but by no means is this the only way you can help. If you have ideas, share them with others. Contact your state quail coordinator and let them know that you’ve thought of a way to help. Better yet, add your ideas to the comments section below for all to see and put to use!
