Articles

In the vast landscapes of Texas, where the rolling plains and sprawling prairies create a habitat mosaic, quail populations are a vital component of the ecological balance. To ensure the sustainability of quail species, particularly the Northern Bobwhite, collaborative efforts between landowners and wildlife professionals are indispensable. This synergy not…

The dog days of summer are upon us. Although it has not been as hot as previous summers, (last summer was a doozy) let’s not fool ourselves, it’s still hot and we still have 50+ days to go! Have you ever wondered how does wildlife cope with oppressive heat? To…

I don’t remember a time in my life that I didn’t consider myself a quail hunter. As a child, I would wait for my father to return from bird hunting trips and help him take care of his bird dogs and assist in cleaning birds. Once I was old enough…

With summer arriving, it’s a good time to control mesquite in a targeted fashion. Honey mesquite can provide food and shelter for quail, but it is more often seen as a nuisance rather than a beneficial plant. Quail generally prefer a low-growing shrub over a “tree” per se.  accordingly, some…

This year, May and early June saw beneficial rains over much of Texas (sorry Trans-Pecos and Permian Basin). Immediately after one of these rainy events you may have noticed swarms of small fragile flying insects appearing seemingly out of nowhere. If so, meet the desert termite (Gnathamitermes tubiformans). Also known…

Quail populations in Texas face numerous challenges—among them parasitic infections like eyeworms (Oxyspirura petrowi) and cecal worms (Aulonocephalus pennula). These parasites not only weaken individual birds but may also impact the overall health and reproductive success of quail populations. One promising approach to mitigate these challenges is the use of…

Quail hunting isn’t merely a sport in Texas—it's a cherished tradition deeply rooted in the state's cultural fabric. Among the custodians of this heritage stands the Rolling Plains Quail Research Foundation (RPQRF), a beacon of conservation and education. Central to its mission is the preservation of Texas' quail hunting legacy,…

During the first week of May our technicians recorded the first successful nest hatching on the Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch for the 2024 season. Fingers crossed this is a good omen of things to come. In the intricate web of nature, every species plays a pivotal role, contributing to…