Professional quail raisers maintain the birds so that they remain wild and quick to fly. A released bobwhite will join an existing covey within one or two days. They participate in the nesting and breeding cycle. This includes guides, dogs and transportation around the hunting area. The transportation may be a horse drawn wagon, on horseback, or specially equipped off-road vehicles.
Guides understand the importance of tradition when conducting quail hunts.
Most guarantee a 10 or 12 bobwhite quail minimum. Before the hunt, the guide will have located several coveys of quail. Although the coveys may move about 10 acres, the guide will have a good idea of where to release the bird dogs. Once the dogs have located the covey, the guide will position the hunters so that they have opportunities for good shots. In most cases, he will allow the hunters to walk in and actually flush the covey.