Minnesota hasn't had a quail season since 1958 and Michigan's last season was in '77. It's going to take a very concerted effort on the part of wildlife managers, sportsmen, landowners and the US Department of Agriculture if we're going to reverse the trend. One of the biggest roadblocks to recovery is a winter grass called fescue, which creates a thick mat that chicks are unable to penetrate in their search for bugs and seeds. Another problem across much of the South is dense pine plantings. QU is working with state and federal agencies on several fronts.
Predation is another problem.
Avian predators like hawks and owls are another problem. Despite facing more obstacles than a steeplechase runner, quail researchers like Wells aren't about to throw in the towel. In fact, recent studies indicate the quail may be more resilient than scientists once believed. If their nests are destroyed by predators, they'll re-nest three of four times. But a recent study conducted by Dr. Dale Rollins out of Texas shows that quail may bring off more than one brood a year.