Oklahoma Biologists, Hunters Banking On Second Quail Hatch

August roadside surveys conducted by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation show a statewide decrease of 55 percent over the 2005 survey. However, wildlife officials think a significant number of late nesting attempts could bring bird numbers back up to par by the time October counts are conducted.

"Results of the August survey generally don't include quail produced from late nesting attempts, which typically peak in late August. But we know from field reports that there are lots of young birds out there," said Doug Schoeling, upland bird biologist for the Wildlife Department. "The October counts should give us a better picture on this fall's quail population."