Quail Appreciation Day Set For May 1

Writers: Tim W. McAlavy, (806) 746-6101, email: t-mcalavy@tamu.edu
Contact: Rebel Royall, (940) 989-3510, email: r-royall@tamu.edu
 
ASPERMONT – Persons interested in bobwhite quail and wildlife management should mark May 1 on their
calendars. That is the date for a Quail Appreciation Day at the Stonewall County Community Building and the
Snipes Ranch, sponsored by Extension offices in Stonewall, King, Kent and Dickens Counties.

“The Rolling Plains is a stronghold for Bobwhite Quail in Texas. The information presented at Quail
Appreciation Days is a valuable resource for landowners and others who want to know how to manage for and
promote quail on their property,” said Rebel Royall, Stonewall County Extension agent-agriculture. “Those who
attend can also earn three continuing education units (CEU’s).”

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. The morning educational session begins at 9 a.m.

“The morning sessions will include a pre-test and lab practical of participants’ quail knowledge, an anatomy
lesson, and a presentation on how to evaluate quail habitat,” Royall said. “We will also discuss pen-raised birds,
water and feeding, weather, and hunting season lengths and bag limits. A presentation by former Bobwhite
Brigade cadets will wrap up the morning session.

“Afternoon sessions at the Snipes Ranch will focus on habitat, predation, nesting, brush cover, radio telemetry to
track birds and wildlife management tools such as the Texas Quail Index. We will also cover a quail feeder
surveillance study under way on a nearby ranch. We will wrap up the program with a post-program test of
participants’ quail knowledge, and adjourn around 5 p.m.”

Featured speakers at this event include: Dale Rollins, Extension wildlife specialist, San Angelo; Ken Cearley,
Extension wildlife associate, San Angelo; Richard Snipes, Snipes Ranch; and Dean Ransom, Extension wildlife
specialist, Vernon.

Pre-registration before April 25 costs $10 per person. Registration thereafter costs $20 per person.
The fee includes refreshments, lunch and some materials, Royall noted.  To register, contact Royall at
(940) 989-3510 or county Extension offices/agents in King, Kent or Dickens Counties.

Similar Quail Appreciation Days are slated for May 6, Crane County; May 8, Nolan County; May 13, Bosque
County; May 19, Val Verde County; May 20, Kerr County; and May 22, Garza County. Extension
offices/agents in those counties can share information on their specific event.