|
|
Post by dadfsr on Jan 23, 2008 20:23:54 GMT -5
I went back a couple of pages on this forum and didn't see anything that looked like it pertained to this. I am interested in reintroducing quail and maybe pheasant on some of our family property. There used to be several covey of quail around here up until the early 70's so I know that the land can support them. About the only difference is that there was a whole bunch of multi flora rose in the old cow pasture then and now I'm trying to run some sunflowers and native grasses on it. Anyone here ever try to start them up again? How did you do it? What kind of success did you have? Would sure help if I could learn from others what doesn't work. Thanks all!
|
|
|
|
Post by jackc99 on Jan 23, 2008 22:20:37 GMT -5
Habitat, habitat, and more habitat. That and controlling predators as best you can will make things go easier. Get in touch with your local Pheasants Forever, Quail Forever or Quail Unlimited Chapter and get with their habitat guys for advice in your area.
Jack
|
|
|
|
Post by dadfsr on Jan 24, 2008 8:37:06 GMT -5
Thanks Jack! I think I have plenty of edge cover along with the sunflowers and forbs so it's just a matter of geting the birds back there. Have seen that if the habitat is there they will be there but if there aren't any birds for several miles then I think the only hope of getting them there in the near future is to put some there. I understand that pen raised birds just don't have much of a chance in the wild for very long. Was wondering about raising some in the area with a catch pen so that they could acclimate to the area/predators? I'm also trying to get the district Soil/Water guy out here this spring because of a pond that I'm wanting to put in so maybe he can start me in the right direction too.
|
|
|
|
Post by gunnah on Jan 24, 2008 8:46:08 GMT -5
We had the same situation. Good habitat, excellent cover, edges, some predators but not excessive.
We used a johnny house, slow release method which in a nutshell is purchasing thirty 8-9 week old birds in late Aug-Sept and placing them in a johnny house release pen. These birds are banded and used to train pointing dog through the winter. The dogs teach the birds what predators are. Expect some hawk damage. The birds seem to learn.
The birds become wilder and more acclimated to the area each time they are released.
In April when the birds are showing signs of pairing off they're released to fend for themselves.
We now have a couple of coveys that are wearing bands from our previous years releases.
It will work but does take time and effort.
Contact me if you wish. I know someone that works at Purdue in Lafayette that would assist you.
|
|
|
|
Post by jackc99 on Jan 24, 2008 9:24:16 GMT -5
Good advice from Gunnah. I would also add that there is the option of contacting your local biologist with the DNR. They are listed in the back of the Hunting Guide. They may not be real excited about restocking pen birds but again you won't know if you don't call.
Jack
P.S. Like Gunnah I've used call back pens to release quail and they do survive quite well if given a chance. It takes time and just throwing them out there is like burning money.
|
|
|
|
Post by dadfsr on Jan 24, 2008 11:40:21 GMT -5
Gunnah-I forgot to tell you in my PM that I work at PU too so I may already know the person but just haven't thought of them yet...
|
|
|
|
Post by ActionPoint on Jan 24, 2008 12:28:01 GMT -5
Good stuff from Jack and Gunnah. If you have suitable habitat and harden the birds properly then there isn't any reason why you shouldn't have a good survival rate.
|
|
|
|
Post by dadfsr on Jan 24, 2008 12:56:51 GMT -5
I know one thing I'll have to do....."here kitty, kitty, kitty" for some dirt naps. Got way too many feral wannabe's around my place. Just glad my daughter isn't on here.....
|
|
|
|
Post by chicobrownbear on Jan 25, 2008 9:26:39 GMT -5
I know one thing I'll have to do....."here kitty, kitty, kitty" for some dirt naps. Got way too many feral wannabe's around my place. Just glad my daughter isn't on here..... I wish I had a camera when I worked at Summit Lake SP. There were a few feral cats there, one in particular I saw nearly EVERY day with a quail or songbird in its mouth. It hunted in the unit on the right just as you pass the office there. I remember all the hate mail Sports Afield got for running an article on the toll cats take on songbirds/gamebirds. Don't forget about skunks, coons, and possums too. They like to raid nests. |
|
|
|
Post by chicobrownbear on Jan 25, 2008 9:30:21 GMT -5
Oh yeah, when you plant sunflowers, just buy the bird seed type. They are cheap and will germinate and grow just fine.
|
|
|
|
Post by birddog on Jan 25, 2008 14:18:44 GMT -5
SHOOT THE DANG CATS AS I DO!!!!!!!!! Plus anything else that might affect the quail population.......
|
|
