Quail Management in a Forested Landscape

Bobwhite management might seem like a daunting task to some, but with proper planning, expertise, and a little elbow grease, establishing or restoring bobwhite habitat is a real possibility on almost any property. Every property is different, and it is important to have a trained wildlife professional assist with the planning and implementation of any wildlife management project. A trained professional can help evaluate the current habitat on a property and identify specific areas where certain practices will be effective in meeting goals. Some methods typically included in a habitat improvement plan are timber thinning, prescribed fire, disking, mowing, supplemental food plots, herbicide treatment, and invasive species removal.

Managing timber for bobwhite habitat can be quite different from a typical timber management regime, but bobwhite habitat and timber production can occur on the same property. Bobwhites require early successional habitats such as grasses and forbs. In a timber stand, this means maintaining the understory. The ideal basal area in a bobwhite timber stand is around 40 ft². This means thinning harder and potentially more frequently than a commercial timber rotation. Planting trees in a broader spacing is also beneficial to bobwhites since it allows the canopy to be open longer to provide a lush understory. The goal of timber management for bobwhites is to maximize the amount of time the timber stand provides suitable habitat. Utilizing the expertise of a registered forester who understands the project's goals can come in handy when it comes to managing timber for bobwhites.

Prescribed fire is probably the most helpful tool in the bobwhite manager's toolbox. Prescribed fire promotes understory growth and removes litter that can inhibit bobwhite movement. Burning timber stands for bobwhite should be conducted every 2-4 years and done in relatively small blocks so that a property is burned in a mosaic pattern. This pattern allows bobwhites and other wildlife to have nearby habitats until the vegetation in the burned area has time to respond.

Herbicide treatment is also an effective tool when prescribed fire cannot accomplish goals or when invasive species are present. If a hardwood mid-story is present, typically, herbicide treatment will be necessary. The type of herbicide and application method is highly dependent on the status of the timber stand. Consulting with a wildlife professional or forester is crucial in determining herbicide type and application method.

Managing invasive species is key to managing wildlife. Native wildlife is adapted to native vegetation, and controlling invasive vegetation can significantly improve habitat conditions. Working with a trained wildlife professional or forester will greatly aid in identifying the invasive species on a property and determining the best control methods.