August roadside quail survey summary

              2011 August Roadside Quail Survey Summary
Doug Schoeling, Upland Game Biologist
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation has conducted annual roadside
surveys in August and October since 1990 to index quail populations across Oklahoma.
The survey provides an index of annual population fluctuations. Observers report the
number of quail seen to provide an index of quail abundance (number seen/20 mile route)
and reproductive success. Currently, Department employees run 83 20-mile routes in all
counties except Oklahoma and Tulsa. Larger counties like Beaver, Ellis, Le Flore,
McCurtain, Osage, Pittsburg, Pushmataha, and Roger Mills, have two routes.
The 2011 August roadside quail survey has been concluded, and the statewide quail index
is down 77 percent from the previous 21-year average, which is an all time low (Table 1).
The statewide index is down 25% from the 2010 August survey, and the number of quail
observed in all regions was down from the 2010 survey except for the southeast region
which remained the same. Quail numbers in the northwest and southwest regions showed
the least decline compared to 2010 numbers, with the north central, northeast and south
central regions showing the greatest decline (Figure 1). The number of broods observed
during the August survey decreased from 15 in 2010 to 14 in 2011. Of the broods
observed during the August survey, 64% were either full or ¾ grown compared to 92%
during last year’s survey.
Weather is a critical factor in determining the productivity of quail and other ground
nesting birds. The severe drought conditions over the past year have undoubtedly had a
negative effect on quail production. Record drought conditions set the stage early on for a
negative impact on quail production by limiting nesting habitat quantity and quality and
the availability of seeds and insects essential for both adult and chick survival. The
extremely hot and dry conditions the state has experienced over the course of the quail
nesting season are also known to negatively affect quail production by shortening the
reproductive period, inhibiting nest initiation and egg laying, causing embryo mortality
and reducing survival of chicks and adults. Scattered showers in portions of the state
improved some localized nesting conditions. However, the record number of days over
100 degrees, record high temperatures, and extreme drought conditions over most of the
state, has undoubtedly had a serious negative impact on overall quail nesting success and
production. The results of the August survey generally don’t reflect the majority of quail
produced from late nesting attempts and the success of late nesting attempts can be
important in determining the size of the fall quail population. The October roadside quail
survey should provide additional information and some clarity about the quail population
and season outlook for this Fall.
The Quail Season Outlook is posted on www.wildlifedepartment.com during the last
week of October.
Table 1. Quail seen/20 mile route during the August 2011 roadside surveys.
Region
Previous 21-yr.
Average
2010
2011
Statewide 6.6 2.0 1.5
Northwest 8.8 2.3 1.5
North Central 3.9 1.0 0.1
Northeast 4.0 0.9 0.1
Southwest 15.3 7.5 7.3
South Central 2.8 0.3 0
Southeast 5.7 0.8 0.8
Figure 1