Let's Bring Back The Bobwhite
Minnesota
"Quail Forever is dedicated to the conservation of quail, pheasants and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public awareness, education and land management policies and programs."
One might assume that the organization’s membership is mostly hunters; however, our base is very diverse and includes non-hunters, farmers, ranchers, landowners, conservation enthusiasts and bird watchers.
Those that get to know our organization quickly learn that a bond exists between us and we are all deeply committed to improving habitat so that many species can make a comeback in our state and be enjoyed by all for generations to come.
Let’s Bring Back the Bobwhite
Quail Forever is a unique non-profit organization dedicated to education, habitat projects and conservation initiatives designed to increase populations of bobwhite quail within their traditional ranges. The organization is unique in their model in that money raised locally is kept and used locally to fund projects where that money was raised. Quail Forever, a sister organization to Pheasants Forever, was founded right here in Minnesota in 2005.
Our Member Base
Quail in Minnesota
In the 1800s and through the turn of the century, bobwhite quail lived throughout much of the southern half of Minnesota. Older residents remember seeing them often as far north as Wadena county. Now, they are primarily seen and heard in the very southeast corner of the state – mainly in Houston County – and the population is believed to be less than 1,000 - 1,500 birds. The reason for the dramatic decline is the same reason it is for many species, including the ring-necked pheasant. Increasing urban sprawl, loss of rural lands and changing farming practices have eliminated much of the habitat characteristics required by these charming gifts from nature.
Increased efforts by conservation organizations like Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever have helped, but we have a long way to go. Our team, and the biologists that support our organization, believe that the greatest impact can be made by education – education for landowners, farmers and anyone living near to open prairie land near to woodland edges and small forests. It doesn’t take a 200 acre farm dedicated to conservation to make a difference. Truly, many small projects in a close community can have a bigger impact than many understand.
That said, we welcome you to our Web site and encourage you to visit often. We promise to make regular improvements and always have material available to help you. We encourage you to also consider a membership in Minnesota Quail Forever. We’re a passionate group of committed and caring people that will go to great lengths to help out whoever wants to learn. We’re a lot of fun and always have events scheduled where you can take part, meet some great folks and learn some ways you can begin your own small habitat project.