Quail Fact Friday!💡 Most hunters know that quail struggle in brutally cold temperatures, but how do they deal with the heat? Most quail species forage in the cooler mornings and evenings, resting in the shade during peak heat. Gambel’s quail scratch out ground depressions to cool off and also use “gular fluttering” to regulate body temperature. Gular fluttering is contractions of the upper neck muscles that rapidly move air across membranes within the mouth and throat. It is essentially the bird version of panting in dogs. Scaled quail, adapted to slightly cooler areas, use evaporative cooling and can increase their metabolism to lower their body temperature, but struggle above 104°F. Northern bobwhites rely on plant cover for shade, especially during nesting season, to avoid thermal stress. Effective land management with adequate plant cover is crucial for their survival. Whether it be cold or heat, quail are true survivors! #quailforever #quail #quailfactfriday

A hot Arizona summer day is the perfect time for a trip to the local guzzler. 🎥: @jasontrailcammiller

On The Wing Podcast Ep. 272: Bird Dog Training and Falling in Love with Susanna & Ronnie Smith, is live. Listen now at the link below, or wherever you get your podcasts. https://quailforever.org/BlogLanding/Blogs/Quail-Forever/Podcast-Ep-272-Bird-Dog-Training-and-a-Love-Story-with-Susanna-Ronnie-Smith.aspx Host Bob St.Pierre is joined by the husband-and-wife dog training duo Susanna and Ronnie Smith. Ronnie comes from a long line of famous bird dog trainers that includes his father, Ronnie Sr., his uncle Delmar, and his cousin Rick. The couple talk about falling in love when Susanna brought her young German shorthaired pointer pup to Ronnie for training. This is their touching love story filled with bird dog conversation and priceless bird dog training tips. Episode Highlights: - Susanna shares her story of growing up as a ranching kid in Texas, moving to Washington, D.C. to work for the House Committee on Agriculture, then coming back home to her roots to work livestock, horses, and dogs. - Ronnie shares a few fun stories about guiding President George H. Bush, President George W. Bush, NFL Hall of Famer Lynn Swann, and astronaut Eugene Cernan on Texas quail hunts. - The couple also share how the COVID pandemic changed the way they approached training a bird dog.

Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever (QF) are proud to introduce a new dual chapter in Muscatine County, Iowa. The group will work together to generate more wildlife habitat and provide opportunities for youth and women-led upland bird hunting activities. The new group is ready to drive habitat conservation initiatives across the region. Volunteers plan to partner with landowners and agencies such as the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to expand and improve upland bird habitat. The chapter members are interested in spearheading women's events, youth events, pint nights and more, to encourage whole families to get involved. Learn more about this exciting new chapter and how to get involved at the link below. https://pheasantsforever.org/BlogLanding/Blogs/Pheasants-Forever/Volunteers-Launch-New-Pheasants-Forever-and-Quail-Forever-Chapter-in-SE-Iowa.aspx

Quail Fact Friday!💡 Large areas of the bobwhite range had a rainy 4th of July. Did you know that rain can be both a blessing and a curse for bobwhite quail? Here’s how it affects our all-American upland bird: The Good: Vegetation Growth: Moderate rainfall boosts plant growth, providing crucial cover and food for quail. Insect Boom: Rain increases insect populations, offering plenty of protein-packed snacks for growing chicks. The Bad: Heavy rains can flood nests and cool eggs, leading to nest failure or abandonment. Excessive moisture can cause hypothermia in young chicks, especially during their first vulnerable weeks. However, effective habitat management can help mitigate these challenges, ensuring our bobwhites thrive even when the weather gets tough. #quailforever #quail #bobwhitequail #quailfactfriday

Happy Independence Day from everyone here at the Habitat Organization, but one quick reminder: LEAVE THE PUPS AT HOME DURING THE FIREWORKS. In the midst of the fun associated with the holiday weekend, it’s too easy to make a big mistake that will hurt your pup’s development into a bird dog. So whether you’re a new puppy owner or a long-time bird dog parent, a 4th of July refresher can help prevent a gunshy problem in your pup. A fun family evening watching fireworks can seriously frighten a puppy (and even adult dogs) and create a fear of loud noises, and consequently gunshyness. While some puppies have come out unscathed from a surprise exposure to fireworks, many bird dog owners may end up seeking the services of a professional dog trainer hoping to find a cure for a gunshy puppy. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.