On The Wing Podcast EP. 211: Prescribed Fire for Bobwhite Quail, is live! 🔗 Link below to listen now! Bobwhite quail have long been known as a “fire bird,” because of their positive population response to habitat improved through fire management. In this episode, host Bob St.Pierre is joined by three PF & QF employees for a conversation covering the science and art of using prescribed fire as a wildlife habitat management tool for bobwhite quail. The trio includes Missouri State Coordinator Andrew White, Missouri Prescribed Fire Coordinating Wildlife Biologist Wes Buchheit, and Missouri Habitat Specialist Crew Leader Dylan Jacobs. Episode Highlights: - White describes the importance of early successional habitat for bobwhite quail and explains how fire is utilized to maintain the integrity of grasslands as an ecosystem. - In a fascinating sequence, Jacobs equates prescribed fire to an artform, his drip torch to a paint brush, and a natural landscape to a canvas. Buchheit explains how QF’s efforts to embrace fire through government policy, partnerships, and public education are turning the tide for the state’s quail populations. - Each participant also puts in words of support for their favorite bird dog breed during this month’s Bird Dogs for Habitat campaign. They also debate whether or not the Simpson’s dog, “Santa’s Little Helper,” is a vizsla.

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever today announced the acquisition of the Howard K. Vincent Waterfowl Production Area (WPA), a new access property acknowledging the lifetime career accomplishments of the organization’s former president and CEO. The sprawling Build a Wildlife Area® project is a multi-state effort contributing to diverse wildlife habitat and public access opportunities in a regional destination for upland bird hunters. 🔗 Read more at the link below. https://quailforever.org/BlogLanding/Blogs/Quail-Forever/Pheasants-Forever-and-Quail-Forever-Unveil-Howard-K-Vincent-Waterfowl-Production-Area.aspx? The Howard K. Vincent WPA is being made possible by contributions from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Wildlife Habitat Society of McLeod County, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Spirit Lake Protective Association, the Dickinson County Water Quality Commission (IA), OnX Hunt, Jackson County Chapter of Pheasants Forever, and others. All contributions support the Build A Wildlife Area® program which is seeking to raise funds to complete this project and pursue a second phase addition to build upon this habitat complex.

Labradors are the true kings of bird dog versatility. “Some upland hunters love to throw shade at Labs. Believe me, I get it.....But, Any decent Lab would run head-first through a brick wall if there was a dead pheasant on the other side, and I like that. Their athletic tenacity is second to none (I’m speaking exclusively about non-potato-shaped Labs here), and their eagerness to please cannot be matched among sporting breeds.” Whether you are a lab lover, lab hater, or just someone who loves a little pot stirring, you’re going to love this article by PF & QF PR Specialist Casey Sill. Go give it a read at the 🔗 link below. A huge thanks to our Bird Dogs for Habitat sponsors Purina Pro Plan, SportDOG Brand, Ruff Land Kennels, Orvis, NAVHDA International

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced today that agricultural producers and private landowners can begin signing up for the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) starting today and running through May 26, 2023. Among CRP enrollment opportunities, Grassland CRP is a unique working lands program, allowing producers and landowners to continue grazing and haying practices while conserving grasslands and promoting plant and animal biodiversity as well as healthier soil. Find your local PF Farm Bill Biologist at quailforever.org/crp to learn more about the benefits of Grassland CRP and enroll today!

‼️Giveaway Alert‼️ Win a Ruff Land Dog Kennel! Each week during this year's Bird Dogs for Habitat competition our generous sponsors will be giving away fantastic prizes to those who vote. During week three, everyone who votes for their favorite bird dog breed is entered to win a Ruff Land Kennels dog kennel! To enter, go vote now through Sunday for the bird dog breed you think should be crowned champion! Winner will be announced Monday 4/24. 🔗Link Below! https://quailforever.org/Habitat/Bird-Dogs-for-Habitat.aspx Be sure to check back each week throughout the month of April for more chances to win! . . . and help us raise money for public lands through our Build a Wildlife Area program, which is where all proceeds from Bird Dogs for Habitat will go!

Our spring member drive is here, and we've got a gift for you! We've partnered with Scheels Outdoors, and as part of our Spring Member Drive, you’ll receive a $25 SCHEELS Gift Card by joining, renewing, or extending your membership. 🔗 Link below! Join or renew with Quail Forever as an Affiliate or Covey Club Member and have confidence your contributions are making a difference on the ground for wildlife and our upland hunting heritage. https://www.quailforever.org/spring

Spring temperatures are in the air (at northern latitudes maybe for the first time) after a winter of heavy snows that left behind a white desert across the northern Great Plains and upper Midwest. This past winter serves as a good reminder to upland enthusiasts about the importance of a secure and robust food source. Similarly, the songs of gobbling turkeys, crowing roosters and whistling quail should remind us about the need for quality nesting and brood rearing cover. If you have plans to improve your upland habitat with food plots, nesting cover, brood-rearing cover or pollinator habitat, learn more about why now is the time to order seed, and where to get it at the 🔗 Link Below!