Page 43 of Basic Hunting by Kentucky's Western Waterland

agers estimate the number of birds for the following season after the birds mate frequency of spring rains becomes important when the nest is flooded hens will normally attempt to nest again if their first attempt fails however once hatched the chicks are reasonably small creatures and a cold rain can chill them to the point where they do not survive like several other animals quail are known as an edge species they prefer reasonably dense cover within walking distance of food during hunting season the primary food for quail will be weed seed and waste grain in the field if the landowner has planted food plots quail may have all food and cover requirements in one convenient area early in the season birds may still be including insects from the grasses but after the first hard freeze insects will be eliminated with this in mind the best areas to find a covey of birds will probably be within 25 yards of the edge between cultivated grain fields or food plots and weedy or grassy field normally quail get all the water they need from morning dew or small watering holes in extremely dry weather hunters could focus on those food plots that have continuous water such as a small creek or pond as quail are vulnerable to predators when they are in clean miss get him with second shot basic hunting 37

[close]