Proceedings, Second National Bobwhite Quail Symposium

Abstract

The original objectives of the organizers of this symposium were "to provide management biologists, research biologists, administrators, sportsmen's organizations , and interested lay people an opportunity to interchange information related to management of the bobwhite quail; to bring together available information concerning status, research programs, managememnt activities , and land use trends affecting bobwhites; to present a forum for discussion of interstate and inter-agency planning for management of bobwhites; and to focus a ttention on bobwhite quail through release of information to the general public in symposium proceedings, news releases, and feature articles." We did not reach as many lay people as we would have liked; however, plans are already underway for a National Quail Symposium, which will more actively involve laymen. Papers in this volume address a number of issues including rapid deterioration of bobwhite quail habitat, effects of disease, effects of environmental toxicants , harvest patterns, effects of land management practices , and other quail management techniques. There are those who believe that no more bobwhite quail research is needed because we already know all we need to know about bobwhite quail management. However, as some of the symposium papers point out, our information is not current. Studies conducted 20 or 30 years ago apply only to conditions of 20 or 30 years ago. Both environmental and social conditions are changing rapidly in the United States; our research techniques, data base, and management techniques must keep up with current conditions.