Quail population highest in 27 years

Iowa DNR

Iowa’s quail population is its highest since 1989 after experiencing increases again across south central and southwest Iowa this year.

“This is the best opportunity we’ve had to hunt quail in 27 years,” Todd Bogenschutz, upland wildlife biologist for the Iowa DNR, said.  “For anyone who has ever had an interest in quail or who hasn’t hunted quail recently, this is the year to go.”

In 1989, 80,000 hunters harvested 400,000 quail. In 2015, 10,000 hunters shot 28,000 quail.

Quail population information is also included in the August roadside survey for hunters wanting to give quail hunting a try. Quail season begins Oct. 29.

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