Trends in Georgia’s Bobwhite Quail Population
& Bobwhite Hunters: 1966-2012
The USGS Breeding Bird Survey Data shows bobwhite populations in Georgia have declined by
more than 85% since the survey began in 1966. Similarly, Georgia Department of Natural
Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) surveys show bobwhite hunter numbers and
estimated harvest has declined dramatically during this time. In 1966 an estimated 135,000
bobwhite hunters harvested over 4 million quail. During the 2012 – 2013 season an estimated
16,226 hunters harvested 430,691 quail, of which 80% were pen-reared and 20% were wild (note:
2012-2013 estimates derived by different survey techniques than 1966).
Annual revenue
loss estimated at
$45 million!
In general, bobwhite populations are very low across the Ridge and Valley, Blue Ridge
Mountains, Piedmont and Lower Coastal Plain physiographic provinces with populations in the
Upper Coastal Plain varying from moderate to low with localized high density populations on
properties being managed intensively for bobwhite. The bobwhite decline has primarily resulted
from large-scale landuse changes that include: increased urbanization; more intensive agriculture
and forestry; increased abundance of closed canopy woodlands; reduction in use of prescribed fire;
increased abundance and distribution of introduced pasture grasses and hayfields; and increased
habitat fragmentation.
The Good News, WRD is working with other state, federal and private conservation
partners, and private landowners through the Bobwhite Quail Initiative and the National Bobwhite
Conservation Initiative to restore habitat for bobwhites and other early successional species that are
in similar decline.