Beef, Brush, and Bobwhites: Quail Management in Cattle Country

Epilogue

epilogue THE EPILOGUE IN the first edition of Beef, Brush, and Bobwhites closed the narrative on an optimistic note. The ongoing efforts of landowners, hunters, and researchers foretold great gains in our understanding and management of bobwhites. At that time it was plausible to anticipate “higher lows” and “higher highs” as bobwhite populations fluctuated in response to rainfall patterns and amounts. The optimism was warranted, at least to a degree. Research in the past quarter century has shown that some notionsaboutbobwhiteindividualsand populations are best considered fable or myth. By the same token, we have made great strides in learning how to maximize bobwhite abundance at minimal costs. This is largely a matter of applying only those practices that increase bobwhite density based on applied research in the very living rooms of these birds. Work remains to be done. For example, we still lack a good, crisp explanation of the cause of boom-and-bust fluctuations. We are aware of some management palliatives at this time, that is, practices that address the symptoms. However, we really cannot hope to effectively manage against busts until we precisely understand the underlying cause-effect process. Also, new issues and concerns will inevitably arise in the future. Just as some matters, such as aflatoxin poisoning and helicopter counts, were imponderable 25 years ago, so are unknown issues imponderable today. What about climate change? How will bobwhites respond to a warmer world, if that comes to pass, and how will managers deal with the problems that ensue? Will loss of space to live in continue to be a concern in the hinterlands of tomorrow? Undoubtedly, the perils bobwhites face will continue to grow. Ongoing efforts by landowners, hunters, and researchers will thus be more essential for bobwhite conservation in the next quarter century than they were in the last. And in today already walks tomorrow. —SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE (1772–1834) Figure Epilogue 1. New perils and challenges inevitably will unfold for the northern bobwhite in the future. Consequently, conservation and management efforts will be more essential in the next quarter century than they were in the last. (Photograph by Larry Ditto) ...