A JOURNEY THROUGH QUAIL COUNTRY OF THE DEEP SOUTH

A short exposé on my introduction to the heritage of southeastern quail

With an open mind, I journeyed through America’s remaining plantations – towering pines, manicured grasses, and genteel manners were prevalent at each stop.

These plantations are filled with history and prestige, but their modern uses are akin to exclusive golf courses rather than vestiges of the country’s past.

From the Black Belt of Alabama to the Dog Men of Georgia and onto the bear range of Florida, my experience was filled with enlightenment.

This part of the county is steeped in refined traditions that have gone unchanged for generations – bird dogs, quail, and the plantations of the deep South.

A DIFFERENCE IN QUAIL

 

While the Northern Bobwhite exists throughout Great Plains and the Deep South, there is a stark difference in the pursuit between regions.

Amid the prairies, quail populations are independent species that seem to permeate in great numbers when water is readily present.

In contrast, quail populations throughout the plantations of the Deep South are wholly dependent on prescribed fire, supplemental feeding, and predator balance – overhead on a plantation “the quail don’t raise themselves”.

The Southern devotion to quail and their habit produces some fantastic hunting opportunities, a benchmark for my trip was seven (7) coveys per hour. 

This high incidence of quail coveys makes each hunting experience more leisurely and tranquil – allowing an individual to become immersed in the majesty of this environment. 

A DIFFERENCE IN DOG WORK

The high-quality quail habitat also produces some of the country’s best bird dogs. 

Throughout my trip, English Pointers and English Setters were prominently featured on each plantation – they also reign supreme on the all-age field trial circuit. 

The style of dog work in the South is very different from my prairie style. 

While a big range and visual cues are essential on the prairie, the Southern style contains more vocalization and control – the choir in the pines. 

This call-and-response method keeps the dogs close to the buggies and hunters. A relaxed pace to each hunt rather than an expansive search.

A SHARED PASSION

 

           

The quail hunter of the South takes many forms, but a string of pointers, break-action shotguns, and tailored clothes seems to be standard. 

However, their passion for quail and conservation mirrors that of most hunters.  

As such, the southern quail hunters aspire to continue their hunting heritage as much as any prairie hunter. 

While our style differs, I believe it is imperative that we try to better understand the Southern Quail experience. 

My reverence for the quail country of the deep South is derived from the hospitality I was shown throughout the region – fine people displaying the highlights of their culture, simply magnificent.