Five-Year Project Begins To Restore Northern Bobwhite Quail To W.Va.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The  West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has begun a five-year project to restore northern bobwhite quail to the state.
The bird is a native species and once was found across West Virginia. But the winters of 1977, 1978, and 1979 devastated the bobwhite quail in West Virginia.
“There’s no question we’ve lost favorable habitat to quail over the last several decades, however, there is still a significant amount of habitat for quail to flourish by starting this reintroduction program,” Gov. Jim Justice said. “Over the next few years, we’re going to work so that our folks can once again hear that familiar bobwhite whistle.”
The DNR is working on a restoration project at the Tomblin Wildlife Management Area in Logan County enhancing habitat that will sustain bobwhite quail.
Much of that work has been completed, and the DNR is working closely with the Texas Parks and Wildlife agency on the project. 
Recently, 48 birds were captured in Texas and released at the Tomblin Wildlife Management Area. Transmitters have been placed on some of the quail to monitor survival and habitat use. 
“The DNR is charged with maintaining and protecting West Virginia’s Wildlife, committing staff and resources to help restore a species that has been in dramatic decline for over 40 years fits right into our mission,” said DNR Director Stephen McDaniel. 
“We are already providing habitat management resources in the area for our Elk restoration efforts that will benefit these birds as well,” he said. “In the future wouldn’t it be great if you were able to see both elk and quail on a visit to southern West Virginia?”
Estimates say it will take several years to see if quail  project is successful, although the goal is a self-sustaining population. 
In the meantime, the information the DNR gathers from the project may allow staff to help private landowners and small farmers to manage bobwhite on their own properties.