Quail Hunters Form Newest Georgia Quail Forever Chapter
Quail Forever 02.25.14
Stateboro group will use funds to increase area habitat for upland wildlife
Quail hunters have formed the newest Quail Forever (QF) chapter in Georgia, known as the Statesboro On Point Quail Forever chapter. The chapter, located 55 miles northwest of Savannah, will primarily focus on improving habitat for quail and assisting with various upland conservation projects.
The chapter elected Mark Anderson to the role of president. Like many hunters, Anderson found a love of hunting at an early age. He grew up hunting a variety of different animals with his father on his grandparents’ farm. Continuing his passion for upland bird hunting, Anderson now hunts behind a pack of upland dogs, including multiple French Brittanys, an English pointer, and an English cocker spaniel.
Anderson, who is well-versed in quail conservation, received information in the mail regarding Quail Forever’s unique model which allows local chapters control over 100% of their locally raised funds. Over the years, he has seen the ups and downs of quail hunting, and with further investigation, realized there wasn’t a Quail Forever chapter in his area, so he decided to make a local impact by starting a chapter.
“The volunteers of the On Point chapter understand the importance of quail conservation and are dedicated to Quail Forever’s commitment to improve habitat on public land in Georgia,” said Talbott Parten, Quail Forever’s regional representative for Georgia and Florida.
“This chapter is in the ‘getting started’ stage, so we are looking to establish board members. Additionally, we want to connect with various people throughout the Stateboro area to find out what we can do to help quail conservation,” said Anderson.
For more information on the Statesboro On Point Quail Forever chapter or how to volunteer, contact Mark Anderson at (912) 536-7726 or email Mark. For all other inquiries, please contact Talbott Parten at (229) 289-8199 or email Talbott.
Pheasants Forever launched Quail Forever in August of 2005 to address the continuing loss of habitat suitable for quail and the subsequent quail population decline. Bobwhite population losses over the last 25 years range from 60 to 90 percent across the country. The reason for the quail population plunge is simple - massive losses of habitat suitable for quail. There are five major factors leading to the losses of quail habitat; intensified farming and forestry practices, succession of grassland ecosystems to forests, overwhelming presence of exotic grasses like fescue that choke out wildlife, and urban sprawl.
