Just announced today. I’ve had several successful rounds in the EQIP Program and think I’m going to look into this,

https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-..._medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Just found the link and the county map. We have up to seven coveys on our place and I have been burning mature, thinned pine stands every other year. I definitely plan to talk to the NRCS. As with all federally funded programs through the USDA or NRCS, if you are anything other than a white male, you are eligible for up to 2 times the payment rate.

Going to check in on this as well

Last summer I didn’t hear a single bob white. Used to be so many I could call them up on my front porch.

Back in mid 90's, it was the same around me...then, like the grass on wheeler in decatur, gone. Seemingly overnight.

I could only see habitat improvement being a cost sharable practice. If you don't have wild birds though, i can't see habitat improvement helping. I think it's been proven that releasing pen raised birds don't help population? It's been so long since i've heard a bob...would love to hear a wild one now!

Being told by my guy at local NRCS that we are not in the "Initiative Area" at this time, but that it may expand.

Overland, did you find a map of the quail program by county availability? If so, would you mind sharing?

https://www.landscapepartnership.or...utheast/alabama-priority-area-shapefiles

Overland, is this the map you are referring to?

We bought some property two years ago, just to assure our grandkids would have a place to hunt (if they want). On the first trip to the property after closing, I eased up to a food plot and busted up a nice covey. It is a goal to have a huntable population while I can still get around to hunt. Another thing is whatever helps quail usually helps turkeys.

Turkey - That is the map. I saw one on the Alabama NRCS site, but this is the exact one.

Ah. I saw that one too but think it is an old map. It's dated 2022 and the new pilot was just released. Who knows...

From the Alabama NRCS site. Contains no date other than in the address, which is 10-2023.

https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2023-10/Bobwhite_Map.pdf

looks like a lot of red tape to go through.

Looks like one area got favored over the rest of the state. Could it be because that is where the big time plantations are?

Not sure the methodology used to select those counties but about half fall outside the plantation belt. I signed up for the program even though I don't know all of the details. I can always decline if selected to participate.

what do you actualy get out of this program if you are selected, just had 40 acres clear cut and we quail hunt.

More than likely if you apply and get funded, you'll get cost shares on establishment and maintenance of habitat.

What I understand……You quality, then plant what they say with your money. Labor fuel seed fertilizer. They check out what has been done and reimburse you a % 50-75-90. Veterans and veteran farmers can get up to 90%. I’m looking into it. Jackson co is not on the list but they have programs. I will need to introduce quail back to the land somehow.

We had quail on our place mid 80’s early 90’s. We cleaned fence rows no seed crops we went cows and pasture. Cows cleaned up a lot. We now have no cows and all hay ground. I’m wanting to plant for quail/wild life/turkeys. If it needs to not be cut I’m good with it. We’ll see what happens.

It’s really not. I help folks get it done all the time. There’s applications, contracts to sign and you have to follow their guidelines on all enhancements, but it’s not bad.