It's amazing to think that any survive. They are ground nesting birds and are near the bottom of the food chain, especially eggs and chicks. Hogs, bobcats, coyotes, opossums, raccoons, foxes, snakes, fire ants, hawks and other raptors, wild dogs/cats, black painters, el chupacabras, maybe the occasional hunter and especially caulds eat quail or quail eggs. Good news is that the pine plantation boom of the 80's - 90's are on the second or third thinnings or are being converted and creating some more traditional habitat. Burning is becoming more commonplace on private property and the replanted long leaf habitat creates ideal cover, brooding and food resources for quail. It will never be where it was, but there may be some areas that see a decent recovery under the right conditions.
Very accurate statement.
I found quail on 5 different WMAs in the state last year. Some of them are not easy walking, but pen raised birds have made us hunters soft.
If people want to help in AL call the National Forest Service and let them know we need smaller burn blocks. The habitat in the NF system is so close, but the burn sizes impedes progress. It applies to Turkeys as well, but not as harmful to them. Additionally, call the Alabama Department of Conservation and express your interest in Quail management on public lands. "The squeaky wheel gets the grease".
There are 9 Quail Forever chapters scattered across the state right now. Please consider getting involved.
