Part One
While hunting quail is not overly difficult, there are some tips you can follow to increase your chances of having a successful hunt. One of the most important things you can do is familiarize yourself with the area before you go hunting. If you know the lay of the land, you will be able to track and follow quail more easily. Another important tip is to keep your eye out for fresh quail tracks. If the tracks look several days or even hours old, any of the quail in the immediate vicinity are probably already gone.
Keep in mind; quail listen for sounds of danger, so if you are making a lot of noise you will risk scaring them away. Once quail detect you, they may quickly escape, causing you to travel long distances in order to find them again. Finally, to keep your hunting trip safe, never fire on a low flying quail. This could cause you to lower your gun and possibly hit another person or a hunting dog.
If you remember these tips during your next hunt, you are bound to have a safe and successful trip!
Part Two
What do you know about quail eggs? New research shows that quail eggs are a lot like fingerprints, meaning each egg has an identifying characteristic. No two eggs are the same. They could be all around you and you would not even know it!
In the article “Quail moms are shown to customize their egg camouflage” Becky Oskin of Our Amazing Planet writes, “In a laboratory experiment, quail camouflaged their eggs according to personal pattern, picking lighter sand for less-speckled eggs and darker sand for eggs with more brown splotches.” In other words, the quail mom camouflages each egg to survive any situation and environment. Quail moms are thinkers, implementing strategy, much like the army in wartime.
Why the camouflage though? Well – quail are at the bottom of the food chain. Every predator is out to get them, especially their eggs. Camouflage therefore is necessary for the survival of the species. Quail moms change their camouflage strategy depending on the egg. For eggs that are creamy in color, quail moms hide them on white or yellow surfaces. This kind of strategy is background matching.
What about the darker and splotchy eggs? Quail moms hide those eggs in spots that break up the actual outline of the egg. This is disruptive coloration. No matter the egg’s colors, the quail mom will find safe places for them. Quail moms certainly have brains and heart.
Next time you are on a quail hunt, pay attention to the land and its colors. There are sure to be quail eggs in hiding. If you are in Tennessee area, Meadow Brook Game Farm will show you the hiding spots!
For Oskin’s article, look here.
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