Answer the Call

What is Answer the Call?

Answer the Call is an exciting partnership program emphasizing quail management throughout the United States. The Answer the Call partnership includes:

• Forest Service,
• Bureau of Land Management (BLM),
• and National Fish & Wildlife Foundation,
• along with state wildlife agencies and other conservation groups.

Focus is on increasing supplies of food, cover and water resulting in healthy quail and associated wildlife populations, increased recreational opportunities and increased cooperation. You can Answer the Call by getting involved with your local Forest Service or BLM office, or State Game and Fish Agencies. Find them through the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.

What benefits will we see from Answer the Call?

Quail are an important part of the National Forest animal communities. Hunters and onlookers enjoy 1.7 million "user" days worth over $32 million in pursuit of quail on National Forests. Improving habitat through Answer the Call means more quail, more hunting and viewing possibilities, and healthier plant and animal communities.

Why do we need to Answer the Call?

Six species of quail are found on 15 million acres of habitat on National Forests and Grasslands. Though quail are found in 44 states, many quail populations are declining because of habitat loss. Areas that once had many quail now have few. Food, water and cover are key components of quail habitat. When these are lost, quail populations decline, and the hunter or quail enthusiast loses the chance to take part in the thrill of the covey flush or early morning covey call. The six species on National Forests and Grasslands are

• Northern Bobwhite
• Montezuma
• Mountain
• California
• Gambel's
• Scaled

Why is the Forest Service interested in Answer the Call?

With 15 million acres of quail habitat on National Forests and Grasslands, the Forest Service is a major manager of quail habitat in the United States. Our quail management combines with our other agency management responsibilities, including recreation, timber, water, and forage.

How does Answer the Call work?

Started in 1988, Answer the Call started as a partnership program between Quail Unlimited, the Forest Service, BLM, NFWF and other organizations benefiting quail habitat on National Forests. Quail Unlimited closed their doors in 2013. Over 100,000 acres of habitat were improved over the first four years under the auspices of Answer the Call, but more needs to be done!

• Strengthen local involvement - linking volunteer groups with local Forest Service and BLM offices.
• Increase the awareness of quail habitat needs - improve understanding within the Forest Service, BLM and the public.

So How Can You Help?

Join conservation organizations. You can contact your local Forest Service office to get involved and Answer the Call! Contact your local Forest Service or BLM office.

Fore more information contact:

USDA Forest Service
Brian Dykstra
Wildlife Program Leader
Southwestern Region
333 Broadway Blvd SE
Albuquerque, NM 87102
505-842-3268

Quail Biology and Management:

Bobwhite Quail Biology & Management

Texas Quail Biology