Quail Unlimited's Little Pee Dee River Chapter 648 in Conway recently presented a $1,500 check to the S.C. Department of Natural Resources Department Small Game Project at Galivants Ferry to assist in printing costs for a brochure on the importance of nesting and brood-rearing cover in the life cycle of bobwhite quail.

        Judy Barnes, wildlife biologist with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Small Game Project, is writing the brochure. "The lack of quality nesting and brood habitat has been identified in the Northern Bobwhite Conservation Initiative as the primary factor limiting quail populations across the range of the species," Barnes said. "Yet most land owners overlook these critical habitat components in their quail management programs. This brochure not only stresses the importance of these habitat components to successful quail management programs, but also highlights effective and efficient ways to establish this critical habitat."

        The DNR's Small Game Project works with Quail Unlimited South Carolina chapters in many areas. Project biologists attend banquets and meetings throughout the state, presenting information regarding appropriate quail habitat and management. Individual chapters work with DNR on public lands providing funds for various management practices such as prescribed fire, seed, lime and fertilizer purchases, and hunter survey printed materials.

        For more information on the Small Game Project or quail management assistance in South Carolina, call (803)734-3609 in Columbia.