Grand National Quail FoundationAn Introduction to our Past, Present, and Future:
In 1982, Directors of the Grand National Quail Club and the Past Shooters Council started discussions about the need to establish a conservation program to help improve quail population, habitat, and research. In 1983, the Grand National Quail Foundation was officially formed as a separate entity. The Foundation received exemption from federal income tax under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation was organized exclusively to fund scientific research of ornithology, ecology, and wildlife management related to the various species of quail. The Board of Directors through competitive grants, shall select qualified recipients such as state fish and game wildlife agencies, wildlife and agricultural research units of colleges and universities and other tax exempt and non-profit research groups, to conduct the research for the protection, development, and propagation of quail, and other biological and management studies that will significantly contribute to the welfare of quail population and their habitat. This Foundation as an active unit to enhance wildlife...particularly quail...through study, research, and publication of results to Oklahoma and nationally on conservation and habitat practices welcomes any inquiries, suggestions, related materials, and any other matter which you feel would be beneficial to the purposes of this Foundation. The winter of '83-'84 was especially severe for the quail population in this area. The Oklahoma Wildlife Department gave estimates of approximately 80% winter-kill in most areas of Northwest Oklahoma. The controversy of the relative benefit of releasing pen-raised quail is recognized by the Foundation Board. Arguments and studies from both sides of the issue have been reviewed and the decision made to try the banding to produce our own test data. In July and August of 1984, many Grand National Quail Foundation banded over 5,300 birds bearing Grand National Quail Foundation identification numbers. This number indicates when the bird was released and where. This year's release has included ranches which are not used in the Grand National Quail Hunt and additional agreement to distribute 10% of the birds to area State Rangers for their choice of locations. Areas are selected based on need for re-population and habitat requirements. Future years' programs will be aimed at new population in coordination with the implementation of feed plot projects in areas which could not support quail previously. In some areas, feeders are also installed so that the initial food source will give them time to acclimate to the natural sources. The Grand National Quail Foundation continues to support the areas originally established and has spent over $72,000 since 1998 in doing so. The Foundation also supports the furtherance of education in the related areas. For additional information on the Foundation, membership, donations, etc. please contact. |