doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Live Bird ring

I have too much respect for a bobwhite to shoot him out of a pigeon trap. That said, I have attended one box quail shoot and the birds were like buzz bombs. They came out of the trap faster than any pigeon ever did and never stopped until shot. These birds did explode contrary to the previous comment.

I've trapped pigeons at the local parks and other public places for the last few years for dog training birds. Usually was very quick to trap birds that people feed. I try to trap a half dozen at a time, because that suits my needs. But it's not practical for the quantities needed for a ring shoot.

This fella, that wants to do this ring shoot, raises all types of game birds for his hunt farm. He has large flight pens and probably knows about as much as anyone about raising them for good flight. He has valley quail and Tennesee Reds. I suspect he is not only looking for a new money making game, but also a way to sell his birds. If it became profitable, he would probably raise pigeons for this. It's not my gig. I was simply asked to find some information.

I did not know that people raised any quail but Bobwhites for release and shooting. We do have Tennessee Reds, but Valley Quail would be a real novelty down here in the deep South. Do they stay put and flush like the Bobwhites do?...Geo

George,
I've never hunted a Bobwhite, so I can't tell you how they compare. But, California ("valley") quail often flush pretty far out when in a covey. I think this is because they have a sentinel bird watching for predators. But once scattered, the lone birds will hold tight. Very tight.

Thanks Chuck, the Tennesee Reds you shoot are just funny colored Bobwhites. If the released Valley Quail act like the released Tennesee Reds, they ought to be great for released bird shooting down here (If they can survive our weather). I think I'll talk to the guy I buy my birds from about the possibility...Geo


P.S: I wish I didn't have to rely on released "kick-'em-up" birds, but if I didn't, my poor old German Wirehair might never get to see any quail.

George, my Wirehair couldn't care less if he sees quail as long as she can harass any living thing that can survive on my property.

George,
The "valley" quail has been flourishing in climates up into Washington, Idaho, Oregon and other northern states.

I recommend a good technical book on California quail.
A. Starker Leopold, The California Quail. It's got a lot on habitat.