After years of dormancy, Quail Forever has made its return to Central Missouri. The newly reinstated chapter, covering Benton, Morgan, Henry, and Miller counties, is focused on restoring quail habitats and engaging local landowners in conservation efforts.
Get your dogs in top shape and support quail conservation—register for the September 29 event at Big Buffalo Outfitters.
Founded in 2005 as a division of Pheasants Forever, Quail Forever focuses on conserving quail, pheasants, and other wildlife through habitat improvement, education, and advocacy. With over 130,000 members and more than 750 local chapters, the organization empowers local volunteers to drive conservation efforts and manage funds for habitat projects. Quail Forever aims to address the challenges facing wildlife habitats and ensure future generations can enjoy thriving populations of upland birds.
As part of this broader effort, the newly established "Lone Buffalo" chapter is focused on expanding quail habitat in Central Missouri.
“We restarted the chapter in May to expand habitat that will sustain quail populations,” said Mike Swinker, chapter president. “We're really looking for members who are willing to get involved in some of the labor-intensive work that comes with habitat development, as well as landowners interested in converting land into conservation areas.”
Swinker emphasized that while much of the state still has quail, the population isn't as robust as it once was.
“There are folks who believe there aren’t any wild quail left in the state, but they are out there,” Swinker said. “We just need better habitat in order to allow those numbers to expand and flourish.”
The chapter is actively seeking members and landowners in its coverage area, offering guidance and support for those interested in converting land into quail-friendly habitats. Swinker also highlighted various federal subsidy programs available to help offset the costs for landowners, in addition to fundraising efforts by the chapter.
To kickstart its efforts, the chapter will host a pre-season Bird Dog Fun Day at Big Buffalo Outfitters in Stover on Sept. 29. The event is an opportunity for hunters to work with their dogs before the quail hunting season opens in November.
"It's an opportunity to get your dogs on some birds, see how they're doing, and figure out what you need to continue working on from a training standpoint," said Swinker, who hunts across the Midwest with his two Vizlas. "It's the first time this year to kind of shake the off season rust."
Registration options for the event include:
- Shooting Entry ($125): Includes lunch, a live hunt with three chukar, a Quail Forever membership, and entry for door prizes.
- Puppy Entry ($125): Designed for younger dogs, this option includes time in a dedicated puppy field with no live fire.
- Non-Shooting Entry ($55): Perfect for those who want to attend without participating in the live hunts.
Proceeds from the event will support the chapter’s youth and ladies’ hunting programs, aimed at encouraging the next generation of hunters and conservationists.
For more information about Quail Forever or attending the event, visit their website or the Lone Buffalo chapter's Facebook page.
