ABILENE — Quail enthusiasts, get ready for the return of the Texas Statewide Quail Symposium Aug. 14-16. This semi-annual conference brings together quail experts from across the state and beyond to discuss current topics of interest in quail conservation and management.

The symposium is hosted by The Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas Wildlife Association and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

The conference is open to the public and all quail enthusiasts are encouraged to attend, including landowners, land managers, hunters, photographers, naturalists, and students. The event begins with a field day on Aug. 14 at the MT7 Ranch in Breckenridge, where ranch manager Ty Bartoskewitz will discuss and demonstrate some of the habitat management strategies implemented on the property. There will also be opportunities there to work on plant identification skills and practice quail habitat evaluation first-hand with guidance from professionals.

The symposium proper will take place at the MCM Elegante hotel in Abilene on Aug. 15-16. Sessions will cover current outreach and education efforts, resources available to landowners, and a panel discussion on “Cows and Quail.” Several hot-button issues will also be addressed including quail management on small acreages, quail predators, and strategies for restoring quail to depopulated areas. The last day will focus on the latest developments quail research. There will also be opportunities for 1-on-1 consultations with experts for help with specific problems or questions.

Notable speakers this year include Dr. Tom Dailey of the National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative, Jim Willis—president and cofounder of the Wildlife Habitat Federation, and Texas Parks and Wildlife executive director Carter Smith.

More information about the event is available online or by contacting Amanda Gobeli with Texas A&M AgriLife at agobeli@tamu.edu Take advantage of discounted early registration by signing up before Aug. 7 (online or via mail-in form) for $50. Registration at the event is also available for $75. Students will enjoy further discounted rates of $20 for early registration or $50 at the door.