T A R G E T E D H A B I T A T M A N A G E M E N T F O R
U P L A N D G A M E B I R D S
Upland game bird populations are impacted by several factors, but likely the
most important one is the availability of quality habitat. Efforts are underway
on public and private land to target habitat management for the ring-necked
pheasant and bobwhite quail, two species whose populations are on a long-
term downward trend. Quail management follows the direction of the National
Bobwhite Conservation Initiative, which seeks to restore bobwhite quail across
their North American range and more locally in Jefferson and Thayer counties,
where habitat practices are implemented on public and private lands. Pheasant
management is occurring on Focus on Pheasant (FOP) and Pheasant Opportunity
Areas (POA), which are located in areas of potentially good pheasant habitat
across the entire state. Federal farm programs, grants and sportsman's dollars help
to fund private and public land efforts to restore and enhance habitat. Upland
game birds have long been revered in Nebraska by hunters and non-hunters alike.
All tools in the management tool box will be used to continue the effort to reverse
the downward trend of these iconic birds.
NORTHERN
BOBWHITE
QUAIL
2015 Annual Report • Nebraska Game and Parks Commission 15
