Dana Wright is the newest member of our team here at RPQRF. She just retired from a stellar 30-year career with TPWD stationed in Paducah. Ask anyone who knows Dana and they’ll confirm she’s a “go-getter”—we’re excited to have her on board! In this podcast Dana shares her experiences with landowners and trends she’s observed over her career. She also discusses how she plans to spread the word about quail conservation for all “Students of Quail.”

“When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground.”

– African proverb

Take a trip back through time this month as Dr. Rollins hits the rewind button on quail happenings in Cottle County dating back to the 1930s. Mr. Joe Don Brooks of Paducah will soon turn 90 years old, but his recall of quail happenings in the 1950s are quite vivid. We share stories about A.S. Jackson, a renowned quail biologist and naturalist and landscape level changes that have had repercussions for bobwhites. Join us for some reminiscing on February 20.

This month’s guest is Gene T. Miller of Amarillo. Gene’s career was largely with TPWD as a Technical Guidance Biologist. We’ll discuss the “form and function” of shelterbelts as true wildlife oases on the Great Plains.

Episode 44: Roy Wilson- 40 Years of Outfitting Quail Hunts in West Texas by Dr. Dale Rollins

Carter Smith has served as Executive Director for TPWD for the past 15 years and retires at the end of this year. He is one of the most engaging guests you’ll ever encounter. See for yourself as he joins me on November 20 to address the future of quail hunting in Texas. Smith earned wildlife degrees from Texas Tech and Yale. If you missed the podcast he did with Steve Rinella of MeatEater a couple of years ago you need to look it up and listen to it—he was as nimble navigating the questioning as an experienced Setter hustling through a patch of prickly pear. The RPQRR hosted Smith and colleague Clayton Wolf for a special quail hunt in February 2017; catch the play-by-play from Smith showing how a great quail hunt (55 coveys!) can miraculously cure a bad case of plantar fasciitis!

How do quail and quail management affect rural land values? Is the “bird dog’s tail” wagging the “livestock dog” relative to land prices? These will be the topics of Dr. Rollins and his guest Sam Middleton for the October podcast. Middleton has likely handled more “quail-land” transactions than any realtor in the state. His “trophy wall” of recent sales include the W. T. Waggoner, the Four Sixes, the Matador, and Mesa Vista ranches. He’ll share his perspectives on what’s hot and what’s not.

Odds are if you have a hunting dog (defined broadly), you’ve done business with Gun Dog Supply’s Steve Snell. I first met Snell in 2008 and have shared quail leases with him several times since then. Believe me, there’s no one you’d rather have on your lease than Steve as he can troubleshoot your e-collar or GPS collar! Steve has served as a director for RPQRF since 2017. Join Dr. Dale, Dr. Brad Kubecka, and Steve as they discuss technologies useful in the bird dog world.

Last February outdoor TV mogul Chris Dorsey visited the RPQRR. I’d heard Dorsey’s name but hadn’t kept up with his accomplishments—this dog will hunt! Labeled as “The Brandfather” of outdoor TV, Dorsey has launched a total of 45 outdoor series in addition to his prowess in the print media. Less than a week after his visit, there was an article in Forbes magazine (see the article at: https://www.forbes.com/covering (in detail) his visit to RPQRR and his quail hunting experience the day after on the Snipes Ranch. I found him an excellent wordsmith and a genuinely effective spokesperson for our sport. Catch his interview on August 20 with Dr. Rollins as they discover and share their common DNA when one’s vocation and avocation are indeed a double-helix.

Dr. Brad Kubecka succeeded Dr. Rollins as Executive Director in June 2021. Join us this month as Drs. Rollins and Kubecka elaborate on new research projects and outreach efforts at RPQRF. Kubecka did his doctoral research at Tall Timbers Research Station and the Martin Game Bird Lab at the University of Georgia. His experiences and research at TTRS influenced his strategies on supplemental feeding, chick ecology, and predator management. Will these practices be as effective here on the western range of the bobwhite?

Training is usually a prerequisite for good bird dogs. This month’s special guest is Mr. Ronnie Smith, Jr. with Ronnie Smith Kennels in Pawhuska, OK. The name “Smith” is synonymous with well-trained birddogs ala Delmar, Rick, and Ronnie Smith. Ronnie (Delmar’s nephew) has been training pointing dogs since 1982. Here Smith addresses common behaviors that can (and should) be corrected with proper training. You’re going to enjoy this one!