Quail season across the state of Alabama has been in full swing for nearly two weeks. Commercial quail preserves throughout the state opened as early as Oct. 1 according to a release from the Alabama Quail Trail.
“The Alabama Quail Trail has made great strides over the course of the past eight years,” said Alabama Wildlife Federation Executive Director Tim Gothard. “Our goal has been to increase the recreational tourism in the state by showcasing the top-notch facilities and services we have to offer quail enthusiasts.”
Elmore County is one of those areas that benefits from the Quail Trail.
Tecafawa Hunting Preserve, located in Elmore County, is one of more than 40 quail hunting facilities throughout the state that dot the Alabama Quail Trail.
According to the Quail Trail’s website — www.alabamaquailtrail.com — quail hunting facilities are located as far north as Florence and south as Dothan and Mobile with preserves in Tuscaloosa, Selma, Auburn, Montgomery and Monroeville.
According to its press release: “A primary purpose of the Alabama Quail Trail is to increase interest in quail and quail hunting throughout the state. The organization also aims to increase resources available to conduct quail research and conservation efforts.”
Since its inception in 2002, members of the trail have worked to improve both quail habitat and quail numbers.
“Gains in each of these areas also have a direct positive impact on rural economic development across Alabama,” the release points out.
Naturally, hunting calls for available tracts of land such as those Elmore County has to offer.
In many cases this effort compliments farming activities also under way. By implementing the best management techniques in these areas, quail populations can begin to grow creating a positive impact on other aspects of the land as well. As the number of hunters who travel to rural Alabama increases, quail tourism increases. The increased tourism has multiplier effects that benefit local stores, restaurants, and other merchants.
“In the end, increased quail hunting brings tremendous benefits to the economy of Elmore County and surrounding areas,” added the Quail Trail release.
“We feel like every quail hunting facility in Alabama provides its own unique experience and character,” said Gothard. “Many of the participating lodges have seen new business as a result.”
For additional information about Tecafawa Hunting Preserve, contact the facility at 334-657-5937 or visit the Alabama Quail Trail’s website: www.alabamaquailtrail.com.