October 9, 2025

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Habitat, weather keys to 2024 Bobwhite boom
sports, Sports | Outdoors
September 25, 2024
Habitat, weather keys to 2024 Bobwhite boom
By TELL JUDKINS UPLAND GAME BIOLOGIST

The August 2024 roadside quail survey shows the statewide quail index up substantially over 2023, climbing from 2.23 to 6.52 quail per route surveyed. This result is 28.8% above the 35-year statewide average of 5.06 quail per route.

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation has conducted annual roadside surveys in August and October since 1990 to create an index of annual population fluctuations. The number of quail observed is reported to provide an index of quail abundance and indicates reproductive success. Currently, ODWC employees survey 81 routes in 75 of Oklahoma’s 77 counties. Oklahoma and Tulsa counties, almost exclusively urban areas, are excluded from the survey.

The survey data is presented using two methods: one is based on geographic regions and the other is based on ecoregions Considering the results from both methods can provide a more precise view of onthe- ground conditions in each county and can give hunters a better idea of what they could find in areas they intend to hunt.

Age structure of observed quail shows 54.2% full grown, 38.3% threefourths grown, 6.8% half grown, and 0.8% onefourth grown birds. This age structure indicates successful early broods with additional nesting throughout the summer. Last fall, the latest known hatch was documented from ODWC’s wing-box program: A harvested quail hatched out mid-September in the Northcentral Region. Two other birds appeared to be from later hatches in far-western parts of the state, but the wings were badly damaged which made aging difficult. Additionally, ODWC biologists have received several reports of broods of varying ages throughout summer.

All regions of the state except the Southeast improved from the 2023 survey. All regions, other than the Southeast Region, are currently above their historic 35-year average and 10-year average.

The past winter was fairly mild for Oklahoma, with only a few major systems that brought bitter cold air. After three consecutive years of La Nina (warmer/dryer) weather patterns, last spring saw a transition to El Nino (cooler/wetter), which generally can lead to improved habitat conditions and the potential for better quail numbers. Fortunately, that El Nino pattern persisted until April. By May, the pattern transitioned into an “ENSO-Neutral” state, or within a half-degree of average Pacific Ocean index temperatures.

Drought is now affecting about 75% of Oklahoma, with less than 20% in the severe or extreme drought categories. Rainfall throughout the growing season has been somewhat regular across much of the state, coming at times in monsoon- like systems dumping several inches locally at a time. Precipitation in the spring had onthe- ground conditions looking pretty good; by mid-March 55% of the state was drought-free. Summer heat and a lack of rain over the last 60 or so days have allowed drought to steadily take hold again, especially in the Southwest Region.

Over the last 180 days, most of Oklahoma has seen below-normal rainfall. Some areas in the Southwest have had less than 20% of the normal rainfall over the last 60 days. Even with the higher number of quail sightings, dense vegetation along roadsides in some areas likely contribute to fewer observations.

Roadside survey numbers can also be viewed on an ecoregion basis.

One pair of scaled quail was observed during the 2024 August survey. There are only a few routes in Oklahoma with the opportunity to observe scaled quail. Therefore, this is not a prediction of scaled quail abundance, strictly an observation. ODWC has received several reports of scaled quail broods in the Oklahoma Panhandle this year.

Over the past 35 years, August Roadside Surveys have shown that they are not always the most reliable when it comes to forecasting the upcoming season. Stay tuned for October Roadside Survey results and a 2024 Quail Season Outlook, which will provide a better indication of what the upcoming quail season could have in store.

Oklahoma’s quail season will open Nov. 9 and close statewide Feb. 15, 2025. Many public areas in western Oklahoma will be closed Feb. 1-15, 2025, for nonresident quail hunters. Bag limit remains 10 quail daily. For more information, consult the Oklahoma Fishing and Hunting Regulations online at wildlifedepartment. com/hunting/regs, on the Go Outdoors Oklahoma mobile app, or in print wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold.

The northern bobwhite population is significantly higher this year in most of Oklahoma, as indicated by results from roadside surveys conducted in August.

City council names new board member
A: Main, news
City council names new board member
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
October 8, 2025
The Eufaula City Council is once again at full force after months of working with only four board members. Monday night the Council appointed James Mason Dobbs, 29, to fill the position of Freeholder ...
Thank a Newspaper
A: Main, news
Thank a Newspaper
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
October 8, 2025
If you’re reading this, thank your local newspaper. It exists because your local community supports and values the importance of community news. We live in a world of rapidfire information. Algorithms...
Ford provides food for the needy
A: Main, news
Ford provides food for the needy
October 8, 2025
Sam Wampler Freedom Ford of Eufaula spent a week gathering food that will be available to anyone who needs it at Under One Roof. It was a generous effort by the dealership, who turned over a truck-loa...
Library Friends to lead historical tour of Greenwood Cemetery
A: Main, news
Library Friends to lead historical tour of Greenwood Cemetery
By Danielle Burchfield 
October 8, 2025
Put on your walking shoes, grab a sun-shading hat, bring some cool water, and enjoy a walking tour of Greenwood Cemetery. The tour starts at 1 p.m. Friday, October 17. It is offered by the Friends of ...
A: Main, news
OU – Texas Traffic Report: heavy traffic
October 8, 2025
The I-35 Southern Corridor will be open to two lanes in each direction from Oklahoma City to the Texas state line from Friday to Sunday, according to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. The I-3...
Quilting is more than sewing to these quilters
A: Main, news
Quilting is more than sewing to these quilters
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
October 8, 2025
Dozens of colorful quilts were on display at the biannual “Quilts by the Lake” show held Saturday, Oct. 4, from 9 am. to 4 p.m. at the North Fork Baptist Church. The Piece Makers Quilt Guild, which me...
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A: Main, news
CASA urgently needs volunteers
October 8, 2025
CASA for Children is urgently seeking at least 25 additional community members to step in and serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA Volunteers) for children living in foster care across Mus...
Operators of daycare center accused of abuse
A: Main, news
Operators of daycare center accused of abuse
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
October 8, 2025
A Checotah couple running a daycare center out of their home is accused of abusing children under their care, according to police. After a lengthy investigation that began on July 7, Checotah police a...
news
brings untold stories to life at Eufaula library Beadtelling
October 8, 2025
CORRECTIONS: The Indian Journal ran a story on Beadtelling in the September 25 issues that contained a number of errors. The following is the corrected version of the story: On Sept. 19, the Eufaula M...
news
Trick-or-Treating with Autism: A Parent’s Guide to a Stress-Free Halloween
By MATT ROKOWSKY CEO, ABOVE AND BEYOND THERAPY ABTABA.COM 
October 8, 2025
Halloween is often a time of joy for many kids, as it is filled with costumes and the excitement of trick-or-treating. However, for some families (particularly those with children on the autism spectr...
Fall Forum is chance to propose youth policy ideas
commentary
Fall Forum is chance to propose youth policy ideas
By JOE DORMAN OICA CEO 
October 8, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY – Each year, the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) holds our Fall Forum to look at trends in child health, safety, and well-being. We invite advocates from across the state to...
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