Horace Gore

Join Dr. Dale this month with his guest Horace Gore. Gore is a familiar name in Texas wildlife management circles. While many folks know him from his tenure as White-tailed Deer Program Leader for TPWD in the 1990s, or for his service as editor of the Journal of Texas Trophy Hunters Magazine for the past 15 years, his initial entrée into wildlife management was focused on bobwhites! And his adolescence carrying a Model 12 shotgun fueled many observations and stories. You won’t want to miss this one! Available July 20

Episode 51: Horace Gore on Quail Hunting

Join Dr. Dale and his guest Brian Hays as they discuss the why’s and wherefore’s of establishing Native Warm Season Grasses. These grasses can be used to enhance nesting cover. Hays is a consultant for Bamert Seed Company and helps landowners across several states.

Episode 50: Reseeding Native Grasses

oin us as we visit with retired Texas Parks &amp; Wildlife State Game Wardens Jack Burrus and Gary Self.  Both were stationed at Childress, Texas and served Childress and Hall Counties.  Burrus started in 1961 and when he retired Self moved to Childress.  Between them, they served that area for over 50 years and have witnessed a lot of changes in hunting regulations, hunting trends, habitat changes and law enforcement. Join us on May 20.

Episode 49: Game Warden Tales

Say what? Yep, appreciate as in “to judge with heightened awareness” or “be cautiously or sensitively aware of.” My guest this month is Dr. Clint Boal, a professor and raptor specialist from Texas Tech University. Dr. Boal appreciates raptors as in “to value or admire highly.” Suum cuique. We’ll discuss the commonly observed raptors in west Texas and which constitute a “quail threat.” We’ll also recap some of the recent research that Dr. Boal and his student Becky Perkins conducted on the ranch about 10 years ago. Join us on April 20.

Episode 48: Appreciating Raptors

Dana Wright

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.”

Episode 47: Dana Wright on quail happenings in the Rolling Plains

Don Brooks

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

“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.

Episode 46: Joe Don Brooks reflects on 80 years of quail hunting

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 45: Gene Miller on Shelterbelts for Quail

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

Episode 44: Roy Wilson- 40 Years of Outfitting Quail Hunts in West Texas

Carter Smith

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!

Episode 43: Talking Quail with TPW's Carter Smith

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.

Episode 42: Quail & Rural Real Estate in Texas

The Rolling Plains Quail Research Foundation (RPQRF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focusing on one thing: understanding and managing bobwhite and scaled quail in West Texas. Everything we do centers around quail and quail hunting, as reflected by our mission:“To preserve Texas’ heritage of wild quail hunting for this, and future, generations.”The Foundation and its Research Ranch were established to provide a living laboratory to devise land management strategies for the benefit of quail and also as an exemplar property to demonstrate the best methodologies and techniques to other “students of quail.”

Steve Snell

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.

Episode 41: Gun Dog Supply's Steve Snell

Chris Dorsey

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.

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: <a href="https://www.forbes.com/covering" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.forbes.com/covering</a> (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.

Episode 40: Chris Dorsey- a Great Spokesperson for Hunting

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?

Episode 39: New Directions for RPQRF

Ronnie Smith

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!

Episode 38: Ronnie Smith on Bird Dog Training

Most of the quail hunting opportunities in Texas are found on privately-owned lands. But several TPWD Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) are popular destinations too.  This month's guest is Mr. Chip Ruthven who oversees several WMAs in the Panhandle of Texas.  Chip and I discuss the status of quail management efforts at the Matador WMA (probably the most popular WMA in Texas for both resident and non-resident quail hunters). Ruthven earned his B.S. at Texas Tech University and his M.S. at Texas A&amp;M-Kingsville.  In addition to our quail discussions, he will also highlight some rattlesnake research he conducted while at the Chaparral WMA.

Episode 37: Quail Management On WMAs In Texas

My guest this month is Dr. Scott Henke with the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas A&amp;M University-Kingsville. Henke has been involved with much of the research done on the risks to wildlife from aflatoxins in deer corn over the past 20 years.  Join us for a fact-filled discussion on the controversy.

Episode 36: Is "Deer Corn" a Quail Killer

This month’s podcast features a “rags to riches” story about RPQRF Director Russell Gordy of Houston.  Russell’s love of shotguns has transported him from the Sears &amp; Roebuck catalog of his youth to  the pinnacle of a “gun shop” at Gordy &amp; Sons of Houston—it’s a fascinating odyssey that I know you’ll enjoy. If you’re a connoisseur of fine guns, you’ll appreciate Gordy’s description of his gun collection as “functional art.”  And we thank Gordy and Sons for their sponsorship of the Dr. Dale on Quail podcastThe Dr. Dale on Quail podcast series was initiated three years ago, and it’s been really well received.  Co-host Gary Joiner (Communications Director for Texas Farm Bureau) serves as a great color commentator. The monthly podcast lasts 30-40 minutes and addresses various quail-related topics. For previous sessions, see www.quailresearch.org/resources.  Thanks to Jonathan Vail (Texas Parks &amp; Wildlife Foundation) for his technical expertise, Jeffrey Sorelle with RPQRF for logistical assistance, and Gordy &amp; Sons of Houston for funding the effort. If you have a suggestion for an interesting interviewee, please e-mail Dr. Rollins (drollins@quailresearch.org).

This month’s podcast features a “rags to riches” story about RPQRF Director Russell Gordy of Houston. Russell’s love of shotguns has transported him from the Sears &amp; Roebuck catalog of his youth to the pinnacle of a “gun shop” at Gordy &amp; Sons of Houston—it’s a fascinating odyssey that I know you’ll enjoy. If you’re a connoisseur of fine guns, you’ll appreciate Gordy’s description of his gun collection as “functional art.” And we thank Gordy and Sons for their sponsorship of the Dr. Dale on Quail podcast The Dr. Dale on Quail podcast series was initiated three years ago, and it’s been really well received. Co-host Gary Joiner (Communications Director for Texas Farm Bureau) serves as a great color commentator. The monthly podcast lasts 30-40 minutes and addresses various quail-related topics. For previous sessions, see <a href="http://www.quailresearch.org/resources" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.quailresearch.org/resources</a>. Thanks to Jonathan Vail (Texas Parks &amp; Wildlife Foundation) for his technical expertise, Jeffrey Sorelle with RPQRF for logistical assistance, and Gordy &amp; Sons of Houston for funding the effort. If you have a suggestion for an interesting interviewee, please e-mail Dr. Rollins (drollins@quailresearch.org).

Episode 35: Russell Gordy: Shotguns as “Functional Art”

The most “photographed photograph” at RPQRR is one of my four “Betters” sitting atop the high seat in a Lannom Ranch Buggy.This month’s guest is John Lannom who designs and custom-builds the buggies in Ft. Stockton. If you’ve spent much time hunting in the Permian Basin or Trans-Pecos ecoregions, chances are you’ve seen (or hunted from) a Lannom Ranch Buggy. I was introduced to them in 1994 on a mule deer hunt in Culberson County, but got really intrigued by them after some quail hunts in Pecos County in 1999. Tune in on February 20 as we discuss the form and function of these unique vehicles.The Dr. Dale on Quail podcast series was initiated three year ago, and it’s been really well received.  Co-host Gary Joiner (Communications Director for Texas Farm Bureau) serves as a great color commentator. The monthly podcast lasts 30-40 minutes and addresses various quail-related topics. For previous sessions, see www.quailresearch.org/resources.  Thanks to Jonathan Vail (Texas Parks &amp; Wildlife Foundation) for his technical expertise, Jeffrey Sorelle with RPQRF for logistical assistance, and Gordy &amp; Sons of Houston for funding the effort. If you have a suggestion for an interesting interviewee, please e-mail Dr. Rollins (drollins@quailresearch.org).

The most “photographed photograph” at RPQRR is one of my four “Betters” sitting atop the high seat in a Lannom Ranch Buggy. This month’s guest is John Lannom who designs and custom-builds the buggies in Ft. Stockton. If you’ve spent much time hunting in the Permian Basin or Trans-Pecos ecoregions, chances are you’ve seen (or hunted from) a Lannom Ranch Buggy. I was introduced to them in 1994 on a mule deer hunt in Culberson County, but got really intrigued by them after some quail hunts in Pecos County in 1999. Tune in on February 20 as we discuss the form and function of these unique vehicles. The Dr. Dale on Quail podcast series was initiated three year ago, and it’s been really well received. Co-host Gary Joiner (Communications Director for Texas Farm Bureau) serves as a great color commentator. The monthly podcast lasts 30-40 minutes and addresses various quail-related topics. For previous sessions, see <a href="http://www.quailresearch.org/resources" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.quailresearch.org/resources</a>. Thanks to Jonathan Vail (Texas Parks &amp; Wildlife Foundation) for his technical expertise, Jeffrey Sorelle with RPQRF for logistical assistance, and Gordy &amp; Sons of Houston for funding the effort. If you have a suggestion for an interesting interviewee, please e-mail Dr. Rollins (drollins@quailresearch.org).

Episode 34: Lannom Ranch Buggies

Pete Delkus has been the Chief Meteorologist at WFAA-TV in Dallas, Texas since 2005. He has over two and half decades of meteorology experience which includes extensive work in severe weather, hurricane forecasting, wind analysis and winter storm prediction. Pete has won 16 Emmy Awards for weather anchoring and special show hosting. Delkus holds a Bachelor’s of Science from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (SIUE) and is board certified by the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association. Pete’s love for the outdoors began when he was a very young boy hunting alongside his father in the Midwest. Whether it was waterfowl, big game or upland birds, his fondest memories are of quail hunting, which is why he is so passionate about passing this legacy onto his son and others. In 2005, Pete and his wife, Jacque, along with their kids, Emily and Peter, moved to Dallas and have loved everything about the great state of Texas.Pete serves as a Trustee at Dallas Baptist University, is a Director of Park Cities Quail Coalition and a Life Member of Quail Coalition.

Pete Delkus has been the Chief Meteorologist at WFAA-TV in Dallas, Texas since 2005. He has over two and half decades of meteorology experience which includes extensive work in severe weather, hurricane forecasting, wind analysis and winter storm prediction. Pete has won 16 Emmy Awards for weather anchoring and special show hosting. Delkus holds a Bachelor’s of Science from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (SIUE) and is board certified by the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association. Pete’s love for the outdoors began when he was a very young boy hunting alongside his father in the Midwest. Whether it was waterfowl, big game or upland birds, his fondest memories are of quail hunting, which is why he is so passionate about passing this legacy onto his son and others. In 2005, Pete and his wife, Jacque, along with their kids, Emily and Peter, moved to Dallas and have loved everything about the great state of Texas. Pete serves as a Trustee at Dallas Baptist University, is a Director of Park Cities Quail Coalition and a Life Member of Quail Coalition.

Episode 33: Pete Delkus-the Quail Hunting Weatherman

This month’s guest is Mr. Clay Sisson from Albany, GA.  Clay’s name is often quoted in quail management circles via his work with the Albany Quail Project and more recently with Tall Timbers Research Station. I first met Clay at a Quail Unlimited convention in Houston way back in 1989, and have grown to appreciate his contributions to practical, meaningful management strategies for quail-folk. Since that time I've had the opportunity to hunt quail with Clay in west Texas and have found we seem to have been "cut from the same cloth."

Episode 32: Clay Sisson: Quail Stalwart in the Southeast

These relatively short podcasts are always interesting and informative. Dr. Dale sounds like an incredibly interesting man. I love listening to his homespun vernacular.

The Quail Doctor!

The best podcast on quail. Dr. Dale is very knowledgeable and so easy to listen to!

Quail podcast

The Rolling Plains Quail Research Foundation (RPQRF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focusing on one thing: understanding and managing bobwhite and scaled quail in West Texas. Everything we do centers around quail and quail hunting, as reflected by our mission: “To preserve Texas’ heritage of wild quail hunting for this, and future, generations.” The Foundation and its Research Ranch were established to provide a living laboratory to devise land management strategies for the benefit of quail and also as an exemplar property to demonstrate the best methodologies and techniques to other “students of quail.”

Dr. Dale on Quail

This month’s episode of our Dr. Dale on Quail podcast covers our forecast for the 2019-20 quail hunting season.  Get the latest scoop on population estimates and learn which factors take us from “boom to bust” seasons and vice-versa.  Dr. Dale and Gary Joiner also discuss which areas are bright spots for quail numbers, hunting considerations and why Texas has such a long quail season and liberal bag limits.

Episode 7: 2019-2020 Quail Hunting Season:  What's Ahead?

This month’s episode of our Dr. Dale on Quail podcast series covers all the details of nesting ecology of bobwhite and scaled quail in Texas. Join Dr. Rollins and Gary Joiner as they discuss when, where and why quail build nests, as well as incubation periods, clutch sizes, keys to successful hatches and many more nesting-related topics.

Episode 4: When, Where, & Why Quail Build Nests

Are you on the lookout for quail? If so, this month’s episode of our Dr. Dale on Quail podcast is for you. Join Dale and Gary Joiner as they discuss quail numbers and the various ways you can count quail, including the “dos” and “don’ts” of conducting whistle counts to estimate the number of quail on your property. You’ll also learn which methodologies are more accurate and why.

Episode 3: How Many Quail Are Out There?

This month’s episode of our Dr. Dale on Quail podcast covers the relationships between hawks and quail and roadrunners and quail. Learn which species pose a greater threat to quail and which have an undeserved “bad rap.” But what’s a manager to do, as both hawks and roadrunners are protected by state and federal law? Dr. Dale and Gary Joiner also discuss what actions you can take to protect quail from airborne predators. Click the button below to listen.

Episode 6: Hawks And Roadrunners and Quail, Oh My!

This month’s episode of our Dr. Dale on Quail podcast addresses a hotly-debated topic among quail hunters: predator management. Join Dr. Dale and Gary Joiner and learn why every moment of a quail’s life is dictated by the threat of predation, which species are major predators of quail (and which are not), and how to keep quail predation at manageable levels. Click the button below to listen.

Episode 5: Who are the Major Predators of Quail?

f you’re out in quail country these days, you should be hearing the sweet sounds of bobwhites looking for love. Those calls are music to quail hunters’ ears, which raises the question: other than the calls of the quails themselves, what are the top tunes for quail? Join Dr. Dale and Gary Joiner as they discuss the “national anthem” for quail, the soundtrack of quail management and why particular songs (hint: lots of classic rock) resonate with quail hunters. Dale also covers his recommendations for managing quail habitat and the importance of knowing your plant species.

Episode 13: Quail Calls and Classic Rock: Music to our Ears!

These days, we can’t help but think about our health and the dangers presented by the new coronavirus impacting folks in every corner of the planet. We can’t see this threat, but we know it’s out there. Well, our quails can relate. They face numerous threats, including parasites they can’t see, either.This month’s episode of our Dr. Dale on Quail podcast covers what we know about parasites and quail. Join Dr. Dale and Gary Joiner as they discuss the types of parasites affecting quail, the impact of parasites on quail health, geographic considerations and the measures being taken to help our quails with their parasite problems. Click the button below to listen.

These days, we can’t help but think about our health and the dangers presented by the new coronavirus impacting folks in every corner of the planet. We can’t see this threat, but we know it’s out there. Well, our quails can relate. They face numerous threats, including parasites they can’t see, either. This month’s episode of our Dr. Dale on Quail podcast covers what we know about parasites and quail. Join Dr. Dale and Gary Joiner as they discuss the types of parasites affecting quail, the impact of parasites on quail health, geographic considerations and the measures being taken to help our quails with their parasite problems. Click the button below to listen.

Episode 12: Health Concerns: Parasites & Quail

As we transition from winter to spring, quail hunters are reflecting on this past season and wondering what’s ahead. How loudly (and how often) will we hear the familiar calls of bobwhites in April/May? Do we have enough brood stock? What needs to happen to make 2020-2021 a “boom” season like 2016? This month’s episode of our Dr. Dale on Quail podcast tackles these topics and more. Join Dr. Dale and Gary Joiner as they discuss the status of Texas quail populations, spring call counts and what we can collectively do as land managers to positively influence quail numbers. Click the button below to listen.

Episode 11: Always Looking Ahead

It may still be winter, but summer will be here before we know it, so this month’s episode of our podcast is all about the famed Bobwhite Brigade summer camp. Join Dr. Dale and Gary Joiner as they discuss the Bobwhite Brigade’s history of turning motivated student “cadets” into passionate conservationists and how it became the template for other wildlife conservation camps across the country. Dr. Dale also covers the components of the program, skillsets taught, the application process for cadets, as well as opportunities for adults to serve as “Covey Leaders” and volunteers.  Click the button below to learn about the Bobwhite Brigade.

Episode 10: The Bobwhite Brigade

It’s felt more like winter than fall recently, so this month’s episode of our Dr. Dale on Quail podcast is an ode to the Merle Haggard tune, "If We Make It Through December."  Join Dr. Dale and Gary Joiner as they discuss the risks to quail from low temperatures (including increased risk of predation), how quail cope with cold weather and management techniques to help quail survive winter conditions.  Dr. Dale also offers suggestions to ensure your cold weather quail hunts don’t cause greater mortalities than just the birds in your bag.

Episode 9: If We Make It Through December

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