Good post, KY Jon. I am involved daily with row crop farming, so I see the problems you refer to up close. One thing that is changing, for the better, is the tendency to leave the crop residue on the surface and plant "no-till" into it the next crop. Actually, there are incentives to promote that, because of the understanding now that it is better for the water, air, and for wildlife. There really is no "law" requiring plowing under residue.
Don't feel bad about shooting quail in the good ol' days. Their decline had nothing to do with the bags you or I took. In a way, the best homage we can pay ol' Bob is to remember and cherish the good times with him in the field and around the table.
All my best, Stan
