We had a very little increase in quail back in Maryland this year. The farmer who tends my three farms and my fathers farm said he saw seven different coveys while harvesting beans. Most years he would be lucky to see two. When I was a boy my fathers farm alone held that number or more in good years. They will go unhunted this year most likely. Only one friend has permission to bird hunt on those farms and I think his dog has passed over to where the wind always blows gently into her face and the bird never flush before I get ready. Maybe seven will become ten or even just seven again next year.

I do think some of the set aside land and wider field margins of grass to reduce runoff have helped. Nothing will bring back 1950 again but I'd be happy with 1970-1980. Three coveys on a farm is better than one some years.