On page 27 of the Tall Timbers book they say “…we suggest a minimum acreage of contiguous habitat for an isolated site to be about 1,500 acres — based on the declining likelihood of quail leaving a property as size increases, and the ability of a population to survive random events.” The book talks a lot about the landscape context that a property sits in. Basically you could have quail on 100 acres if you’re surrounded by large quail plantations. But if your land is isolated you need a minimum of about 1,500 acres.
As for "contiguous habitat", I have two examples of how that works. First, go to google Earth and capture Tallahassee and Thomasville (Ga.) in the same eye view at 62 miles altitude. Note the area between them differs from surrounding areas. There doesn't appear to be much, if any, production agriculture. Using Google's drop down screen (ruler icon) for drawing lines, areas, etc., I chose the polygon. I traced this area roughly and I got about 800,000 acres, an area larger than Rhode Island. Now, zoom into an altitude of 3,000' eye view anywhere in this capture. Note the blocking pattern. This gives hunters and dogs clear lanes to work the "blocks" which is grass and other plants with the ground open enough for birds to escape but still be shielded from overhead predators such as hawks. It also provides for lanes of food trails for the spread of grain which doesn't concentrate birds for ease of predation as did the old school food patches. This area is the famous red hills of Georgia and Florida known for its wild quail plantations. The stewardship by these incredibly wealthy private owners have encouraged and protected an enormous wild quail population due to like minded folks bordering one another. This area doesn't include the territory surrounding Albany, GA, another well known area for wild quail.
The second example of contiguous acreage resulting in successful wild quail recruitment: Within the last 10 years, a late hunting buddy (of substantial means) bought 5,000 acres in the SE coastal plain of Georgia over two hundred miles from the red hills of SW Ga. There were very few wild coveys left in the pines. Tall Timbers was hired and planned what needed to be done. So many pines per acre of land were mandated which required chain saws and bull dozers to clear the land. What trees were left standing is inconsistent with "tree farming" as done in pine plantations. Bugging areas were set aside for the hatched quail to feed when young. At some point wild quail were introduced, but not "stocked" like one would find in hunting preserve densities. My friend died from Covid before the project was complete. His son continued the project and the land was deemed suitable for hunting last season. During spring covey count before the season, over 150 coveys were located. There was so much quail racket at dawn, it was difficult to hear and locate wild turkeys for hunting. The son has established 4-5 courses for hunting. He can hunt each course 4 times per season and still be assured of successful annual recruitment. Wild quail can be returned but at great expense and discipline. Gil
