Quail Unlimited continues educational tradition
Jan. 19, 2007
Every summer for more than a decade, Missouri high-schoolers have gathered to learn about the bobwhite quail and its management
WARRENSBURG, Mo.-High school freshmen or sophomores with an interest in wildlife and hunting have until March 15 to apply for a spot in the 2007 Missouri Quail Academy. Successful applicants will get a week-long, total-immersion course in quail biology, management and hunting.
The event June 10 through 15 is a joint effort by Quail Unlimited (QU), the Missouri Department of Conservation and the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg. Now in its 12th year, the academy is a tradition that has helped foster the next generation of professional and citizen conservationists. The benefits extend beyond the bobwhite quail to the many species of birds and other wildlife that share the bobwhite's grasslnd habitat.
QU Missouri State Director Jef Hodges said any high-school freshman or sophomore is eligible to apply for the academy. The academy also accepts a small number of teachers to staff the event each year.
"This is an exceptional opportunity for advanced conservation participation and exposure to students and teachers alike" said Hodges. "The five-day academy is provided at no charge to students or teachers, and teachers can earn college credit for their participation."
The academy curriculum includes working with university faculty and Conservation Department staff. Quail "cadets" learn first-hand about conservation practices in the field. They also learn leadership and communication skills to enable them to spread their knowledge in their home communities.
The academy accepts 25 students and five teachers annually. Students are chosen on the basis of scholastic achievement and demonstrated interest in conservation. Applicants must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher, and they must complete a hunter education course before entering the academy.
Successful teacher applicants become "covey leaders," participating in every aspect of the course and learning the latest in conservation techniques.
Academy applications are available at www.qu.org/MOAcademy/. Applications must be submitted by March 15th, 2007 to MO. Quail Academy, Quail Unlimited, 382 NW Hwy 18, Clinton, MO 64735 or by fax to 660-885-7152.
QU was founded in 1981 with the goal of restoring quail habitat. Its 250 chapters raise money and use partnerships with private landowners and government agencies to create and maintain habitat at the local level. Fundraisers include banquets, auctions, sporting clays events and more. QU staff biologists help private landowners restore quail populations. In 2005 alone, QU chapters and partners invested more than $2.2 million dollars in quail habitat. For more information on QU, visit www.qu.org.