More often the dedicated people at the local level can make a difference. This is the historical case in Missouri.16 years ago, on October 8th, the two co-founders of the Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation, Inc., Craig Alderman and Chief Biologist Nick Prough who on October 8, 2008, witnessed the personal efforts to bring the iconic Bob White Quail into the public’s eye.

“Nick and I were very proud to help originate and propose the bill and to be with then Governor Matt Blunt who signed House Bill No. 576 section 10.012, “The “bobwhite quail” (Colinus virginianus) is selected for and shall be known as the official game bird of the State of Missouri”.

“The bobwhite quail is a very unique biological, biblical and political specie. Biologically it takes a serious concentration at the very local level, “turnin-the -dirt” to sustain its need for a successional environment, the habitat work is never ending; The bobwhite is the only species mentioned in the bible, used to feed many; and finally, it is the only specie in the Farm Bill that focuses on extra dollars to provide and maintain its existence with and for private landowners,” explains Craig.

“We have to bring the bobwhite the forefront, the efforts needed to sustain this iconic species are immense and ongoing and by declaring it as the state game bird, it elevates the importance” state Nick Prough of QUWF. “Landowners do not need more coaches, they need the programs to get the biological work done on the ground, and that is what we do with muddy boots, chainsaws and endless boots on the ground. We are proud that our landowner relationships now span decades and we are dedicated to their wildlife successes across this nation” Prough says.

About QUWF and the AFC: The Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation (QUWF) is the only Veteran founded and managed national conservation organization in the U.S., and the only multi-specie and clean stream national organization, based in Missouri. QUWF with its partner the American Falconry Conservancy (AFC) “turns-the-dirt™” locally and nationally focusing on veteran and all private landowners with chapters that manage and control their own funds. The AFC and its members are dedicated to the historical sport of falconry and the preservation of upland wildlife habitat and populations. Visit our website at www.falconryconservancy.org for more information.

To join QUWF, get involved, sponsor our work or open a chapter locally for upland wildlife and habitat restoration/ clean streams or the youth fishing teams, visit our web site at www.quwf.net or email calderman@quwf.net. QUWF is a proud member of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and an Endowment Partner with the College of the Ozarks and a partner with the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Preserve the Land and Clean Streams….Build the Habitat….Hunt and Fish for Generations” with QUWF® and the AFC™.