Decherd, Tennessee - Quail and dove hunters and wildlife habitat conservationists have formed the 10th Quail Forever chapter in Tennessee, the Southern Middle Tennessee Dove and Quail Forever chapter. The new chapter, based out of CoffeeCounty, is focused on improving bobwhite quail habitat and improving youth hunter recruitment.

Jerry Smith, of Shelbyville, is the banquet chairperson for the new Southern Middle Tennessee Dove and Quail Forever chapter, and he's noticed the downward trend of local quail populations. "We're a group of passionate hunters who love pursuing quail and dove," explained Smith, "And we know that in order to have any sustainable populations of our favorite game birds, there has to be proper habitat on the ground."

In order to have a long term impact on local quail habitat and populations, the Southern Middle Tennessee Dove and Quail Forever chapter knows it must intertwine habitat work with the implementation of youth conservation education. "There is going to be a lot of activity centered on getting younger generations involved," said Tim Caughran, Quail Forever's Regional Wildlife Biologist in Tennessee, "That's the only way you continue the southern tradition of quail hunting."

"That's why we joined Quail Forever's cause," Smith said, "They know habitat work is first, but it's just as important to involve the next generation of outdoorsmen and women."Tennessee's 10th Quail Forever chapter joins Quail Forever's national No Child Left Indoors®initiative to get youth and families back outdoors. The chapter looks to play its part in the effort through youth mentor hunts and outdoor conservation days.

Southern Middle Tennessee Dove and Quail Forever
Like only its Pheasants Forever counterpart, Quail Forever provides its local chapters the ability to decide how 100 percent of their fundraised dollars are spent. This local control gives chapters and members the ability to make things happen for wildlife in their communities, while belonging to a national organization advocating for wildlife and conservation in policy discussions in Washington, D.C.

* The Southern Middle Tennessee Dove and Quail Forever chapter has elected Bob White of Manchester as president; Fred Fann, Sr., of Bradyville as treasurer; and Chris Wolkonowski of Winchester as habitat chair.
* The Southern Middle Tennessee Dove and Quail Forever chapter holds meetings on the first Tuesday of every month at Shoney's in Manchester, Tennessee.
* The Southern Middle Tennessee Dove and Quail Forever chapter will hold its first annual banquet on Friday, October, 29th. For tickets and more information, contact Jerry Smith at (931) 684-8726 / Email Jerry.

Tennessee is home to 10 Quail Forever chapters. For more information on Quail Forever in Tennessee, contact Tim Caughran at Tim Caughran at (618) 467-2586 / Email Tim.