EP. 211: Prescribed Fire for Bobwhite Quail

Bobwhite quail have long been known as a “fire bird,” because of their positive population response to habitat improved through fire management. In this episode, host Bob St.Pierre is joined by three PF & QF employees for a conversation covering the science and art of using prescribed fire as a wildlife habitat management tool for bobwhite quail. The trio includes Missouri State Coordinator Andrew White, Missouri Prescribed Fire Coordinating Wildlife Biologist Wes Buchheit, and Missouri Habitat Specialist Crew Leader Dylan Jacobs. Episode Highlights: • White describes the importance of early successional habitat for bobwhite quail and explains how fire is utilized to maintain the integrity of grasslands as an ecosystem. • In a fascinating sequence, Jacobs equates prescribed fire to an artform, his drip torch to a paint brush, and a natural landscape to a canvas. • Buchheit explains how QF’s efforts to embrace fire through government policy, partnerships, and public education are turning the tide for the state’s quail populations. • Each participant also puts in words of support for their favorite bird dog breed during this month’s Bird Dogs for Habitat campaign. They also debate whether or not the Simpson’s dog, “Santa’s Little Helper,” is a vizsla.