Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Turkey and Quail Stamps Support Habitat Conservation
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) continues to prioritize habitat development and management through the sale of turkey and quail stamps. These stamps not only support the conservation of their targeted species but also benefit a broader range of wildlife.
Having been in place for more than 30 years, the AGFC’s survey process for turkey and quail populations has recently been opened to public participation. Between June 1 and August 31, residents can report their sightings of turkey hens with poults and quail hens with chicks through the AGFC’s websites or the Survey123 app. This collaborative effort combines public input with data from wildlife biologists to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the birds’ numbers and reproduction success.
- The addition of public participation has been instrumental in identifying areas where populations are rebounding, according to AGFC Quail Program Coordinator Clint Johnson.
- For instance, the dry weather during recent nesting periods, coupled with targeted habitat projects by the AGFC, has contributed to larger broods of both quail and turkey.
- Davi Moscicki, the AGFC turkey program coordinator, emphasized that the availability of suitable habitats can significantly impact the recovery of populations, even in unfavorable weather conditions.
The stamp program allows individuals to support these conservation efforts by purchasing stamps priced at .50 each during license renewal. The funds raised directly go towards enhancing and managing eastern wild turkey and quail habitats. This habitat work not only benefits the target species but also supports a diverse range of other wildlife, including songbirds, pollinators, and white-tailed deer.
Successful projects undertaken through these funds include habitat work on public lands, which in the past has encompassed more than 7,000 acres. The collaborative effort extends beyond the AGFC, with organizations like the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Arkansas State Chapter and Quail Forever also contributing to the funds and initiatives. In total, these joint efforts have generated millions of dollars dedicated to habitat restoration and management projects across Arkansas.
Therefore, the participation in both the survey and the purchase of stamps plays a crucial role in advancing the conservation of these species and the habitats they inhabit.