Quail Country: December 2009

Profiling Quail Forever's efforts to restore bobwhite and other quail populations Quail Country: December 2009

Starting a Local Quail Forever Chapter

The best reason to start a Quail Forever chapter? Quail need your help! Quail Forever is the only national quail conservation organization where local chapters control 100 percent of their locally-raised funds. Quail Forever national provides chapters with this localized decision-making, while providing lean, low-overhead central administration.

How is a chapter formed?

Chapters are formed by committed groups that have an interest in seeing upland wildlife habitat improved. After initial consultation with Quail Forever, a group generates interest in an organizational meeting for their area through publicity and talking with associates and community leaders.

A Quail Forever Regional Wildlife Biologist will conduct the meeting/seminar. Although successful chapters have been established with fewer individuals, it is best to have 10-20 people at the initial meeting. Other individuals can be added later to this core of workers and potential officers. At a subsequent meeting, a board of directors is appointed, representing the area served by the chapter.

Who should be included?

All persons interested in upland wildlife. Where possible, involve business and professional people for organizational and financial expertise and for contacts in your community. Generally, a cross-section of individuals representing all segments of the community will ensure chapter success. Try to involve farmers, landowners, state wildlife biologists and local natural resource representatives as well.

What are the responsibilities of the chapters?

Chapters sign a charter agreement requiring them to hold one (1) annual fundraising event where Quail Forever membership is included in the ticket price to the event.

What is the distribution of money from chapter fundraising banquets and other events?

Chapters maintain control over the expenditure of 100 percent of the funds raised at all chapter events. The only money sent to the national office are those funds generated from the sale of Quail Forever memberships. These funds are used in part to provide members a subscription to the Quail Forever magazine, a membership decal and card. The remainder pays for administrative expenses like postage, printing, insurance, salaries and travel.

How do chapters typically spend their money?

Funds are typically spent on local habitat projects like upgrading existing Conservation Reserve Program acres, establishing quality nesting cover, managing edge cover, or tree thinning. These projects are done on either private or public lands. Chapters have also become involved in cost sharing the acquisition of public wildlife areas with agencies. Habitat planning and establishment is accomplished in close cooperation with professional biologists. Chapters may also choose to spend funds on youth education programs or contribute towards National legislative efforts directed at beneficial Farm Bill programs. Where possible, chapters dovetail funds through cost sharing with wildlife agencies. Funds may not be spent on stocking of pen-reared quail or predator control.

What does the National office provide?

The services of a Regional Wildlife Biologist for fundraising assistance and habitat planning advice. - Top quality Quail Forever merchandise at reduced prices
Legal and accounting services that minimize chapter reporting
Liability insurance for Quail Forever sponsored events
A seed program that provides free food plot seed and wholesale purchase prices for nesting mixes
Free lists and labels to chapters for all of their members
All IRS filings and compliance reporting

For more information about Quail Forever, please contact: Jim Wooley Director of Field Operations/Quail Forever (641) 774-2238 / jwooley@quailforever.org.

Return to On the Wing: December 2009