Answer the Call

What is Answer the Call?

Answer the Call is an exciting partnership program emphasizing quail management throughout the United States. The Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), National Fish & Wildlife Foundation and Quail Unlimited, along with state wildlife agencies and other conservation groups, have teamed up to increase supplies of food, cover and water resulting in healthy quail and associated wildlife populations, increased recreational opportunities and increased cooperation. You can Answer the Call by getting involved with your local Forest Service or BLM office, Quail Unlimited chapter, or State Game and Fish Agencies. Find them through the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.

Answer the Call News:

MOU Signed with Quail Unlimited

Quail Unlimited and US Forest Service signed a MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) at the 2009 North American Wildlife & Natural Resources Conference. Hank Kashdan (USFS) and David Howell (QU) shake hands after signing the MOU. Gail Tunberg, USFS Answer the Call program coordinator assists.

Answer the Call 2008 Partnership Awards

Jay Cox recognized with National “Answer the Call” Volunteer Award Jay Cox, member of Patoka Hills (IN) Chapter of Quail Unlimited was presented the 2008 “Answer the Call” Award for an outstanding volunteer at Quail Unlimited’s National Convention in Springfield, MO. Jay has been an active coordinator for quail habitat improvement and restoration projects on the Hoosier National Forest. His projects include maintaining forest openings for quail forage, fire break construction, native grass restoration and removal of non-native fescue. Patoka Hills Chapter President, Jim Bardwell said, “Jay has been our go-to guy for project logistics involving equipment transport and repair. He really stepped up and plays an invaluable role in making sure the Chapter’s Answer the Call projects are completed.” Jim accepted the award on behalf of Jay. Answer the Call” is a partnership between the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Quail Unlimited and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation dedicated to cooperative projects that improve quail and upland game bird habitat across the nation.	Jim Bardwell (middle), Patoka Hills Chapter President accepting Answer the Call Volunteer award from Gail Tunberg, Answer the Call Program Coordinator (left) and Rocky Evans, Quail Unlimited President.
Gary Rotta recognized with National “Answer the Call” Award Gary Rotta, Wildlife Biologist on the Plumas National Forest, was presented the National “Answer the Call” Award at the 2008 Quail Unlimited National Convention in Springfield, Missouri. ‚nswer the Call” is a partnership program between the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Quail Unlimited and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The program promotes quail and upland game bird habitat management nationwide through cooperative projects. Gail Tunberg, National Coordinator for “Answer the Call”, and Rocky Evans, President of Quail Unlimited, presented the award in recognition of Gary’s career-long dedication and accomplishments in the management of quail habitat on the Plumas National Forest. Gary has been very successful throughout his 30+ year career in obtaining funding and implementing quail habitat improvement projects, water sources for quail and other wildlife, and being an agency advocate for quail conservation. "I want to thank my peers for nominating me and I accept this award on behalf of all Forest Service biologists who work hard each day doing habitat improvement work", Gary said.	Left to right: Gail Tunberg, Gary Rotta, Rocky Evans
Dave Zalunardo Recognized for Dedication to “Answer the Call” Partnership Dave Zalunardo, Pacific Northwest Regional Representative to the “Answer the Call” partnership was recognized for 14 years of exemplary service at Quail Unlimited’s National Convention in Springfield, MO. Quail Unlimited President Rocky Evans and National “Answer the Call” Program Coordinator, Gail Tunberg presented Dave with an engraved Henry Golden Boy rifle on behalf of the “Answer the Call” partnership, Forest Service wildlife biologists in the Pacific Northwest Region and Quail Unlimited. Dave plans to retire from the Forest Service this winter and spend his days hunting and fishing. All of us involved in “Answer the Call” join Rocky in saying, "Dave will certainly leave big shoes to fill, regarding our cooperative efforts with western quail species. Dave has always shown a true passion for his work with wildlife and the many programs that we have been mutually involved with. We wish him nothing but the best and I'm hopeful that our paths cross often". Thanks for all your efforts Dave!	Left to right: Rocky Evans, Dave Zalunardo, and Gail Tunberg

Answer the Call Success Story :: Shortleaf Symposium Paper In Press The fire-dependent shortleaf pine-bluestem ecological community had nearly disappeared by 1970. Today we can celebrate this great restoration success story from the Ouachita. The Answer the Call initiative was a key partner in the restoration. Quail Unlimited stepped in to fund implementation, monitoring and research from beginning to end. The Answer the Call Committee toured the project area a few years ago. Committee members were so impressed with the level of community involvement, integration of multiple staff areas, and commitment of the Forest toward this project that they agreed to continue funding shortleaf pine ecosystem restoration. At Quail Unlimited National Conventions, Larry Hedrick was presented the 2005 Answer the Call Distinguished Service Award. Warren Montague, Wildlife Biologist on the Poteau Ranger District received the same award in 2001. The entire Committee commends the employees of the Quachita for their efforts, their willingness to break new ground and to truly Answer the Call! Read all about it in the “in press” symposium paper. Shortleaf Pine-Bluestem Restoration in the Ouachita National Forest PDF 1.5 MB Full Story in USFS “Success Stories” database.

Caption: Redcockaded Woodpecker

Answer the Call 2007 Outstanding Service Award

2007 Answer the Call – Outstanding Service Award: Quail Unlimited Volunteer
Text adapted from ceremony. Presented at the July Quail Unlimited convention.

Dedicated. Efficient. Organized. Three characteristics describing the 2007 Quail Unlimited volunteer of the year, Robert Armijo, Habitat Chairman, San Gabriel Valley Chapter of QU, southern California. Robert consistently organized, and led, one of the most active Quail Unlimited volunteer programs in the West, if not the country. In just five years, 55 projects were successfully completed in partnership with the Forest Service adjacent to one of the largest metropolitan areas in the nation.

This chapter averages ten to twelve projects every year. Robert schedules a chapter project every month. Access to the project area is verified and required materials collected. He effectively motivates other chapter members and volunteers who help construct the projects. The social and economic impact of supporting upland habitat in a forest so close to a big city is difficult to calculate. But throughout fall and winter, hunters log thousands of hours in pursuit of quail and other wild game. Thanks to QU volunteers there are more opportunities for hunters and others to enjoy wildlife near an urban center.

Thanks to all the San Gabriel Valley Chapter volunteers for the hundreds of hours improving habitat for quail on national forests in southern California.

2007 Answer the Call – Excellence in Quail Habitat Stewardship
Text adapted from ceremony. Presented at the July Quail Unlimited convention.

Donna Bayless Ray is the 2007 Answer the Call – Habitat Stewardship award winner. In 1994, Donna successfully applied for the first “Answer the Call” grant in South Carolina; being funded every year for the past 12 years for a total of $107,000. The applications are so well done they serve as a national template. The results include: improving bobwhite habitat over thousands of acres crossing three ranger districts, tree thinning providing forest products, prescribed burning reducing fuels to protect rural communities, improving habitat for other wildlife such as wild turkey, white-tailed deer, and forest songbirds. Donna actively participates in collaborative planning efforts resulting in landscape scale habitat improvement across federal, state, and private land ownerships.
These relationships have fostered willingness for other partner groups to join the partnership to accomplish planned work. You may have seen her on a recent QU video talking about quail habitat management on national forests.	Donna Bayless Ray poses with award. Left to right: Corbin Newman (USFS/WO), Gail Tunberg (USFS/R3/USFS Answer the Call Program Coordinator, Donna Bayless Ray, and Donnie Buckland (QU).
Donna Bayless Ray poses with the Answer The Call committee. Left to right: Roger Wells (QU), Donna Bayless Ray, Rex Ennis (USFS/R8), Jina Mariani (USFS/WO), Gail Tunberg (USFS/R3/USFS Answer the call Program Coordinator, Corbin Newman (USFS/WO).

What benefits will we see from Answer the Call?

Quail are an important part of the National Forest animal communities. Hunters and onlookers enjoy 1.7 million "user" days worth over $32 million in pursuit of quail on National Forests. Improving habitat through Answer the Call means more quail, more hunting and viewing possibilities, and healthier plant and animal communities.

Why do we need to Answer the Call?

Six species of quail are found on 15 million acres of habitat on National Forests and Grasslands. Though quail are found in 44 states, many quail populations are declining because of habitat loss. Areas that once had many quail now have few. Food, water and cover are key components of quail habitat. When these are lost, quail populations decline, and the hunter or quail enthusiast loses the chance to take part in the thrill of the covey flush or early morning covey call. The six species on National Forests and Grasslands are

• Northern Bobwhite
• Montezuma
• Mountain
• California
• Gambel's
• Scaled

Why is the Forest Service interested in Answer the Call?

With 15 million acres of quail habitat on National Forests and Grasslands, the Forest Service is a major manager of quail habitat in the United States. Our quail management combines with our other agency management responsibilities, including recreation, timber, water, and forage.

Why is Quail Unlimited interested in Answer the Call?

Quail Unlimited is the leading national non-profit organization dedicated to improving the environment for quail and other upland gamebirds. These goals are achieved through comprehensive habitat management, research, and public education programs through the national organization and its nationwide network of local chapters.

How does Answer the Call work?

Started in 1988, Answer the Call is a partnership program between Quail Unlimited, the Forest Service, BLM, NFWF and other organizations benefiting quail habitat on National Forests. Over 100,000 acres of habitat were improved over the first four years under the auspices of Answer the Call, but more needs to be done!

• Strengthen Quail Unlimited chapter involvement - linking chapters with local Forest Service and BLM offices.
• Increase the awareness of quail habitat needs - improve understanding within the Forest Service, BLM and the public.

So How Can You Help?

Join conservation organizations like Quail Unlimited, or if you are already a member, stay in touch with QU through your local chapter, State Council chairman, regional director or Quail Unlimited's national office. You or your QU chapter representative should contact your local Forest Service office to get involved and Answer the Call! Contact your local Forest Service or BLM office.

Fore more information contact:

USDA Forest Service
Gail Tunberg
Wildlife Program Leader & Answer the Call Program Coordinator
Southwestern Region
333 Broadway Blvd SE
Albuquerque, NM 87102
505-842-3262


Adam Rich
Stanislaus NF - Summit RD
209-965-3434
Pacific Southwest ATC program coordinator
Contact/Coordinator for 2008 ATC Partnership Awards
USFS Coordinator for Quail Unlimited Convention (pre-convention logistics)

Quail Unlimited
PO Box 610
Edgefield, SC 29824
PH. 803.637.5731

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