Quail conservationists seek young protégés
The Missouri Quail Academy teaches cadets all they need to know to win
the Battle of the Bobwhite.
2/20/2006
JEFFERSON CITY-Every army needs a training ground for new leaders. That is
why the ranks of Missourians who want to bring back the bobwhite quail
founded the Missouri Quail Academy. For the select few chosen to attend the
week-long training, it is learning by immersion. And for a few chaperones it
is a chance to earn college credit while fostering the next generation of
conservationists.
The academy is a joint effort of Quail Unlimited and the Missouri Department
of Conservation. This year, it will be offered twice, June 11 through 16 at
Central Methodist College in Fayette and June 18 through 23 at Central
Missouri State University in Warrensburg. There is room for 25 cadets and
two chaperones in each session, and applications are due by March 15.
Quail cadets get crash courses in quail biology, behavior and management.
The learning isn't all ivory-tower stuff, though. They spend time outdoors
looking at quail habitat and seeing quail management in action. They even
learn leadership and communications skills needed to organize effective
quail campaigns when they return home.
The Missouri Quail Academy has opportunities for adult educators, too.
Teachers who serve as "covey leaders" learn alongside their youthful
counterparts, earning two hours of college credit in the process.
Getting into the academy is not easy. To qualify, applicants must be
high-school sophomores or juniors who have demonstrated a strong interest in
wildlife and wildlife management. They also must have a minimum grade-point
average of 2.5 and complete a hunter-education course before entering the
academy.
Detailed information and application forms are available from high-school
guidance counselors, science teachers or vocational agriculture instructors,
or online at www.missouriconservation.org/programs/academy/. You also can
call Quail Unlimited Regional Director Jef Hodges, (660) 885-7057.
Successful applicants will be notified by April 15.
-Jim Low-
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