All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Gov. Justice and WV DNR announce five-year project to restore Bobwhite Quail to West Virginia

Gov Jim Justice
Gov Jim Justice

CHARLESTON, WV – Gov. Jim Justice announced today that the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is beginning a five-year project to restore northern bobwhite quail to the state. This bird is a native species and once was found across West Virginia, but the winters of 1977, 1978, and 1979 devastated the bobwhite quail in West Virginia.

“There’s no question we’ve lost favorable habitat to quail over the last several decades, however, there is still a significant amount of habitat for quail to flourish by starting this reintroduction program,” Gov. Justice said. “Over the next few years, we’re going to work so that our folks can once again hear that familiar bobwhite whistle.”

At the urging of Gov. Justice, the DNR is working on a restoration project at the Tomblin Wildlife Management Area in Logan County enhancing habitat that will sustain bobwhite quail. Much of that work has been completed, and the DNR is working closely with the Texas Parks and Wildlife agency on this project.

Last week 48 birds were captured in Texas and released at the Tomblin WMA. Transmitters have been placed on some of the quail to monitor survival and habitat use.

“The DNR is charged with maintaining and protecting West Virginia’s Wildlife, committing staff and resources to help restore a species that has been in dramatic decline for over 40 years fits right into our mission,” said DNR Director Stephen McDaniel. “Sportsmen and women in this state are lucky to have a Governor that continues to support those efforts.

“He asked me to look into the possibility of restoring bobwhite quail in West Virginia a couple of years ago so we started working with our friends in Texas to put something together, but the weather never seemed to cooperate until now. We are really excited to get this project underway and the Tomblin WMA is a great place to start,” Director McDaniel added.

“We are already providing habitat management resources in the area for our Elk restoration efforts that will benefit these birds as well,” he said. “In the future wouldn’t it be great if you were able to see both Elk and Quail on a visit to southern West Virginia?”

“Most game biologists know that the wild populations of quail have been greatly diminished in West Virginia,” said Michael Peters, DNR Game Bird and Small Game Project Leader. “With the support of Gov. Justice, we have the interest, financial backing, and support that will allow this long-term, management-intensive project to succeed.”

Peters estimates it will take several years to see if this project is successful, although the goal is a self-sustaining population. In the meantime, the information the DNR gathers from this project may allow staff to help private landowners and small farmers to manage bobwhite on their own properties.

“It’s kind of neat when you start talking to the older generation. The bobwhite whistle is one of the most common calls they remember,” Peters said. “When we get into this project, it would be nice in the years to come if folks all across West Virginia can hear the pleasant bobwhite whistle again in the Mountain State.“

Share this story:

RECENT Stories

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for May 15, 2025

It’s a busy week in Buckhannon, with the West Virginia Strawberry Festival in town all weekend!

Webb Grubb Day pays tribute to longtime Buckhannon law enforcement leader Virgil Miller

The eighth annual Webb Grubb Day honored the late Virgil Miller, former Buckhannon Police Chief and five-term Upshur County Sheriff, for his decades of dedicated law enforcement service to the community.

Klie Law Offices marks 20 years of fierce advocacy across West Virginia and Ohio

Klie Law Offices celebrated its 20th anniversary, highlighting its growth from a small rural firm to a four-city legal advocate known for aggressive, client-focused representation in West Virginia and Ohio.

City of Buckhannon prohibits smoking and vaping at West Virginia Strawberry Festival

The City of Buckhannon has banned smoking, vaping and all tobacco use in public areas during the West Virginia Strawberry Festival, with violators subject to fines.

Buckhannon reactivates emergency siren system, issues guidelines for use

The Buckhannon Fire Department, in partnership with local police and emergency management, has reactivated its fire siren system to warn downtown residents and visitors of emergencies such as severe weather or life-threatening incidents.

Denver Junior Carpenter

Denver Junior Carpenter, 80, a retired State Road worker and longtime Buckhannon resident known for his love of auctions and the outdoors, died May 14 at St. Joseph’s Hospital, survived by his wife and family.

Baseball Bucs shake off loss to Wheeling Park to stay alive in regional tournament with 5-4 win over John Marshall

The Buckhannon-Upshur baseball team survived elimination in the Region I tournament with a 5-4 win over John Marshall, overcoming a late rally and advancing to another must-win game against Wheeling Park.

Eight B-UMS track athletes headed to the “Best of the Best: WV Middle School State Meet”

Eight Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School track athletes qualified for the inaugural Best of the Best: WV Middle School State Meet in Huntington after standout performances and school record-breaking achievements during a successful season.

Buckhannon to host 18th annual Friendly Way Day honoring retired firefighters Jim Gregory and Brian Hollen

Buckhannon will celebrate its 18th annual Friendly Way Day on May 16 by honoring retired firefighters Jim Gregory and Brian Hollen, adding their names to the city’s Red Wall and Buddy Bench for outstanding service.

This week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars: Jack Waggy and Avery Hamer

Jack Waggy, a senior track athlete, and Avery Hamer, a sophomore softball player, have been recognized as this week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars for their standout performances representing Buckhannon-Upshur.

Tens of thousands expected for 83rd West Virginia Strawberry Festival

Thousands of visitors are expected to attend the fairytale-themed 83rd West Virginia Strawberry Festival, which organizers say brings significant economic benefits and community pride to Buckhannon.

Sentencing for former Buckhannon mayor delayed until June

The sentencing of former Buckhannon mayor David McCauley, who pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography, has been postponed until June to allow further review of evidence by federal prosecutors.