Recovery and Economics of Pen-reared Bobwhites in North-central Texas

A total of2,l89 pen-reared northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) was banded and released when 14 weeks old on a hunting club in north-central Texas from May 1984 through February 1985. Recovery of banded birds released during the 5 months preceding the hunting season was 7.5%, whereas 38.6% of birds released during the first 3 months of the hunting season were recovered compared to 55.4% of those released during the last 2 months. Release of birds just prior to the hunt decreased the cost per bird recovered to $6.5 as compared to $18.65 for birds released 14 days before the hunt.