There were so few quail around our area here in western Victoria during the season that if anyone saw some, let alone shot some, it was talked about. We shot about 8 for the whole season.

We were out spotlighting for foxes on friday night and saw about 40! We were out shooting rabbits to-day and on the way home, we came around through a friend's farm and checked out three stubbles still around. One is a self seeding barley crop and is doing OK despite the lack of rain. Saw about ten quail there.

In one pretty well grazed stubble with some green coming through, saw another dozen or so. And in the last paddock of about 640 acres, we put up probably another dozen as we drove across it.

Is anyone else starting to see a few birds? I would guess most areas would be holding more than during the season.

And although the rain fall is well below average, there are plenty of blackies and woodies around on the dams, channels and Wimmera River. Quite a few pairs of Mountains too.

I suppose there'd be more over around the central part of the state and Gippsland as there has been more rain there?

Let's hope for good seasons next year.

No wonder their coming back; Peter Beatie has permantly a closed season on the little beggars