
The Georgia Giant Bobwhite Quail: A Unique and Majestic Gamebird
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Bobwhite quail are one of the most popular game birds in the United States, and for good reason. They are fast, flighty, and provide a challenging hunt for sportsmen. However, did you know that there is a unique subspecies of bobwhite quail found in the state of Georgia that is larger and more majestic than the standard bobwhite?
This subspecies is known as the Georgia Giant Bobwhite Quail.
The Georgia Giant Bobwhite Quail is native to the state of Georgia and is found in the piney woods and savannas of the southern coastal plain. This subspecies is larger than the standard bobwhite, with a more robust body and longer tail feathers. It also has a distinctive call that sets it apart from its standard counterpart. The call is deeper and more melodic, making it easier to locate in the field.
One of the reasons the Georgia Giant Bobwhite Quail is so unique is its habitat. Unlike the standard bobwhite, which is found in grassy fields and agricultural land, the Georgia Giant Bobwhite Quail is found in the dense pine forests and savannas of the southern coastal plain. This habitat provides the bird with ample cover and a diverse food source, which helps to support its larger size.
In addition to their unique habitat and call, the Georgia Giant Bobwhite Quail is also known for its hardiness. This subspecies is able to withstand the hot, humid summers of the southern coastal plain, as well as the cold, wet winters. This makes it a popular game bird for hunters, who can hunt it year-round.
The Georgia Giant Bobwhite Quail is also popular with bird hunters because of its exceptional taste. This subspecies has a rich, gamey flavor that sets it apart from other game birds. This, combined with its size and hardiness, makes it a popular bird for hunting lodges and hunting clubs in the southern coastal plain.
How to Care for Georgia Giant Bobwhites
Whether you’re raising them for sport, meat, or conservation, here’s how to keep your Georgia Giants happy and healthy:
🏠 Housing
Give them plenty of space—they’re larger than standard bobwhites and don’t like to feel crowded.
Add brush, cover, or artificial hides inside pens to mimic their natural pine-forest habitat.
Wire flooring with sand or pine shavings works well for easy cleanup.
🍽️ Feed & Nutrition
Chicks: Start on a 28–30% protein game bird starter for strong growth.
Adults: Switch to a 20–22% protein game bird feed once mature.
Treats like millet sprays, greens, and bugs keep them active and entertained.
💧 Water
Provide clean, fresh water daily—quail dehydrate fast!
Use shallow chick waterers at first to prevent accidents.
🐣 Breeding & Eggs
Georgia Giants lay tiny white eggs—don’t be fooled by their size!
Give hens nesting spots with hay or grass to encourage laying.
Best fertility comes from small breeding groups (1 male : 3–5 females).
🪶 Flight Conditioning
For release or hunting preserves, raise them in long flight pens (50–100 ft.).
Flight conditioning builds strong muscles, sharp instincts, and survival skills.
In conclusion, the Georgia Giant Bobwhite Quail is a unique and majestic game bird that is native to the state of Georgia. With its distinctive call, habitat, and hardiness, this subspecies provides sportsmen with a challenging and rewarding hunt. Whether you are an experienced bird hunter or just starting out, the Georgia Giant Bobwhite Quail is a bird that should not be missed.