I joined the group because it claimed to be a conservation society, it was headquartered in Edgefield, SC, just across the river from Augusta, and I thought that a local organization in quail country would be the way to go. The organization claimed:
Quail Unlimited® is a non-profit conservation organization dedicated to the wise use and management of America's wild quail, doves, upland game birds and other forms of wildlife.
Unhappily, for the three years I've been a member, there have been rumors of inefficiency and mis-management that I could never get the straight story on. The latest magazine obliquely acknowledges some problems by claiming now to be on the right path, but does not explain what they were. The Edgefield headquarters has been sold, and the group now is organized in Traverse City, Michigan, a beautiful town in the upper midwest (the upper pinkie of the Michigan mitten to be more precise).
The latest issue of the magazine certainly looks promising, with this beautiful cover. The photo essay "Wings Afield" is nicely composed and beautifully printed. Photos of old Parker shotguns by Athens, Ga photographer Terry Allen make you want to cash in your 401(k) and buy one. There's an article on a repeating shotgun written by the always persuasive smaller-gauge specialist Bill Hanus.
The new magazine is nicely produced on heavier paper stock.
I took a look at what sort of managerial changes were made in the reorganization. I cannot tell from the names how the changes will resolve QU's problems. The Chairman of the Board remains the same, Cameron Harris. But there seem to be fewer executives and directors in the new organization. Let's wish QU well in its efforts to preserve, protect, and advance the sport of upland bird hunting.
There are fewer directors and executives in the new QU.
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