Dallas -

Quail Unlimited Chapters from across the state of Texas announced that they have unilaterally resigned from Quail Unlimited following prolonged issues with the national organization based in Edgefield, South Carolina. The Texas Region has historically been the largest region for QU and has been responsible for as much as 30% of QU's national fundraising. For several years the Texas Chapters have been critical of administrative overhead and fund allocation by National QU. The alienation was compounded by continuing financial and leadership turmoil and reduction in services at QU.

On November 18, the Chairman of the Texas Council of Quail Unlimited, Tim Connolly of Wichita Falls announced his resignation from the Quail Unlimited Board of Directors. Connolly a non-paid director has been involved with quail conservation in the state for over 20 years and a vocal advocate for reform at QU.

"QU has some major financial issues and I wouldn't attribute all of their problems to the economy. A series of bad decisions has lead to the situation they are in today." Connolly said "Financial burdens weighing on QU include commitments to employee retirement plans, loans on the headquarters building from holding national events over the past four to five years and continuing to pay a staff of 24 employees."

Concurrent with the dissolution of the Texas QU Chapters, the leadership of each chapter voted unanimously to create Quail Coalition, Inc. The process of incorporation was well underway by Park Cities Quail; the Dallas based nonprofit who withdrew from QU in June '09. The group formed a Texas corporation and has applied for 501(c)3 status. Quail Coalition, Inc. anticipates 501(c)3 approval in mid-January and will be governed by a statewide group of volunteer directors.

"We are excited to be a part of Quail Coalition" said Joe Crafton, Chairman of Park Cities Quail. "We will start with over 3,000 committed quail hunters across Texas and leadership that has proven to be the most committed and accomplished among all sportsman conservation groups" "The money we have raised has been used here in Texas for non profits such as the Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch. It has already made a difference" "This is a much better model. Our members have been very clear, more for quail conservation, less for administrative overhead."

Effective December 24, 2009, Texas Regional Director Chip Martin of Anson, TX resigned from QU and accepted the position of Director of Development for The Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch in Roby, TX. www.quailresearch.org The Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch has agreed to support the Quail Coalition chapters with administrative support, newsletters etc.. Martin said "This is a group of incredibly generous and dedicated people who have been fighting for the future of this great

tradition. Now that all the money will be staying in the state and go directly to quail research, habitat improvements and education, I am convinced, we will be in a better position to raise money and accomplish our mission." "To sustain and restore huntable wild quail populations, to encourage and educate interested youth and to celebrate our quail hunting heritage in this region."

All previous members of Texas QU chapters will be entitled to immediate membership in the Quail Coalition. Membership renewal periods will coincide with the annual banquets held by each chapter. More information is available at www.quailcoalition.org

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