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The state is set to release a number of quail into two wildlife management areas within city limits beginning later this week, which could be a delight to small game hunters across the area.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Fish and Wildlife will release the quail in the Bevans Wildlife Management Area on Shaws Mill Road and the Menantico Ponds Wildlife Management Area on Ferry Road.
The stocking begins Friday and Saturday, and will continue each Saturday through October.
Altogether, the DEP will release a total of 880 quail in 11 wildlife management areas throughout the state. The quail and pheasant season officially begins Nov. 9.
The purpose of the stocking is for dog training. Hunters are permitted to train dogs at any wildlife management area from Sept. 1 until April 30.
“It’s something families like to do,” said Bob Considine, a DEP spokesman. “It’s part of the small hunting season. It’s an annual rite of passage.”