TWRA tried a quail reintroduction but things have changed a lot since the days they used to fly free in Tennessee.
The fescue replacing the native grasses are a big factor but also modern “Clean Farming” had a large effect.
Back in the day farming equipment was not as efficient as today. Tractors cut more corners and plowed further away from tree lines and ditches. This left long strips of prime habitat for quail. Today batwing bushhogs and modern disk sets can turn earth right up to a field edge and the use of herbicides prevents the growth of grasses that used to reseed themselves each spring but at a loss of crops.
LIke Girlangler said, you can order eggs and raise quail. www.mcmurrayhatchery.com is one source. I buy my Chickens form them and can vouch for their reliability and service.
http://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/category/quail_eggs.html
I vouch for McMurray Hatchery, too. I’ve raised up close to 300 hens in the past 10 years, and they have always given me healthy, sturdy, disease-free chicks. And they’re so CUTE! :)
Not adding any new ones this year; of the 50 I did last year, I only lost ONE this winter, and she was a really old hen.
Got three ‘accidental roosters’ that are finding their way into my stew pot in a few weeks, though. ;)