I would have to suggest contacting your local DNR officer and see what he thinks about stocking an area. I would also go check the website www.qu.org This website is very informative about the habitat that quail need to survive and raise their young. I don't believe that it could be the weather because I live in Northeast Nebraska and we have quail, but not a large population. This year they really seemed to make a rebound compared to the last five years.

Good Luck and Happy Hunting