releasing quail

Since you said "stay asleep" I assume you are using the method of pressing on the back of the neck to interupt brain blood flow. This is the best method. I have very good luck with it, but have done it a lot, and take the extra time. swinging to dizzy is very hit and miss.

I hold the pressure until just as the eye lids flutter, or the head starts to drop. Then drop the bird, head down in the weeds. A good clump of weeds, with bare ground, or short grass around it, helps. They feel they are in a safer place, than ant direction they move. (Ask me how I know what a bird feels). This isn't the best training cover for flushing dogs, but is fine for pointing breeds. In heavy cover, they are more likely to move, but Quail seldom move a lot in the first 30 minutes.

I have also had good luck releasing even fairly wild birds by opening a cage and letting them walk out. The key, here, seems to be having the cage at the very edge, or slightly into the brush. Any trees, nearby sure seem to draw them to fly, however. You've probably noticed that.

I'll add that especially with pointing dogs, a remote release launchers (or three) is the best investment you ca make. I prefer the DT Systems launcher because the have no plastic parts to break, are easy to load and quiet. They also have a beeper to locate them, just in case you work past dusk, or in heavy cover. Launchers can be used for flushing dogs to encourage pups to enter heavier cover than they might like.

Good luck, and welcome again.