Habitat Management for Quail and Turkey

Wildlife management through habitat management has become increasingly popular in recent years for both hunters and non-hunters alike. Recreational use of natural resources are now at an all-time high thanks to education, understanding, and promotion of our valuable natural resources. Two birds that many landowners are interested in managing for are bobwhite quail and wild turkey. Both of these birds require diverse habitat, but each has very specific habitat requirements.

Native grasses are at the heart of quail and turkey management. Native grasses for better habitat can be promoted in several ways. More often than not, there is a seed bank within the soil that still contains viable seeds. Some light to moderate disking may encourage these native grass seeds to germinate. Of course, natural grass cover still will not happen over night. Immediately after disking, many low successional forbs (wild flowers and other) will flourish, then it will seem only noxious weeds, and then maybe two, three, or fours years later the manager will start to notice some new grass coming in. A big part of plant response depends on weather conditions. Continue reading Habitat Management for Quail and Turkey

Control Exotic Grasses for Better Habitat

Landowners interested in bobwhite quail populations are familiar with common quail habitat improvement practices. However, many overlook the management or conversion of exotic grass pastures. The control of non-native pasture grasses is highly recommended for persons wanting to manage for bobwhite quail. So what can you do to help quail on your property?

Herbicides, unfortunately, provide the only effective method for the control of exotic grasses. Complete removal of non-native grasses is desired for providing the best possible quail habitat, but often times this may be impossible to achieve. Depending on the situation, the best approach may be to selectively treat the worst spots on a periodic basis to maintain the majority of the site in a useable condition for quail. Continue reading Control Exotic Grasses for Better Habitat

Mountain Lion Stalking Elk Hunter

The hunters that head into elk country know that these animals inhabit rough country, along with the other wildlife species, such as mountain lions, that live there. There has been a photo circulating around the web of a mountain lion stalking an elk hunter. In the photo, the successful elk hunter apparently is not aware that a mountain lion is standing only a few feet behind him.

Here is the elk hunter’s description of the photo as it was forwarded around the world: “This is freaking scary. As you know I was alone when I downed this bull elk in North Dakota. I was using my camera’s timer attached to my shooting stick to give me enough time to get into the picture. I knew there were a lot of mountain lion sightings in the area but had no idea they would come in this close to people. He had to be within 10 feet of me and I didn’t even know it. I about crapped my pants when I looked at the pictures the next morning and saw he was there.”

Continue reading Mountain Lion Stalking Elk Hunter

Wildlife Management for Lunch Webinar Series

Every landowner interested in learning more about wildlife and habitat management should take advantage of these free classes. The Texas AgriLife Extension Service and Texas Wildlife Association are co?sponsoring lunch-based “Wildlife for Lunch” webinars every third Thursday of every month throughout 2011. It’s a fast and easy way to learn more about wildlife management and habitat management from anywhere. Wildlife for Lunch webinars provide sound, science-based wildlife management options delivered by experts to you in the comfort of your own home or office.

These webinars are an interactive way for you to participate while learning about the natural resources, whether it be waterfowl management or pond management! Each web-­?based seminar is fully interactive and allows you to engage the experts, make comments, and ask questions during the course of the presentation. ForestryWebinars.net is made possible through partnership with Texas AgriLife Extension Service, North Carolina State University Extension Forestry, and Southern Regional Extension Forestry Office. Continue reading Wildlife Management for Lunch Webinar Series