Six tips

Six habitat tips for sportsment

Late winter and spring are good times to get involved in outdoor projects. There are many things we can do as sportsmen to improve habitat for wildlife. Whether it’s installing food plots or something as simple as putting up duck boxes, we all can play a part in making our land more wildlife friendly. However, there are several factors to consider before you even break ground:

1. Partnerships: As you consider the type of habitat you want to create, check with neighboring landowners to possibly combine tracts. More people working toward one goal, and with more land, increases the opportunity for diverse and effective habitat.

2. Research: Several programs are available to aid sportsmen in creating habitat. The National Wild Turkey Federation’s Project HELP provide guidance for landowners managing and enhancing their land. The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service offers WHIP (Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program) to anyone interested in improving habitat on private land. Also, conservation-minded organizations such as Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever are always willing to work with landowners to improve wildlife habitat. Many of these organizations are willing to send representatives to meet with you to discuss which habitat improvements would best suit your land.

3. Plan: Decide which species you want to attract and research the needs of that particular animal. The more you know about an animal, the more apt you’ll be to provide the necessary habitat.

4. Populations: Every species has an ideal population ratio per amount of land. If you are creating habitat for whitetail deer, consider how many deer per square mile is considered a healthy population. Likewise with turkey, upland birds, and waterfowl.

5. Diversify: All wildlife has three basic needs: food, water, and shelter. A large tract of nothing but maple trees has nowhere near the benefits of a well-managed tract with maples, oaks, stands of aspen, a food plot or crop field, and a pond or stream.

6. Multiple Food Sources: Don’t rely on one food source to attract wildlife. Fruit-bearing and nut-producing trees do not provide year-round nourishment. Planting summer and winter crops is important. A variety will ensure food is available during all seasons.