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 Yell
County
Managing Lands for Wildlife
It is a goal of many landowners and land managers to increase the value of
their land as a wildlife habitat. Habitat primarily consists of food sources,
water, and cover. In order to improve habitat value, it is important to
recognize the need for providing each habitat component for all targeted
wildlife species throughout the entire year.
Establishing food plots that are beneficial to wildlife, insuring accessible
water sources, and monitoring and managing populations are some of the major
tools of wildlife management, and must be used in combination if excellent
habitat is to be provided. It is also necessary for wildlife managers to
implement sound management practices such as prescribed burning, hay harvest,
and bushhogging in a timely fashion so that they may benefit rather than harm
desired wildlife populations.
Establishment of wildlife food plots is a popular and important habitat
management practice. Food plots can provide high quality nutrients for several
species at times when other food sources are scarce or of low nutritive value.
These food plots can also be a tremendous asset for the wildlife manager in
evaluating game quality, locating travel corridors, and aiding in population
management. Food plots should be established near cover and water to encourage
animals to use the area.
Successful food plot establishment hinges upon having a well planned approach
that matches the goals and resources of the landowner and meets the needs of the
wildlife. Establishing goals and identifying available resources must be the
first step in the wildlife management plan. Secondly, the wildlife manager
should attain land and soil data through aerial maps, soil surveys, soil
testing, topographical maps, and scouting the area. Data collection is of utmost
importance in locating the best sites for food plots. Another important aspect
of food plot management is providing a variety of crops and planting large
enough plots so as to avoid overuse and graze-out by deer or other wildlife.
After suitable sites of sufficient size and location have been determined,
you should begin ordering and gathering planting supplies (seed, fertilizer,
lime, etc) and locating implements and equipment such (no-till drill, tractor,
disk, drag, etc). This should be done well in advance of the planting season.
The final step in successful food plot establishment is timely planting of the
crop using excellent agronomic practices which include soil preparation,
amending the soil, proper seed placement and controlling weed pressure.
A basic summary of the steps to follow in establishing food plots are:
- Evaluate sites and soil types to determine crop suitability and plot
placement.
- Soil test, then incorporate fertilize and lime into soil according to
soil test results.
- Order seed, innoculant, and other planting supplies.
- Prepare a tilled or partially-tilled seedbed and firm the seedbed by
dragging/rolling.
- Plant seed to proper depth & insure good seed-soil contact.
- Evaluate crop stands, fertilize and control weed competition as needed.
The County Extension office can provide assistance to wildlife managers and
landowners by 1) Providing free educational materials and programs, 2) Providing
soil testing services 3) Making planting and land management recommendations,
and 4) Assisting in site evaluations.
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