We tested three hypotheses: (1) deer prefer to browse on L. We tested such an effect by examining rates at which white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus Zimmermann) consume Amur honeysuckle, an invasive shrub, relative to native woody species across eight forested sites in southwestern Ohio. We encorage you to follow the link and take advantage of this great resource.Selective browsing by abundant, generalist herbivores on preferred species could allow less-preferred invasive species to flourish. QDMA is a huge resource for managing deer and other wildlife on your proeprty. Pictures in this Aticle were provided by Quality Deer Management Association. Enjoy your land, manage your timber, deer and other wildlife and be a great steward! We would encourage you to get out on your land and try these ideas to enhance your property at whatever level you feel comfortable. High Quality Deer BrowseĪll this is part of being a good steward of the land and, for me, provides great satisfaction and enjoyment. Many of these things can be implemented by the landowner and are not expensive. Every property is different and will require its own special prescriptions and plans. Good roads enhance timber sales, access for recreation and enjoyment, provide openings for wildlife, firebreaks and a whole host of positive features to improve the land and the landowner experience. I am also a great believer in a great road system. Strategic placement of game patches, fruit and mast producing trees, harvest and burns all play a role in available summer food sources for deer browsing. The above tools are utilized in achieving desired outcomes and goals. Grassy openings left un-mowed and natural until early fall.A variety of oaks and fruit trees are recommended. Disking/harrowing of targeted areas at appropriate time of year.Application of various seed and food source.Chemical applications to control targeted vegetation.Irregular shape harvest blocks, block size and staggered harvest blocks.Management Tools, Applications and Techniques for Natural food & Habitat Depending on goals, there are many tools, applications and techniques we can use to achieve the landowner’s goals. Our goal is to understand the landowner’s goals and tailor a specific plan to accomplish just that. Many of our clients want timber income while maximizing deer and other wildlife potential for recreation on their property. We can even manage timber in a manner to target certain wildlife species. Slightly tweaking forest managing to emphasize wildlife can enhance s your deer population. Simply managing your forest for timber production does provide some benefit to wildlife. Management Tools to Enhance Natural Browse Prescribed Back Burn Stimulates High Protein Deer Browse Over time, you should begin to see an increase in antler development, body weight and a whole host of additional benefits for the wildlife population. With a more open canopy and more sunlight on the forest floor, you will notice more forage for deer to browse. The proper mix of the right varieties will greatly enhance your forest ecosystem and your forest will become alive with activity. All wildlife utilize these as natural browse and habitat. Sunlight is essential for the many varieties of forbs, legumes and wildflowers to thrive. A stand of timber that has a closed canopy of timber shades the forest floor. Managing your forest significantly improves growth, quality and quantity of your timber and wildlife. Prescribed Burn Leaving Blocks of Excellent Deer Browse This applies to timber income production and quantity and quality of wildlife. However, you are probably not realizing the maximum benefit from your investment. You can certainly still enjoy your land and have great recreational value. Timber will also grow and often times quite well. A forest that is unmanaged will certainly have many species of wildlife. Natural woodlands habitat comes in many shapes and forms. All wildlife species will thrive with proper management of high value browse and food supplements. Antler development is beginning, and a healthy buck will certainly grow a better rack. Is your wildlife population getting the best natural food during the warmer months? Hopefully you have provided good winter forage for your deer population and summer browse and forage is beginning to emerge.
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