Inprove Habitat?

[LanceS4803]

Over the last few years, I have noticed that the turkeys have slowly moved North off the property (300 acres) onto the neighbors property.
Now, talking to the neighbor, they have only seen 4 turkeys this year. I hear then gobbling at dawn in their usual spot.
Our flocks used to number in the dozens.
Habitat has not changed in the woods, but about 20 acres of the 40 acres that were cut fields are now growing over. The number of cattle on the neighbors property hasn't changed.

I read anewspaper article that talked about owners that "thinned their timber and burned and were serious about predator control" saw dramatic improvement in turkey populations. I've taken a few coyotes and we certainley don't see/hear as many anymore.

Now, how about some more info about the thinning and burning?

 

[REN]

To late to burn now but thinking and burning is fantastic for all wildlife as well as forestry. If you have to ability to do it or can afford to do it then you absolutely should


Joshua 24:15
"But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."


Sent from my phone sucka

 

[catman529]

Turkeys love a burn. You should keep some thick stuff for nesting but I imagine that some grown up fields would also harbor a lot of predators, particularly nest raiders like coons. I'm no expert though. I have just observed these things in my own experience


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[MickThompson]

It's not too late to burn yet, but getting there. If you haven't made any preparations yet, it's probably too late to get started now. I prefer to burn as late as possible in the spring, but prior to nest initiation. Sometimes that's a balancing act to get the weather conditions you need when you can get out and do it. Thinning can be done year-round though. If I am planning to burn woods, I don't do it until after I have thinned though. Otherwise the needed sunlight can't get in. I generally thin S and W faces heavier, and N and E faces more lightly. Release your good mast producers by killing their neighbors. I prefer hack and squirt or basal bark treatments. As the dead trees fall, they create great nesting sites. The understory grows up into good brooding cover. Grown up fields can be burned every 2-4 years for good brood cover as well, and kill the fescue underneath, too.

I recommend you work with a professional. Fire can be dangerous, just like a chainsaw, herbicides, or a tractor, so learn from someone who is experienced with it. Tn Division of Forestry will burn for a fee, but they may be restrained by their wildfire responsibilities.

 

[timberghost35]

Turkeys love a burn. You should keep some thick stuff for nesting but I imagine that some grown up fields would also harbor a lot of predators, particularly nest raiders like coons. I'm no expert though. I have just observed these things in my own experience


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Turkeys will shy away from grown up fields if possible. Like you stated, too many yotes, bobcats, coons, etc.. I have seen an area holding 2 or 3 gobblers a year every year with the only field nearby being planted in wheat or even just kept low. Last year, they let the field grow up in brush and junk, and the birds wouldn't even come close to it. I have seen birds walk the edges if it is a pretty good size trail left, but they would rather it not be there period in my opinion.