Articles

LEARN HOW TO BEST PLANT WARM SEASON FOOD PLOTS

One of the most common mistakes in food plot plantings and farming for wildlife is improper timing relative to the crop and the region. For example the growing period for warm season annuals can vary pretty widely across the nation. The northernmost part of the states and on into Canada could have as little as 4-5 months of temperatures conducive to growing spring/summer crops. This is all dependent on how quickly the winter snow melts and soil temperatures rise as well as when the first hard

UNDERSTANDING WILD TURKEYS: A CLOSER LOOK

Nothing triggers a turkey hunter into fitful dreams and self-imposed sleep deprivation like bushy beards, lusty gobbles and limb-hanger spurs. However, understanding wild turkeys and some parts of their anatomy—beaks, feet, legs and yes, the coveted spurs, are worthy of a closer look at how they function in the species’ survival. This column will discuss their structure and roles. Important insight is included from wild turkey expert and researcher, Dr. Michael J. Chamberlain, PhD., Terrell

WILD TURKEYS WINTER TO SPRING TRANSITION

The “winter to spring transition” and its affect on flock dynamics. Whether wild turkeys have survived winter’s bitter cold, a balmier southern version, or something in between, Nature’s promise of winter’s end triggers big changes in turkey flocks. Habitat and forage needs also evolve as the next season approaches and turkeys prepare for every turkey hunter’s happiest time of year—spring! This issue’s column discusses how turkeys alter their social behaviors, flock dynamics, and ranges in

WINTER EFFECTS ON WILD TURKEYS

Winter Flock Gatherings Huge winter flocks (think deer “yarding”) are not uncommon in colder climes. I watched as a Kentucky flock of more than 150 roosted birds scattered across a hardwood hillside as they cackled and glided into a protected valley below. What an incredible and noisy affair. The same occurred in Tennessee and Iowa. The image here shows part of a large Alabama winter flock of 66 birds. What’s with these big turkey rendezvous? There was forage available, but with all the

LIMITING TRESPASSING

Temptation to cross onto property without permission can be caused by many factors. As the landowner, you should be vigilant first not to create a reason for trespassers to want to go onto your property. Avoid planting plots that are visible from roadways or other properties. Creating a visual barrier between public roadways and your food plots is advisable, further aiding in limiting trespassing. You should also take steps to create visual and sometimes even physical barriers to remove any

ADVANTAGES TO FROST SEEDING CLOVER

Frost seeding clover offers a great technique for gaining an early start to the spring growing season and establishing one of wildlife’s favorite perennial food sources. You can frost seed clover into existing clover plots that require refreshing or rotate perennials into plots that were planted in annuals the previous fall, using very minimal equipment. With soil testing, fertilization, weed control and liming, perennials like Non-Typical Clover or Clover Plus can last for years. What is Frost

WATERFOWL POPULATION SURVEYS: HOW WILDLIFE MANAGERS ASSESS WATERFOWL POPULATIONS

Hunters in general can be complainers, especially when it comes to seasons and bag limits. They say things like, “The season is too short,” or “It starts too late,” or “They don’t let us take enough.” Complaints often center around how wildlife managers and biologists set limits based on population limits. “How do they know what’s really out there?” The one exception seems to be waterfowlers. More than any other faction of hunters, they seem willing to accept what they’re allowed with little

19 SHED HUNTING STRATEGIES

Late winter can be a tough time for those who love outdoor sports. Deer seasons have closed and turkey season is still a few months away. Fishing has yet to ramp up to full speed with cold water temperatures or ice still on the lakes in the north. There’s one sport, however, that can fill in this “dead time” perfectly — shed antler hunting. Some people even consider this activity more fulfilling than hunting the animals themselves, because you are always on the go, up and moving, searching for

THE CATCH-22 OF COYOTE CONTROL

Predator control is one of several management practices employed to increase productivity in game species. This is particularly true of coyotes and deer. However, like any prescription, it should be used properly, and users should be aware of the possible side effects. At first glance, it seems pretty simple and straightforward. Coyotes prey on deer, in some cases at a level that can significantly suppress productivity and population growth. Remove the predators and you reduce mortality

LATE SEASON DUCK CALLING

Depending on where you live or hunt, the chances are pretty good that your duck season is just about over. And because it’s late in the season, there’s a good chance that the ducks you are hunting are a bit call shy. After all, they have been called to, good and bad, for hundreds, if not thousands of miles along their annual migration south. If you follow social media, you are seeing photos of successful hunts. So what are those guys doing that you might not be doing? Here are a few late season