Page 17 - Kansas Sportsman

Pheasants Forever mixes first. We offer a variety of mixes specifically de- Burn when the new growth of competitive cool-season grasses reaches 2 to
signed for different situations, needs and geographies. Visit the Pheasants 6 inches in height—normally in late March into early April. Earlier burning
Forever Habitat Store at pfhabitatstore.com. leads to weed growth, which is fine for wildlife but sometimes a problem for
landowners.
That being said, there are some simple guidelines to use when selecting
native seed. Later burns often fail because of too much green growth. Burning should be
done every 3 to 5 years, and more frequently if tree invasion is a problem.
• Do not simply go out and buy the cheapest seed you can find. Poor seed
Timing of the burn can be critical for wildlife production, and if possible, a
produces poor results and delays success.
scheme of rotational burning is best.
• Selecting a variety or mix that will grow in your region. An example: Bison
Big Bluestem does well in northern Minnesota and Canada but diminishes MOWING
in vigor the further south you travel. It is poorly adapted for Iowa and
Nebraska. Check with the experts at The PF Habitat Store (866-914-PFQF Mowing of any established cover (for haying, as well as weed and brush
or akuehl@pheasantsforever.org), or your local NRCS office, if you have control) should be delayed until after the nesting season has concluded, in
questions about appropriate varieties for your region. mid-to-late July.

• Fresh is good. Native seed doesn’t necessarily get better with age. Make Even then, broods using these areas for feeding need to be considered.
sure your seed has been tested within 6 months of purchase. Stay away If it was a late-hatch year, delay your mowing to save birds! And consider
from seed with a germination of less than 50 percent. If unable to plant whether those birds will have places to go and cover to use after you mow.
right away, seed should be kept in a location where it stays cool, dry and Maybe don’t mow it all.
secure from insects and rodents.
After cover is established, haying segments of the field on a 3-year rotation
will keep the vegetation rejuvenated and leave birds with habitat to use.
MANAGING NESTING COVER
Shredding/ mowing can leave excess thatch on the ground and limit chick
The value of grassland vegetation for supporting nesting pheasants and movement. Shredding can be a valuable tool to decrease woody vegetation
offering cover for other upland wildlife depends on more than just getting in nesting cover areas.
the native grasses and wildflowers seeded.
Leave 8 to 12 inches of cover after the last cutting, and more if possible with
Proper management is necessary to rejuvenate older plantings and keep native grass. This is sufficient height to provide some roosting cover as well
them attractive to nesting wildlife. Actively managing a third of a field as residual cover for nesting, and to protect plant vigor.
annually on a rotating basis
can rejuvenate seedings and 785-256-6444

provide better wildlife habitat.
Several management options ravenwoodlodge.com
are available.

CONTROLLED BURNING

Controlled burning is an
important tool for managing
warm-season grasses and forbs,
as well as tame grasses.
Unwanted woody vegetation
can be eliminated by proper use
of fire. Burning also releases the
nutrients bound in the plant lit-
ter, and that stimulates vigorous
new growth following the burn.
Burning can, however, be very
dangerous if not done properly.
Native prairie produces extreme-
ly hot fires that spread rapidly.
Permits are required by most fire
departments, and controlled P Prriivvaattee HHuunnttiinngg
burns on CRP lands require & & LLooddggiinngg
NRCS burn plans.
In short, if you have never done
a burn before, get the proper
training and do your first couple
burns with an expert at hand!

THE KANSAS SPORTSMAN | SPRING 2024 17