Page 21 - Kansas Sportsman

growth. Prescribed fire helps improve wild turkey nesting and forest for the excellent cover and quality of food that can be found,
brooding cover. such as flowering plants, browse, fruits and insects. These habitats
must be continually managed with a form of disturbance, such as
Forest Stand Improvement fire and/or mowing, to maintain the early successional community.

Forest stand improvement generally increases the amount of Chemical and Mechanical Treatment of Invasive Species
sunlight that reaches the forest floor, which is beneficial for wild
turkeys and promotes desirable tree species. Forest stand improve- Invasive plant species are one of the most significant threats to
ment activities can be an excellent way to encourage quality timber native biodiversity. Removing these species can be done mechan-
growth and provide quality wildlife habitat. Activities may include ically, chemically, biologically or via a combination of methods,
mastication, hack-and-squirt, and herbicide application, among improving forest and open-land community health for improved
many others. nesting and brood-rearing for wild turkeys.

Tree and Shrub Planting

When working in riparian areas, tree and shrub plantings can
establish future roost trees and off-site water development and
prescribed grazing plans provide important rest from livestock use
during critical times of cottonwood regeneration.

Landowners who implement these practices will increase the suit-
able habitat for wild turkeys and other species, such as songbirds,
white-tailed deer, migratory birds, and big game, and sensitive
species, such as bald eagles and pollinators.

The private landowner or land manager has various management
tools and practices at their disposal to create ideal habitat for wild
Turkeys like open fields and pastures. turkeys. Additionally, many state and Federal agencies also have
Monte Loomis, NWTF cost-share programs and respective staff to provide technical

assistance to private landowners.
Early Successional Habitat Development and Management
The NWTF also has biologists and foresters available to assist in
Turkeys and other wildlife seek out early successional habitat types planning and developing goals and objectives for landowners.
such as grasslands, old fields or pastures, shrub thickets and young Learn more at www.NWTF.org.

Land owners can create ideal habitat for wild turkeys. Monte Loomis, NWTF

THE KANSAS SPORTSMAN | SPRING 2024 21