Mowing is used primarily for the bobwhite quail and wild turkey. Late-winter (February) and late-summer (August) mowing attracts insects that are critical in the diets of juvenile birds. Late-summer mowing of grassy plots and fallow fields can increase nutrient availability of plants by providing fresh, green growth. The highest nutrient availability in grasses is in the first 8 inches of growth. Mowing can also help provide browse for deer.
Prescribed burning is the skillful use of fire to natural fuels, under confinement, to get planned benefits for forest or wildlife. Prescribed burning often is the most economical and beneficial tool in wildlife management. It is also a controversial because of possible landowner liability and smoke management health concerns. Prescribed burning is often used in pine or upland mixed pine hardwood stands to reduce dry fuel hazards, to control hardwood competition, and to prepare sites for replanting of trees. Besides these timber management benefits, wildlife benefits include ground exposure, seed spread, legume spread, hardwood butt sprouts, and growth of nutrient-rich forbs, vines, and browse. Only responsible, trained, experienced persons should do prescribed burning! Report all unattended fires to state forestry personnel.
Landowners must have a burning permit to burn in any state. You can get the permit by contacting the state forestry agency. Also, several states, including Mississippi, have prescribed burn laws that might require training, certification as a burn
applicator, and written plans before burning. Although a 1- to 2-year burning cycle is ideal for quail, an average 3- to 5-year burning schedule is best for maintaining habitat diversity for many other game species. A 3- to 5-year burning rotation consists of burning 1/3 to 1/5 of the habitat each year. By doing so, you maintain different plant stages in the habitat, ensuring enough food production and good reproductive, escape, and resting cover.
Here are some safe burning conditions that can bring greatest wildlife benefits:
Burning in January and February, when temperatures are lower than 40 °F.
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