Forest Management

The First Step in Building a Hunting Property

Proper timber and native ground cover management are the first steps toward building a successful hunting property.

Forest management influences nutrition, cover, and wildlife movement across the property. When applied correctly, it can support healthy populations of deer, turkey, and quail.

Although these species benefit from slightly different forest management objectives, it is possible to support all three on the same property when ground cover and forest structure are managed properly.

A deer standing in a grassy field with a forest in the background at sunset.

The Role of Native Ground Cover

Quality ground cover is a major component of successful wildlife habitat.

Many landowners attempt to grow deer through short burn rotations. This approach depends on the existing seed bank and soil type. For native ground cover to respond well, the right seeds must already be present in the soil and managed properly.

Prescribed fire can help remove ground cover litter and promote plants through seed dispersal.

In some cases, repeated burning can lead to nonproductive ground cover, making prescribed fire more of a limitation than a benefit.

Managing Forests with a Deer Focus

Managing plant communities with a deer management approach often increases cover and seed production that also benefits turkey and quail.

When forest management activities are aligned with wildlife needs, properties can support multiple species while improving overall habitat quality.

Timing of Management Activities

The timing after forest herbicide and fire is extremely important.

This includes timber harvests, prescribed fire, and forest herbicide applications. Matt was one of the first in Georgia to recognize how the timing of forest herbicides and prescribed fire can influence native plant communities and future seed banks.

Growing season ground cover assessments are an effective way to evaluate plant communities and guide future management decisions.