WM Pro - Wildlife Management Pro

Wetland Management for Better Habitat

Wetlands are some of the most productive wildife lands in the country, having very high plant and animal diversity. Wetlands provide breeding grounds and habitat for thousands of ducks, geese, and other water-loving bird and wildlife species. There are many kinds of wetlands and many habitat management techniques that can be used to improve waterfowl habitat.

Shallow water depths from 2 to 18 inches are most desirable fo dabbling ducks such as mallards, pintail, widgeon, mottled ducks, shovelers, gadwall, teal and wood ducks. Puddle ducks do not usually dive, but tip-up and feed on seeds, acorns, and roots on the ground under water. Diving ducks, such as canvasbacks, redheads, rigneck, and scaup prefer deeper waters over 36 inches in depth. For best results in your waterfowl management endeavor, make sure to familiarize yourself with the habits and habitat needed for the wildlife you wish to manage. Continue reading Wetland Management for Better Habitat

Wildlife Management Plan for Better Habitat

Habitat management for better native plant communities that benefit endemic wildlife species is a noble concept, but many landowners do not properly plan their management endeavors. There is a logical sequence of steps that a landowner should follow once they have decided to plan or manage for wildlife. Not only is a wildlife management plan a must, but property owners need to think about their long term desires.

What are your goals? Decide exactly what you would like to do for wildlife and wildlife habitats. Do you want more individuals or a few game species, more birds at your feeder, better white-tailed deer, more ducks on your ponds, or a greater diversity of species in your woods. Do you wish to qualify for a wildlife tax exemption? First and foremost, write down your goals. Continue reading Wildlife Management Plan for Better Habitat

Waterfowl Management on Farm Lands

Agricultural lands are great for the multi-purpose oriented landowner looking for additional recreational opportunities or income from wildlife. In addition to crops, farm land provides important feeding areas for various wildlife species, particulary waterfowl such as ducks and geese. However, these ag lands may not be attractive to waterfowl unless certain waterfowl management practices are practiced.

Most ag fields do provide some component of habitat for local wildlife throughout the year. However, many lands also serve as important habitat for migratory wildlife such as waterfowl. However, not all lands are sought after by waterfowl and that is usually because there is one important component that is missing — water. They are called waterfowl, after all, and here are some habitat management practices you can implement to create better wintering habitat, as well as duck and goose hunting. Continue reading Waterfowl Management on Farm Lands

Waterfowl Management with Bottomland Habitat

Wetlands contain the most productive plant and animal communities in the world. And although there are many types of wetlands, bottomland hardwoods are particularly important. Not only because these areas serve significant ecological functions, but also because these bottomland wetlands are critical for local and migratory wildlife. Specifically, waterfowl use bottomland hardwoods for nesting, feeding, and wintering habitat. Landowners interested in providing better wildlife habitat should consider wetland management.

Bottomland wetlands are typically comprised of hardwood forest and the dominant tree species vary by latitude and geography. Bottomland forest are more productive than upland forest and the wildlife associated with them is different. Understanding the value of bottomland wetlands to wildlife is critical, and there are many practices that landowners can implement to improve and enhance natural bottomland wetland areas. The keys to providing quality river bottomland habitat for waterfowl include the following habitat management practices as outlined below. Continue reading Waterfowl Management with Bottomland Habitat

Pond Management for Waterfowl

Wetlands are some of the most productive wildlife habitat in the world, and there are all types of wetlands. Not only do certain types of wetlands provide for breeding and nesting grounds, but ponds — classified more as deepwater wetlands — throughout the United States serve as wintering habitat for migrating and over-wintering ducks and geese. Though many ponds do not provide great waterfowl habitat, there are some pond management techniques that you can implement to enhance your pond or small lake.

First, start by selecting areas for pond consruction with existing shallow flats or construct shallow areas around existing ponds. This will benefit wetland plants and provide feeding areas for ducks and geese. Another wetland management practice you can implement would be to install a water control structure to allow for water manipulation. A structure will allow you to trap rainwater during the fall, winter, and early spring. Water more than 8-inches in depth can be left for fish and livestock watering. Continue reading Pond Management for Waterfowl

Bear Management Plan: Population and Habitat

Black bear are big omnivores that are socially and economically important. Other than bear hunters and those that have nuisance bears in their area, many people in the state of Michigan probably pay the native black bears little attention. But not the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) , as they recently developed a Statewide Bear Management Plan. The plan was finalized last year to address the long term management of Michigan’s black bear population.

The mission of the DNR’s black bear management program is to maintain a healthy black bear population, but also one that provides a balance of recreational opportunities for residents and at the same time minimizes conflicts with the growing human population within the state. To fulfill this mission, the Michigan DNR has established 6 strategic bear management goals: Continue reading Bear Management Plan: Population and Habitat

Wildlife Habitat Management Training

Interested in wildlife and habitat management in Texas? Well, here is your chance to meet up with land professionals from across the state on June 3-4, 2010 in Mason, Texas, for a ground breaking, collaborative, and informative workshop dealing with current trends and applications of biological monitoring. This is an opportunity for professionals to hone their technical skills, build inter-agency connections, and learn about trends in biological monitoring and how you can make the most of it in your profession.

Dr. Richard Teague will explain how remote sensing technology is providing an opportunity for consistent and feasible biological monitoring at the landscape level. Dr. Teague believes that research and service must provide the linkage that enables managers to base decisions for sustainable land use on the principles of ecosystem function. When it comes to wildlife management, this is where the rubber meets the road! Continue reading Wildlife Habitat Management Training