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Conservation

Habitat

  • America's Big Six Success Stories
  • Landowner's Tool Box
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  • Habitat
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  • NWTF Seed Programs
Creating Opportunity and Banding Birds
The NWTF and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife have partnered during the last six years to conduct wild turkey population research and open 4,900 acres to turkey hunting.
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In search of answers
Can we turn the tide of wild turkey declines in Missouri? The research is under way.
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Circularity in Effect: Sharing Maine’s Cold-Hardy Wild Turkeys
To inhabit one of the northern-most habitats in the lower 48 and to still be thriving, wild turkeys in Maine must be cold-hardy birds, and indeed they are, but there are other factors at play that allow these rugged wild turkeys to thrive.
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Volunteer Day on Idaho’s Big Cottonwood WMA
NWTF local South Hill Strutters Chapter recently gathered on the Big Cottonwood Wildlife Management Area to host a volunteer workday.
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Collaborative Strategies on Indiana’s Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge
Contributing to one’s local wildlife habitat has never been easier — for a small fee, you get an exclusive, state-specific NWTF license plate for your vehicle, and those additional funds help proliferate and manage wild turkey populations and enhance habitat for many other game and nongame species.
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Diversified Portfolio
Timber management to create varying forest age classes is a vital link for healthy habitat in the Cumberland Plateau and Southern Appalachian region.
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Continuing a Conservation Legacy
From a JAKES member to chapter volunteer to professional conservationist, the wild turkey and its habitat are in Mark Maggard’s genes.
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NWTF Eastern Bluebird Conservation
While the NWTF is known for its habitat enhancement projects throughout the country for various game and nongame species, the organization also takes pride in providing excellent wildlife habitat on its nearly 1,000-acre Outdoor Education Center.
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Prepping a Kid for Shooting His or Her First Animal
Check out these useful tips on prepping a kid for shooting his or her first animal.
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Finding Synergy in Conservation Funding
Funding for wild turkey habitat conservation isn’t as forthcoming as it once was.
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Rethinking Specifications and Planning to Promote Stewardship
Rowan Mason, TC Energy, and Roy Van Houten, Davey Tree and Wetlands Services, demonstrated the impact of shared stewardship across energy rights of way during one of Energy for Wildlife sessions at the NWTF National Convention and Sport Show, hosted by NWTF Director of Energy Partnerships Steve Barlow.
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The Hills are Alive
Habitat work benefiting the white-tipped monarchs of the storied Black Hills region is a unified effort.
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Partners Help Boost Habitat in the Florida Flatwoods
The NWTF and partners collaborated to improve nearly 150 acres on the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.
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Making Tracks with the Forest Service
The NWTF’s significant contributions to forest and habitat health are far-reaching and diverse, but being listed as one of the top federal timber buyers isn’t one most would think of.
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Florida Gator Gobblers take a bite out of habitat loss and hunter declines
The Gator Gobblers, a local NWTF chapter in Gainesville, Florida, received a $13,000 grant from the Wildlife Foundation of Florida for outreach events and habitat enhancement.
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Eliminating tree of heaven in Ohio
The NWTF has joined the USFS in eliminating tree of heaven, as it has the ability to change an entire ecosystem.
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Matt Weegman’s Conservation Tour
NWTF staff and volunteers are doing an excellent job enhancing and protecting wildlife and habitat across Iowa’s many wildlife management areas
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Enable Midstream: Enhancing right of way habitat for wildlife
By collaborating with organizations such as the NWTF and Quail Forever, Enable Midstream is dispelling such associations with their increasing presence in habitat and wildlife management.
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Restoring oak savannas with traditional and nontraditional partners
Oak Savannah habitat has dwindled drastically since European settlement and is now one of the rarest plant communities on Earth.
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Pint-sized Pollinator Plots
Plant small corners and odd spots for bee and butterfly habitat that benefits bigger critters, too.
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Tobacco Gulch Project
The NWTF, Eldorado National Forest, Sierra Nevada Conservancy and Cal Fire collaborated to improve forest health, wildlife habitat and resiliency to wildfire in east-central California.
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Spring seep management for wild turkeys and other wildlife
Springs and seeps provide open, snow-free areas during the winter months that wildlife use as feeding sites. Seeps occur where ground water flows to the soil surface.
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Central Intelligence
Enhancement of the Central Appalachian Mountains focal landscape habitat is at the core of work NWTF wildlife biologists and partners are incorporating in the Virginias.
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Long-term land improvements: Making a lasting impact
Landowners considering property improvements designed to benefit local wildlife often focus on planting fast-growing food plots that can deliver a near-instant draw.
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Conservation Partnership in Central Florida
The NWTF continued its support of The Nature Conservancy’s Central Florida Ecosystem Support Team efforts across Polk, Osceola and Highland counties.
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The Pain of No Rain
Having a drought plan in place can help minimize effects of deficient rainfall for crops on your wildlife property.
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Canyon Access Initiative
12,500 acres of land are open for public access in the Loess Canyon area of Nebraska, thanks in part to the contributions from the National Wild Turkey Federation and a variety of other partners to Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s via the Canyon Access Initiative.
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Local Alabama NWTF Chapter makes service a priority
NWTF Alabama chapter, the Choccolocco Valley Longbeards, planted 10 acres of wildlife openings in the Ivory Mountain Walk-in Turkey Hunting Area (IMWTH) in Cleburne County, Alabama. 
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Charles Ray Nix Wildlife Management Area
The National Wild Turkey Federation and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks are collaborating to improve habitat and hunting quality in the Charles Ray Nix Wildlife Management Area. 
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Increasing brood habitat at the Truman Reservoir
The National Wild Turkey Federation and the Missouri Department of Conservation teamed up  to improve and increase open lands and wild turkey brood habitat at the Truman Reservoir, an area experiencing low hatch rates.
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Nuts to Know
Every hunter knows that the availability of natural mast such as acorns and other nuts is vital to the overall health of the wildlife in any given area.
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Controlled burn in the glades of Missouri
The National Wild Turkey Federation teamed up with the USDA Forest Service for a controlled burn in the glades of Missouri. 
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Timber Stand Improvement at Ramsey Lake State Park
The restoration efforts at Ramsey Lake State Park also contributed to an increase in forbs, wildflowers and native grasses that will thrive with the added sunlight to the forest floor.
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Roads to Success
Access to your favorite hunting spot can be as valuable as the gold in Fort Knox. The trails, whether they are large enough for your 4x4 or simple walking trails, have a great importance for the overall usability and value of your property. 
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Impacts of treated seed
In the last decade, concerns have been raised, and a number of studies have been conducted to try to evaluate the impact of treated seed on birds when the seed is eaten.
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JAKES developing pollinator habitat
The NWTF Double Eagle chapter secured a Bayer Feed a Bee Grant to develop five acres of pollinator habitat and stage an educational JAKES field day.
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Overcoming high grading
Donnie Buckland, NWTF’s grasslands and agricultural manager, explained what high grading is and why this practice is a problem for hunters and land managers. 
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Open for Business
Conservation work in the Ozarks, including the creation of wildlife openings, continues to benefit wild turkeys and other wildlife
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Tree planting by the Souris River Basin Longbeards
The Souris River Basin Longbeards chapter in North Dakota started its successful tree-planting program almost 15 years ago.
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Improving habitat in the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge
The NWTF partnered with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service to improve habitat for Eastern wild turkeys in the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge in South Carolina’s Low Country.
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Create cut-back borders
The phrase “cut-back borders” may not be familiar to many NWTF members, but it is a management tool that can provide major benefits for wild turkeys, as well as other game and nongame animals.
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Creating habitat openings in the Cherokee National Forest
The NWTF partnered with the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency and the Cherokee National Forest to create habitat openings for wildlife across 1,249 acres in the Tellico and Ocoee districts of the Cherokee National Forest. The NWTF provided tractor implements to achieve these openings.
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Prescribed burns in the Unaka Ranger District
A $5,000 grant from the NWTF assisted state wildlife agencies in conducting controlled burns in the Unaka Ranger District of the forest.
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What’s Good for One is Good for All
Work benefiting quail and wild turkeys in the Southern Piney Woods is aiding red-cockaded woodpeckers.
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Tree planting with Tennessee's Division of Forestry
A multi-year partnership between the NWTF and the Tennessee Division of Forestry is helping to replenish wildlife habitat.
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Southwest Michigan Oak Health Enhancement Project
The NWTF partnered with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the USDA Forest Service to enhance oak forest health and savanna habitats on 255 total acres of land across southwestern Michigan.
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Frenchtown Face Project
The NWTF collaborated with the USDA Forest Service and the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks on the Frenchtown Face Project – a project just west of Missoula, Montana, focused on prescribed burning and thinning ground cover in the Lolo National Forest to help wildlife and improve habitat.
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Rich in Resources
NWTF partnerships are improving riparian zones on public lands in Missouri, Illinois.
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2018 Farm Bill provides key conservation funding
We worked closely with other conservation and forestry organizations to build strong recommendations to ensure that the 2018 Farm Bill contains strong conservation and forestry titles that benefit farmers, forest landowners and the outdoor community.
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Land management goals
Why you need them, how to reach them.
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Louisiana fire breaks and water bar barriers
The NWTF and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries annually identify needed habitat improvement projects on state Wildlife Management Areas.
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Retaining meadows in the Black Hills
Tools and techniques include hand-felling with chainsaws, lopping and scattering, girdling and mechanical piling to remove ponderosa pine and spruce from within and around aspen, birch and bur oak stands in the Sugarloaf project area.
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Still working for the wild turkey after 45 years
What our volunteers — alongside our partners — are accomplishing is not only imperative for the wild turkey and countless other species but also for the continuation of our hunting heritage.
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Increasing native grasses in Eldorado National Forest
This projected impacted 700 acres, improving crucial habitat for wild turkey, mountain quail and the Pacific deer herd.
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Pollination Project in the Green Mountain National Forest
Pollination is the basis for important wildlife habitats and human food crops, but pollinator species populations (bees, butterflies, birds) are declining.
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NWTF helps the USFWS with prescribed burns at NWR
The NWTF and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service collaborated on a prescribed burn project at the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge to improve pine and pine-hardwoods habitats.
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NWTF helps restore open pine habitats in Arkansas National Wildlife Refuge
The work, performed in the Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge, involved treating 50 acres with herbicide to control advancement by unwanted hardwoods and woody plants in 2017 and the reintroduction of prescribed fire in 2018 on 190 acres.
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Prescribed Fire Position Statement
The NWTF’s Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative is now focused on maintaining those healthy, sustainable and huntable wild turkey populations for generations to come. An important part of doing that is active habitat management, which includes the use of prescribed burning or prescribed fire.
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Invading our native space
Be on the lookout for these invasive species, which are doing more harm than good to habitat.
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NWTF helps improve turkey habitat in I.D. Fairchild State Forest
The NWTF, along with the Texas A&M Forest Service, conducted two separate projects within the state forest to improve turkey habitats.
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Understanding wildlife density to set the table
“Almost any property can probably be enhanced by providing a diversity of habitat types,” Buckland said.
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The forest management conundrum
Managing forests for diverse habitat has become a balancing act in America’s Western Wildlands.
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Five Steps To Plant A Wildflower Meadow
Want to create an eye-catching sight and help wildlife at the same time? Convert that empty field or part of your sprawling lawn into a dazzling wildflower meadow.
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Forest management: The why, the how, the what
Research highlighting the importance of pine-hardwoods management and the variations existing in management techniques
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The NWTF helps re-establish open woodland areas in Illinois
John D. Burk, NWTF district biologist for Missouri and Illinois, said the NWTF and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources have worked to re-establish open woodland areas at Siloam Springs State Park in Adams and Brown counties and Hidden Springs State Park in Shelby County.
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Eliminating invasives
Having a professional land manager analyze the vegetation on a property will quickly reveal how prevalent invasive species have become across the landscape.
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Boom and Bust: What Determines Turkey Populations?
A number of factors play a role in turkey populations, but one is more important than all of them.    
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Applied research and management at convention
Conservation is one of the top priorities for the NWTF, and we dedicate two days of our annual convention to conservation presentations and meetings.
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What’s going on next door?
Discover the benefits of developing a wildlife management strategy with your neighbor.
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Turkey Killers
Which predators take the greatest toll on our birds? You might be surprised
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Critters on Ice
Winter weather can take a toll on wildlife. Here’s how they survive harsh climates and conditions
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Winter Skulking for Gobblers
“They can withstand some pretty cold temperatures, but if they can’t get to food, they can’t eat,” Runia says.
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Escaping the Drift
A region untouched by massive ice sheets that once covered the land has turned into a wild turkey area of focus for the NWTF and its partners
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Who owns America’s forests and woodlands? The answer may surprise you
There are misperceptions about who owns the forests and woodlands. In fact, private owners control a majority of our nation’s forests and woodlands.
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Lesser known fall turkey foods
“But when those three don’t produce, a turkey will feed opportunistically on just about any soft-mast food it can find. Chances are, turkeys will eat anything that looks like a berry.” 
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National Monuments are not always good for sportsmen and wildlife
Sportsmen and women depend on access both to help manage the lands and waters that support fish and wildlife, and also to enjoy their pursuits.
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House Hunting
“So be aware of your surroundings when walking the edges of a field or when mowing a field, you never know where a hen might be brooding,” Buckland said.
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Native or invasive? Tips for learning to identify plants, trees
Learning to identify native and nonnative plants can be fun for the entire family.
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Find these five foods and find wildlife
Acorns and other tree mast attract turkeys and other wildlife year-round, especially in early fall as animals build their fat reserves leading up to winter.
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Backyard Habitat
Sunflowers provide nourishment and concealment for many different types of pollinators.
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To girdle or hack-and-squirt? That is the question
Ridding your property of unwanted trees just got a little easier with two tried-and-true methods.
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Five plants that save poults’ lives
Planting or encouraging specific plants can provide poults with a better chance of survival.
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Burn School
Prescribed fire helps snuff out unwanted vegetation.
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Copacetic with Snakes
Leaving snakes alone is the best advice for your safety and theirs.
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NWTF and Partners Look to the Future of Conservation
The 2017 Conservation Conference at the 41st annual NWTF Convention and Sport Show focused on the future of conservation.
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Keeping Public Lands Public
NWTF lending voice to national concerns.
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How Much is Too Much?
Many factors influence wildlife populations, but hunters can help keep those populations healthy and huntable by paying attention.
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To the president’s desk: “Wildlife for the 21st Century: Volume V”
Nearly 50 conservation groups worked to recommend vital conservation-related solutions to the new president and congress.
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Merriam’s of the Zuni Mountains
Partnerships are restoring habitats in the Zuni Mountains.
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Beauty of an Ugly Field
An unkept-looking field can keep wildlife close
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Sky Island Gould's
Gould’s wild turkeys in the United States were completely wiped out in 1929 but are now restored to huntable populations
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Cut Trees For More Wildlife
Learn how cutting some trees on your property increases wildlife productivity.
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Invasive Species Across the Country: Southern Piney Woods
Invasive Species Across the Country: Great Open Spaces
Invasive Species Across the Country: Mid-South Rebirth
Invasive Species Across the Country: Colonial Forests
Invasive Species Across the Country: Western Wildlands
Invasive Species Across the Country: America’s Crossroads
Vary Your Forest’s Age
Learn what it means and why it's important for wildlife and your property.
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Eradicate Fescue for Improved Habitat
Learn why fescue is not a friend of wildlife and how you can go about eradicating it.
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Create Soft Edges For Better Habitat
Learn how to blend an open field into woodlot by creating soft edges. They're beneficial and fairly easy.
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Tractorless Habitat Management
Bare hands and elbow grease are all you need to improve the habitat on your property!
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Give Pollinators a Hand
Help pollinator populations by planting flowers and using less pesticides.
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Outstanding Oaks
An oak is one of your best connections to huntable and watchable wildlife. Learn how to care for them to create the best oak stand around.
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5 Steps to a Better Burn Plan
Not sure where to start? If your basic prescribed burn plan includes these five points, you are headed in the right direction.
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Habitat Priorities
Well-managed forests create better habitat for all wildlife. Learn how to improve wild turkey habitat on your property and help make a difference for habitat conservation.
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Go Native with Grasses
Native warm season grasses are not only beneficial to wildlife, but they are part of a healthy prairie grassland ecosystem.
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Should You Hire a Consultant?
A new land ethic is emerging throughout turkey country. Are you on board?
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Timber Stand Improvement
When it comes to trees, sometimes quality over quantity is the way to go.
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Close Encounters with Alien Plants
Alien plants are invading our fields and forests! Find out what you can do to stop them.
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What’s Good for One can be Good for Many
Habitat diversity leads to wildlife diversity and a healthy ecosystem, learn more!
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Create Healthier Conifer Forests
With a little elbow grease, your conifer trees can flourish.
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4 Great Wild Turkey Habitats
Turkeys love these habitats, find out why they matter and how we can ensure they last.
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Prescribed Fire Research to Produce Better Nesting Sites for Your Birds
Learn new facts about fire.
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5 Steps to Restore Your Understory
Do more for your property and take advantage of the benefits.
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Great Plains 40-Acre Plot Plan
Create a wildlife sanctuary by managing your land the right way.
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Managing the Mighty Oak: Do’s and Don’ts
Eight best practices for improving your oak trees.
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Mulching Means More Habitat
Try mulching to improve habitat in more ways than one.
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Nurturing Our Native Nuts
Give your nut-bearing trees the attention they deserve.
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Oaks and Fertilizer
Fertilizer the right oak trees to maximize you land for wildlife habitat.
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The 5 W’s of Hinge Cut Trees
Use hinge cut trees on your land to create sweet spots for multiple species.
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The Top 10 Threats to Hunting
What puts the hunting lifestyle in danger, find out the top 10 factors now.
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Winter Habitat for Northern-Range Turkeys
Create the perfect winter habitat to help turkeys endure cold temperatures and harsh snowfalls.
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Latest Articles
A Tale of Fire
April 12, 2021
Calling Strategies When Hunting The Same Property Repeatedly
April 12, 2021
Mid-South Rebirth: Habitat Enhancements on Arkansas’ Poison Springs State Forest
April 12, 2021
On call with … Kevin Lynch
April 12, 2021
A Piece of the Puzzle: Providing Resources for Conservation Success
April 06, 2021
Ask Dr. Tom: Do hens leave their nests of eggs to roost at night?
April 06, 2021
Q&A: Mentoring new hunters for the future
April 06, 2021
The COVID-19 effect on wild turkey populations
April 06, 2021
Turkeys and country music; a match made in heaven for Tyler Farr
April 06, 2021
Working for the Turkey: San Diego Chapter Organizes Workday
April 06, 2021
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