by Catherine Barbaro

Created on: July 26, 2008   Last Updated: March 20, 2012

The best land habitat for wildlife management is a varied habitat that offers water, nutrition and cover. Properly managed land increases wildlife and can be shaped to attract specific wildlife like deer and turkey. The naturally occurring features of the land are the starting point of all land management. Analyzing what resources are available allows the land manager to build a plan that will enhance the carrying capacity and conservation of the land. Utilizing existing resources are the cornerstone of good management.

Water is essential to attract wildlife. Forested areas and brushy areas appeal to wildlife. The most easily manageable aspect of attracting wildlife is in improving their food availability. Deer and turkey share some favorite foods which include acorns, clover, crotons, dogwoods and sumac. Turkey and deer both require areas of varied habitat including cover for shelter and clearings to forage in. These clearings can be excellent locations for seasonal food plots that serve as wildlife attractants. Large amounts of acreage do not need to be cleared for this. Small patches of 100 square feet adequately can serve as a food plot. Clearing dead underbrush from forested areas often provides suitable food plot areas. Several of these are far more advantageous than one large meadow because cover for birthing and security are necessary in a wildlife habitat.

In the Midwest, food plots for the spring and summer include clover and sorghum. In the winter, wheat, turnips and brassicas are options. Both deer and turkey love grain crops. Extensive information on food plots, land management and wildlife appraisal can be found through the Missouri Department of Conservation website. Here you can even download a 99 page booklet, "Wildlife Management for Missouri Landowners" that covers habitat management in view of white-tail deer, wild turkey, squirrel and quail.

Planting Japanese honeysuckle along a fence line is a year round attractant for deer. Naturally the honeysuckle has acceptable levels of protein, fertilizing the honeysuckle can increase its protein levels significantly. Protein is the biggest factor in wild deer antler size.

Scattering corn has long been the standard of attracting deer and turkey but corn is not the ideal food for either. In small amounts it is not harmful but in larger amounts, deer can become ill and unhealthy. The biggest risk of using corn is if it is not bagged and clearly marked with the aflatoxin percentage identified as no more than 20 ppb (parts per billion). Aflatoxins are naturally occurring fungi (aspergillus flavus and apsergillus parasiticus) that are toxic to wildlife. You can't always see the mold, so it is essential to be careful in purchasing corn. Just because it is marked "deer corn" does not mean it is safe for animals. Although deer can handle up to 100 ppb of aflatoxin, smaller wildlife like turkey and quail cannot. The toxin is deadly to smaller animals in smaller amounts. The safest purchase is marked "contains less than 20 ppb aflatoxin", has not been stored in a plastic bag and is not sitting outside a convenience store in the sun under a tarp. The plastic bag and heat promote growth of the fungi.

Land management for improved wildlife is beneficial and possible. Enhancing the existing resources can attract deer and turkey. Food plots are a method of improving land management. Planting species that appeal to turkey and deer are low maintenance. Cautions and concerns can be eliminated by doing a bit of reading. More information on wildlife management specific to local areas can be obtained from state and county Agricultural Extension Service offices.

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