Many Americans have a “sacred” ground that for generations their families have gathered at to hunt, fish, and harvest fur bearing animals. For many, that was a way of life, but with our ever-changing society today the want and need to self-provide is coming increasingly low. Thus, our sense of management over the land is slowly disappearing. When we think of our wildlife and how can we provide the best possible chances for the species to flourish there are few things that need to be assessed. 1. Habitat - Food Source - Cover 2. Natural Predators 3. Carrying Capacity 4. Predator Management
First, when looking at a piece of property you will need to assess if the timber on the land is appropriate for the wildlife you wish to have. Some prosper in old growth unmanaged forest, and some thrive on recently cut tract. This is where some forestry can take place with an established plan, and some selective cutting. Whether it is opening ground for a food plot, or opening the canopy so undergrowth can get enough sunlight for the herbivores to have plenty of food in the season. The practice of prescribed burning is also a great tool to clear the forest floor of unneeded waste, Invasive species, and to replant native seeds that have been dormant on the ground.
Second, dealing with predator vs prey relationships is inevitable. Where there is an abundance of prey there will be predators soon to follow. In most cases apex and bigger fur bearing mammals tend to have greater territories than their prey so they will usually be on the move. For example, if a coyote has an established home range of 5 square miles, it’s territory could be up to 30 square miles so it’s not uncommon for them to move through 80-acre lot and not to return for a week or more. They might stay more closely if they have a den nearby, find easy game, or have made a kill. With that being said, there will always be juvenile transient coyotes getting pushed from the pack looking to establish a range. Other predators like raccoons, skunks, or possums will not travel as great of a distance as coyotes but they can do great destruction to an upland bird population like grouse and turkey during nesting season as they will raid the nest of the eggs while the adults are away.