Managing Land with Fire for Bobwhite Quail & Whitetail Deer
Medicine for the Land

The Firebird, aka, Bobwhite Quail

Mobility and Bugs

Mobility and Thermoregulation
The Whitetail King

Whitetail deer have become king across most properties managed for recreational purposes in the Midwest and fire can be used in both open lands and timbered habitats to naturally manipulate vegetation growth and significantly increase available deer forage. Furthermore, prescribed fire can create more secure cover, which is an often-overlooked habitat type necessary for quality deer management.

The Flowers

The Woodies

Both stump sprouts and vegetative growth promoted in the timber by fire creates more secure cover as well. Whitetail deer feel much more comfortable bedding in areas providing visual obstruction than they do laying in wide open timber with nothing but leaf litter covering the ground. This comfort helps reduce stress and reduce their need to travel further in search of adequate bedding cover. Having the same plants and resprouting trees provide both food and cover within the same unit is the best possible way to maximize the use of forested acres on the property.

Rx Fire – Proven through the Centuries


About the Author:


Have there been any studies comparing the pros and cons of rotationally grazing goats, sheep, pigs, turkeys, and/or ducks etc. versus the benefits of prescribed fire to wildlife? I’ve wondered if a good rotational grazing program could achieve the same benefits of prescribed fire while also creating an income opportunity for the landowner. I’d like to understand the disturbance the animals would need to create to achieve the benefits of prescribed fire.
We have utilized grazing with cattle for quail management and it can be used effectively at the proper stocking rates. Cattle tend to reduce think grass and help us promote more forbs. One issue with sheep and goats is they prefer to eat forbs over grass, which isn’t exactly what we want. I’m sure there could be a compromise, but wouldn’t maximize wildlife. Pigs are a whole different beast and their rooting ends up acting more like discing a field. Nit sure ducks or chicken could be used at a scale necessary to make a difference, and chickens would eat the bugs we want for quail food.