Pennsylvania Game News - April 2015 - 12

Why fire is prescribed for springtime

Many wonder about the timing of controlled burns in relation to turkey nesting.
By Benjamin C. Jones
PGC Habitat Division
Fire has played a huge role in Pennsylvania's wildlife habitats.
A study we're conducting with the
University of Missouri shows fires occurred
historically every three to 25 years across
Pennsylvania.
Recurring fires maintained oak forests,
open woodlands and grassy meadows - the
perfect mix for turkeys, deer and other
wildlife.
And such habitats actually are threatened with fire removed from the equation.
After 70 to 100 fire-free years, we're
seeing where formerly open habitats are
clogged with rank vegetation, and oak
forests are being replaced by fire-intolerant
birch and maple; all to the detriment of
wildlife.
That's why we're committed to using
fire judiciously as a habitat-management
tool.
"But what about negative impacts of
burning in April and May?"
I hear this question a lot and, as an avid
turkey hunter, , I appreciate the concern.
But the impacts from controlled burning
aren't what many suspect.
Controlled burning might disrupt a few
turkey nests, however those hens often
nest again. And some nests in the burn
area might not be harmed at all.
Most importantly, burns occur on a relatively small percentage of the landscape.

still smoking!
I set up on the edge of one of the
fields that had consistently shown signs
of turkeys during dog walks.
I recall looking at the smoking blackened ground around me, and thinking,
12

For example, the 600-acre burn on State
Game Lands 210 in 2013 represented only
5 percent of the available habitat there.
All considered, the direct impact is
quite small and the benefits far outweigh
potential negatives.
Controlled burns improve turkey habitat, especially for young broods. After fire,
succulent regrowth provides poults cover
and protein-rich bugs. These benefits
often last more than five years.
And as Mr. Daub found out on State
Game Lands 210, young turkeys aren't the
only ones that use burned areas!
With increased moisture, the spring fire
season usually ends by late May.
Because most nests don't hatch until
June, it's unlikely that young broods
would be harmed during a burn. The
same is true of fawns, although we've
seen young fawns simply hop over the
flames to safety.
Controlled burning is a valuable tool
to improve habitat and increase turkey
populations. It works to great benefit here
in Pennsylvania!
Over a decade ago, I worked on a
turkey-research project in Mississippi,
where they've been using controlled burns
for many decades. I met many veteran
turkey hunters during my stay, and they
let me in on a little secret - always keep
a dark, ash-colored outfit in your turkey
hunting gear.
Looks like that cat's out of the bag here
in Pennsylvania.

"Would turkeys be here yet?"
My boots, hands, and even my Cody
pot call were showing smudges of soot.
More doubts entered my mind. But
then, unexpectedly, about 100 yards
away, a previously unseen and unheard
WWW.PENNGAMENEWS.COM
http://WWW.PENNGAMENEWS.COM
Pennsylvania Game News - April 2015

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pennsylvania Game News - April 2015
