Is Edge Habitat Better for Wildlife During Hunting Seasons?

Creating Edge Habitat through Timber Management

Edge habitat is a critical component of maintaining healthy wildlife populations, particularly for deer and other game species. By creating a mix of forest cover and open areas through selective harvest and timber management, hunters can create a diverse and dynamic landscape that benefits wildlife. For example, a 30-40 foot wide edge strip can provide a suitable habitat for deer, with a mix of sun-dappled understory and mature canopy cover. This type of edge habitat can be created by harvesting trees in a manner that maintains a forest-wide density of 50-70 trees per acre, with a mix of mast-producing trees such as oak and beech.

Managing Mast Trees for Wildlife

Mast-producing trees, such as oak and beech, are a critical component of edge habitat, as they provide a source of food for deer during the fall and winter months. By maintaining a mix of mast-producing trees and other species, hunters can create a diverse and resilient forest ecosystem that supports a healthy deer population. For example, a study by the US Forest Service found that forests with a mix of 30-40% mast-producing trees had a 50% higher deer population density than forests with a lower percentage of mast-producing trees.

Designing Openings for Wildlife

Openings, or clearcuts, are another critical component of edge habitat, as they provide a source of forage and escape routes for deer. By designing openings to mimic natural disturbances, such as windstorms or wildfires, hunters can create a landscape that is resilient and dynamic. For example, a study by the Wildlife Society found that deer populations in forests with 1-2% annual clearcutting had a 20% higher population density than forests with no clearcutting.