Shane Olson of Habitat Solutions for SPLIT REED
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“Don’t turn a property into something it is not naturally capable of”. I see so many people trying to make a property into something that is appealing to their own eye and not the eye of waterfowl. Ducks have several needs, or ‘wants’ when it comes to properties. The more of these needs and wants that you can stack up on a particular property is going to be the way a manager or landowner can win over the eye of the duck. “Take the natural topography and natural food and use it to your advantage”.
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Make your property accessible. As a landowner or manager, there is nothing more frustrating than having to unload a 4-wheeler or off-road vehicle because you can’t get where you want to be on the property. Figure out a road system or trails and maintain them. Clearing trees back and allowing the sun to dry them out will help prevent washouts and ruts.
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Don’t build or buy something you can’t manage. Waterfowl management is one of the most time consuming and is one of the most expensive endeavors on a large scale. If you are hunting with a few buddies there is no need to plant 100 acres of corn. I would rather have 20 acres of moist soil. Now, if you are leasing or guiding hunts, then you can generate income which will offset some of the expenses.
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Don’t get ahead of yourself. If you are new to a property either on a lease or purchase, you have to be able to manage water levels. If you can’t manage water on and water off then you can’t manage for ducks. Also, depending on how easy water is to drain or flood this will determine what type of management practice will be best in that particular spot.
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Ask questions. If you are managing for waterfowl, then you are wearing several hats!
There are people out there who specifically know firsthand about the problem or scenario you will be dealing with. Such as…
A Hydrologist is someone who deals in the flow of water.
An Agronomist is someone who deals in soil and plant health.
A Botanist is someone who is specific to plants.
A Zoologist is someone who is specific to the classification, habits, and distribution of all animals.
An ornithologist is someone who is specific to birds.
And if you’re a Duck Farmer, well, then you are all of the above!
Shane helped develop some of the amazing wetlands at FowlCo– check them and our other Trusted Outfitters out by clicking here!
