By Trey Montgomery

The first step in managing wild turkeys is to first be a good steward to the land and managing your wildlife resources. Control burning is one of the most useful and least used tools we have for managing timber and wildlife. Here at Leavellwood, we control burn as a regular maintenance and enhancement practice every spring.

Every area is burned on a rotation basis of 3-5 years. Last year we started thinning some of our 17-18 year old pine plantations. Right after that, we came in and control burned. Not only did this open up the forest floor to additional sunlight, which allowed young tender grasses and legumes to sprout, but it also encouraged turkey and deer to feed on the new food source and additional place of security. Turkeys like to feel secure in an environment while feeding and a fire opens up timber and kills undesirable trees and weeds.

We have actually witnessed turkeys utilizing control burn areas right after the fire and then roost there right on the spot with embers still burning on the ground.
One other thing you will notice after a prescribed burn is the overall eye appeal of the timber, once the black soot leaves the ground. There is a real personal reward in knowing you are being a good steward to the land and making it better than it was before you received it. These things work hand-in-hand in renewing and rebuilding our natural resources while at the same time encouraging and promoting wildlife habitat.

Having said all of that, there is preparation work necessary for those not familiar with prescribed or controlled burns. Follow this recipe for an 80-acre tract or less:

• Mix 3/4 diesel fuel to 1/4 gasoline

• Plow in a good fire lane around your property lines. (We like to put in permanent fire panes that are 14-16 feet in width so we can maintain them with a bush hog and disc. We also like to plant brown-top millet and clovers in the fire lanes. This allows wildlife to feed year round in an area that is close to cover.)

• Get in touch with the Alabama Forestry Commission for a burn permit or a Registered Forester to do the actual burning.

• Have your land prepared for ideal burning conditions by March 1

• Watch weather patterns for 3-5 days prior to burning.

• Plant chufas, clover and grasses after control burn

• This will usually serve 2-3 gobblers that will feed 4-6 people per gobbler

Control burn and plant. This has been the recipe for Leavellwood for almost 20 years. Our turkey population attests to the fact that it works for them too. Last year we had our best turkey season ever and this year looks even better. Turkeys will thrive in an area where there is a plentiful food source, open areas, hardwoods, and predator maintenance.

So remember when you are out there hunting turkeys this spring, having prepared some of that turkey ice cream, to take someone along with you and thank God for all that He has created.
May God bless you and hunt safe,

Trey Montgomery
Leavellwood