Tree of the Week - Shagbark Hickory

Following up on the posting about squirrel hunting, I figured we'll look at the shagbark hickory, which is, like acorns, one of their favorite foods. Shagbark hickory is a slow growing tree; reaching a d.b.h. of only 10 inches after 80 years of growth, that is a prolific producer of sweet hickory nuts. The nuts are not only consumed by squirrels, but are also part of the diet of virtually all game species from bear to waterfowl, making the trees valuable as wildlife mast. However, this about their only value; considering it's slow growth rate and low value ($55/MBF), it isn't suitable for timber production, although it is one of the strongest woods in the eastern United States.

Because of its lack of commercial value, the land manager needs to determine if the non-economic value of the tree. If the land manager deems the mast to be valuable to wildlife; the trees should then be managed for nut production like other trees; ie. releasing the trees to create large canopies capable of substantial nut production. If the manager decides the trees should be removed, because the trees are slow growers and only bear nuts after 40 years, with largest yields at 60-200 years, managers need to be sure that they want to remove the trees. The only situation in which the trees should be removed would be if there is enough mast production that the removal of the trees will not reduce the food availability. Similarly, the trees should only be removed if they are hindering the growth of higher value timber species.

Otherwise, the trees are doing little to hinder the value of the property and are contributing to the mast production. This, of course, applies to small volumes of hickory trees. If there are large volumes; the removal of the hickory once it reaches commercial value and subsequent replanting of oak, black cherry or other high value mast producers may be the best bet. Of course, this is only if the soil and topography support the replacement species; as hickory is widely adapted, from clay to well-drained soil, in bottom lands, as well as on higher terrains, meaning that other mast producers may not grow as well on the land. Thus, the land manager would need to decide between the mast production versus other higher value, non-mast producing timber species that would grow on the land.

Because of its low commercial value, I am not going to cover the planting and management of seedlings; as, by far, oaks are a much better choice as an all-around tree; with high value and moderate to fast growth.

Overall, hickory is a great mast producer and a strong wood, but is not a great money-maker.

Timber Rating: D

Mast Rating: A-

Overall Rating: C

Fall Squirrel Hunting Strategies

As the weather cools and the acorns and leaves fall; we're at the peak of the squirrel hunting season. While squirrel hunting is largely overlooked; it is still one of the most popular game species throughout the country. I will be focusing on the Eastern Grey Squirrel for the sake of this article, as it is the predominant species here, but the hunting strategy remains largely the same throughout the country. Squirrel hunting is an important habitat management tactic; as squirrels readily reproduce; about one-third of females having two litters per year; each with an average of three young, the remainder having one litter of a similar size. This means a squirrel population can easily double in the course of a year. In fact, squirrel hunting currently culls around one third of the squirrel population and most state wildlife departments indicate that over one half of the squirrel population can successfully be taken annually to stabilize the populations. Without squirrel hunting; competition for food could push further numbers of squirrels into residential areas, where they can wreak havoc on homes.

The key to squirrel hunting is being in the right area. Prime squirrel habitat consists of a variety of hard mast, namely acorns. Hard mast trees located in proximity to small running streams and row crops, namely feed corn, make for optimal hunting. Squirrel populations up to six squirrels per acre are possible in such areas, especially in smaller wooded lots. Large expanses of land typically yield a lower population density; around one or two squirrels per acre.

In regards to hunting strategy, it is important to watch more than you look. Many squirrel hunters will walk through the woods too fast, which will cause squirrels to go into hiding, making it nearly impossible to see them. Perhaps move 20 yards at a time; waiting for ten to fifteen minutes in between.

Squirrel calls are another important area to discuss. Many people expect that squirrel calls will work similarly to deer, turkey, predator, etc. calls by attracting squirrels to them. However, these calls do not work in the same fashion. Rarely will squirrels come to the source of the call; rather, they will bark or chatter which will allow the hunter to locate the squirrels, at which point, closing the distance through carefully stalking becomes the strategy. Primos makes a great squirrel call, the Squirrel Buster ($12.99 at Cabela's), which can be used for both fox squirrels and grey squirrels. It can reproduce the bark, chatter and distress calls of both of these species and comes with an instructional CD that will get you up and going.

I typically start off with a chatter; moving quickly into a distress call. While performing the distress call, I will use a small branch to rustle the leaves on the ground, simulating a hawk catching a young squirrel. This will usually spark the curiosity of surrounding squirrels and will cause them to let out a bark or chatter. Once you lock onto the squirrels, you need to then slowly move through the woods to a location you can take a shot from. If, in the process, you spook the squirrel into hiding, the best thing you can do is to get to a large tree that you feel comfortable taking the shot from and wait quietly. To speed up the process you can use two poker chips, quarters or half dollars. By rubbing the ridges along the outside of the coins or chips, you can recreate the sound of a squirrel cutting a nut. This will fool the surrounding squirrels into thinking that other squirrels have emerged from hiding and that it is now safe to come out.

Hunting can be slow during the day, but barking can be used to get squirrels on the move. Sometimes it will simply spark the curiosity of local squirrels and they'll come out for a look. It's important to keep an eye up in the canopy when doing this in the middle of the day, as more than likely, squirrels will be in their dens or tree cavities.

Of the potential weapons to use on the hunt; .22 caliber rimfire rifles are often the best choice; especially if you're looking to add a little marksmanship to the hunt. If you're not, a 410-gauge shotgun can do the trick. I prefer to use a .22 caliber high-power air rifle, similar to the one shown above, which will shoot in the 800-900 FPS range. The benefit of the air rifle is two-fold. From a safety perspective, air rifles do not have the trajectory of a rimfire rifle, meaning that they can be used in more confined spaces without risk of injuring anyone in surrounding areas. The greatest benefit, however, is the quieter firing. The pellets travel slightly below the speed of sound (some .177 caliber air rifles will break the sound barrier, something to consider when selecting a weapon) which reduces the likelihood of spooking surrounding squirrels. In fact, if you happen to miss a shot, the target squirrel may give you a second chance or will go into hiding for only a brief period. No matter what weapon you choose, make sure that it has the power behind it to ensure a humane kill; something with at least 15 ft/lbs of energy. To calculate the energy exherted by your weapon, you can use this simple energy calculator.

I also want to mention Mepps Squirrel Tail Program. Mepps is a maker of fishing lures and uses squirrel tail fur on many of their lures. For the fisherman in you, you can earn credit of upwards of $0.40 per squirrel tail which you can use to purchase Mepps lures, or $0.20 in cash. While by no means am I presenting this as a means to make money, as squirrels should be taken primarily for their meat, I am throwing it out there as a way for hunters to be resourceful in utilizing all of their kill.

In short, squirrel hunting is a great way to spend time in the woods, perhaps scouting for deer season. It is a great way to introduce children into the world of hunting and can present a challenge for even the most seasoned hunter.

Tree of the Week - Staghorn Sumac

Moving on from coniferous cover; staghorn sumac is a small, deciduous, non-commercial tree. Typically quite aggressive; leading to most people eradicating them from their property, they are a favorite browse food of whitetail deer and other species. Considering their rapid growth and invasive tendencies; they make the perfect winter browse cutting species.

Browse cutting is a management technique that is used to supplement winter feeding during high stress periods; which can help maintain the health of your herd when there is minimal other food available. It involves simply cutting small diameter trees three-quarters of the way through at knee height and bending them over until the canopy is resting on the ground. This gives deer and other species access to favorable browse that would otherwise be inaccessible. Determining when browse cutting for whitetail should be done is easy; if the deer tracks are individual, it means that deer can travel easily and that browse cutting is unnecessary. When tracks are combined into one main trail, it means that travel is difficult and browse cutting should be utilized.

Staghorn sumac is a great species for this, because it is invasive by nature, easily established and is a favored browse species because of its red seedheads that appear in the fall. The invasiveness is great for this management strategy; as cutting trees for browse kills the tree. By utilizing a tree that will regenerate quickly and grow fast; land managers can provide substantially more browse for wildlife when needed; versus utilizing traditional hardwood species. Staghorn sumac grows best in sun; meaning it would be best located in or near food plots. The best location possible would be along a coniferous border that would reduce the snow load.

Of course, care should be taken during the growing season to ensure that the sumac remains only in its designated area. Brush hogging or the application of herbicides can help maintain the sumac where desired. As long as care is taken to restrict its invasiveness, staghorn sumac cannot be beat as a browse cutting species.

Timber Rating: F

Mast Rating: B

Overall Rating: C-

Managing Fruit Producers for Wildlife

Fruit producing trees and shrubs can provide great soft mast for wildlife from early summer through mid-fall and can be a primary reason for various wildlife species to inhabit your land. These fruit producers can range from blueberry bushes, to raspberry canes, to apple trees. Of course, as a land manager, one needs to decide to pursue managing these resources; as, in most situations, these species will not produce any income to the land owner but will incur substantial planting and management costs.

Berry Bushes

Berries are a favorite food of virtually all wildlife; from game birds to grizzly bears. These come in a variety of forms; from small strawberry plants to large blueberry bushes; each has its own use. For example, blueberry bushes grow best in acidic soil. Thus in a forest setting; it would be best planted in clearings near needle conifers; as they naturally cause acidic soil as their needles drop and decompose. For the most part; these plants should be planted along food plot borders and alongside access roads throughout the property; as they require at least some sunlight to efficiently produce crops. These species include blackberries, blueberries, currants, dewberries, elderberries, raspberries and strawberries, among others. The benefit of berry bushes is that there is a wide variety of fruit maturities; allowing you to be able to produce mast from summer through fall.

Fruit Trees

Come early fall, fruit trees are a popular hangout for hungry wildlife. The most popular non-commercial tree is the apple tree; with the most popular commercial species being black cherry. Capable of producing huge yields, apple trees are strong, hardy fruit trees that have a long producing lifespan; something uncommon for most fruit trees. However, other species can also make great additions to your land; including crabapple, mulberry, pear, and plum, among others. For the most part, fruit trees are best planted in orchard type settings; as many species require pollination from a neighboring tree as they are not self-pollinating. This means that land managers need to decide if the economic loss of future income from timber on this land is worth the conversion to a fruit orchard. For land managers serious about wildlife management this should be an easy choice; as fruit trees are a great source of nutrition for a wide array of wildlife.

Nut Trees

While there are a wide variety of hard mast producers, from hickory, to pecan, to oaks, this should be a pretty easy decision for land managers. While a few of each variety may be planted throughout a property, as a whole, oaks should be the favored species. Oaks are one of the most valuable, sought after hard mast producers; commanding higher prices per MBF than most other nut trees. That, combined with the fact that wildlife favor oak acorns (namely white oak, as discussed in earlier postings), makes this an easy decision for land managers who want to create economic value while also improving the wildlife population.

Other Fruits

The last important fruit species that hasn't been discussed is grapes. Wild muscadine grape vines produce loads of fruit in the early to mid fall. While grape vines can become intrusive, and thus need to be managed properly, training them on standing dead timber is a great way to attract wildlife throughout your property at minimal cost. If planted sparsely; one should opt for self-fertile varieties.

In areas where little fruit producing species exist; planting even a miniscule fraction of your property with a variety of-species can transform the wildlife population within your property. However, planting fruit-bearing species should be left until all of the other major areas are addressed; ie. food plots, hard mast producers, wintering areas, etc. If all of those areas are properly addressed and you have healthy populations of your target species; the addition of fruit-producing species can ensure that the wildlife on your property doesn't migrate to surrounding areas.

Tree of the Week - Eastern Hemlock

Ranging across the northeast; this slow-growing conifer creates great winter cover areas for a range of species. Eastern hemlock is not that notable for its sawtimber production because of its extremely slow growth rate and low value ($60 per MBF; $12 per cord). Some of these trees are known to be extremely slow growers; some less than one inch in d.b.h. are reportedly over 100 years old; with the oldest known tree being 988 years and 38 inches in d.b.h. Growth rates of 2.5" per decade are possible in areas of little competition; especially following the release of the understory. All of that said; it is easy to see that hemlock is not a great species for timber production; especially considering the higher value and substantially faster growth of eastern white pine; as discussed last week. Thus, we will focus on the wildlife benefits of hemlock; namely its use as whitetail deer wintering yards.

While hemlock is used by various species as softwood browse; it is by no means a highly favored species and is typically hard to reach; as limbs can be well out of reach in older stands. In stands with hemlock comprising over 70% of the overstory and abundant "functional cover" (trees over 35 feet in height); land managers can potentially find more value in the stand as winter wildlife cover than as timber; although there are only a few situations in which one can make a true economic comparison favoring it as cover; as, for the most part, it does not produce income as such.

However, if managed properly; deer wintering yards can produce at least some income. Wintering yards are best constructed as uneven age stands; favoring the younger age classes. Below is a table of the age composition of a properly managed hemlock deer yard; as can be seen; most emphasis is placed on species in the 20 to 40 feet range; although the notable difference is the presence of a larger volume of 10 to 20 feet tall trees.

Thus, the management of these stands becomes important if one wishes to produce income from them while maintaining the proper age classes. In such managed stands, 50% of the stand should remain in functional cover at all times. The remainder of the stand should be composed of regenerating stock, where new stands are developing, and thinned areas, from which mature trees are harvested. Because hemlock regenerates well in moist shade; it is best to encourage regeneration in areas with a tall overstory (which can help to retain moisture and filter sunlight); ready for harvest once the regeneration reaches the three to five feet tall range; at which time it can be safely released without risk of mortality. In such a situation; the regeneration area is also still serving as functional cover during this transition period. The problem that lies in this type of management is the ability of the seedlings to reach this height requirement without being heavily browsed upon. While this is a problem; the only way to lessen the effects of browsing is to have areas of regeneration with no overstory; which requires the land manager to plant seedlings; as there will be no hemlock overstory from which to regenerate.

It is important for hemlock wintering yards to be located in close proximity to winter feeding areas; whether they be food plots or browse areas. If the yards are not immediately adjacent to the feeding areas, there should be coniferous travel corridors that wildlife can utilize to these feed sources during periods of heavy snowfall.

Overall, hemlock wintering yards are a great asset to land managers focused on wildlife health during winter months. However, they have little economic value because of the growth rate and value of the hemlock timber. Therefore, it may be a situation in which a manager may utilize the hemlock resource if they have such on their property, but would be best to opt against trying to develop such a resource if the property currently lacks one, as it is simply not economically practical.

Timber Rating: D

Cover Rating: A

Overall Rating: B-

Tree of the Week - Eastern White Pine

Now that we've covered the most valuable mast producing trees that populate northeastern forests; we're going to spend some time focusing on some of the more prevalent conifers. Of course, eastern white pine is one of the most valuable, generating around $120 per MBF currently. Eastern white pine is a valuable cover species in northeastern forests; where it can be found in masses. Of the northeastern conifers; eastern white pine is the most preferable timber species, as it is a highly-demanded, fast-growing species, capable of growing in excess of 18" per year in favorable conditions.

While white pine buds are a favorite browse food of whitetail deer; the trees are more important for their cover during the winter months. White pine, along with most other conifers, are very important in reducing the snow load on the ground, which is key to the movement and ultimately, survival, of wildlife. Lesser snow loads means that wildlife burns less calories in search of food; which is very important when nutritious food sources are hard to come by. It is important to note that of the native conifer species, white pine has some of the weakest branches; meaning it is not as good at reducing the snow load as other species. However, considering its value as a timber species; it makes for a great species in a dual-management setting; as most other conifers are substantially slower growing and are less valuable.

Managing white pine is no different than the valuable mast species; they should be tightly planted to ensure proper stem form. The species tolerates moderately wet, well-draining soil better than other pine species; but does not tolerate dry or swampy conditions well. White Pine grows best on higher terrain; ie. hillsides, ridges, etc., and can tolerate up to 60% shade when young; making it a great successional planting. Avoiding low areas where cool, moist air collects can help prevent white pine blister rust.

In regards to the management of these species for wildlife; it is important to manage them in a way that provides natural winter travel corridors between food sources and bedding areas. Further; these travel corridors would be best composed primarily of conifer species; as it will do the best job of reducing the snow load to a managable level.

Overall, eastern white pine is a great all-around tree species; as a high-value, fast growing timber species capable of producing great cover habitat for wildlife.

Timber Value: B+

Cover Rating: B

Overall Rating: B

Finding Deer Bedding Areas

Finding deer bedding areas is key to being able to predict deer movement within your property. There are a couple ways of doing so, depending on if you're looking for doe or bucks, as they typically have seperate core areas, and thus bedding areas.

If you're searching for does; which would be a great way to go about it for hunting during the rut, when bucks come searching for does in their core areas, your best bet is to locate key food sources that will be maturing during or slightly before the rut. Once you locate these sources; take time to find the major travel corridors to and from these areas. Following these trails will typically lead you to the bedding areas. It is best to do your scouting well before the hunting season; even if these crops are not yet yielding, as the deer will likely be using these sources later in the season. Doing so will ensure that you are not disrupting the deer movement close to the rut, as this could cause them to change their feeding habits for the near-term, meaning your efforts are wasted.

On the other hand, if you're searching for bucks; which would be better when preparing for pre- and post-rut hunts, you're going to want to focus on finding the buck's core areas, as they will be living primarily solitary lives during this time. To find their core areas, you need to locate heavy scrape activity in close vicinity to thick cover. Thus, your best bet is to locate the heavy cover areas on your property and then search for sign near these areas.

It is important to understand that the bedding areas are where deer feel safest; thus, you need to minimize your hunting pressure on them. Deer have upwards of five main bedding areas that they utilize based on wind direction and stress factors (ie. hunter pressure), which means that if you put too much pressure on one area; they're likely to move to other areas and avoid that area. Hunting these areas more than one day a week could cause deer to become nervous about the area and vacate it; thus it is important to be vigilant about controlling your scent and minimizing your impact on the area when you do enter it. That means not cutting easily recognizable shooting lanes, also.

When hunting the bedding areas, it is extremely important to get into the areas in the early morning before the deer do; as entering the after the deer can be very tricky and can easily spook the deer. As the morning wears on, the deer will return to their bedding areas, meaning you need to be in your stand before they do.

Overall, bedding areas present unique hunting opportunities, especially when used in conjunction with feeding areas; but caution has to be taken to ensure a successful outing.