Managing predators and their effects on game populations has been a familiar topic for landowners and land managers. Common predator control practices that are implemented to decrease numbers include trapping and opportunistic hunting. Although, unless implemented on a landscape scale and continuous it can be difficult to truly control predator numbers, especially those with larger home ranges. 

One common correlation that is often overlooked is the relationship between predator management and habitat management. Predators do eat fawns, predators do eat gamebirds, and nest predators do destroy nests of wild turkey and bobwhite. Although, in most cases it is best to see predation more as an effect than a cause. The cause is poor habitat therefore the effect is increased opportunities for predators. 

Predators are an inevitable factor in most landscapes, but their success will depend on how well the surrounding habitat is managed for optimal vegetative structure and ground cover. What can be done from a habitat perspective to reduce the negative impact predators can have?

  • Increase sunlight- Managing sunlight is what drives plant communities. Thinning, clearing, or select cutting timber stands will open overstory canopies for sunlight to promote understory growth for fawns to hide and gamebirds to nest and brood. 
  • Disturbance- Whether in open field habitats or timber stands, prescribed fire is a great tool to promote early successional growth. Burning on a 1–3-year return interval will ensure plant communities remain in various stages of growth for wildlife species to use for cover. Dividing a property into burn units with varying fire return intervals can enhance habitat diversity and stagger fawning and nesting/brood rearing opportunities. This approach makes it more challenging for predators to focus on and locate prey.

Recognizing quality habitat as the primary factor in predator management can help you reach your goals for your target wildlife species.