Dedicated landowners, sportsmen, farmers and ranchers we work with own 95% of all the lands in the U.S. and spend untold private dollars and sweat equity into maintaining wildlife on their properties. The most critical time of year, for most species, is the spring and early summer when the young are born and moved into the habitat. Nest survival and spring birth survival is critical. Help us spread the word.

“We have already had reports and pictures of turkey nests being accidently destroyed by what we call “recreational bush hogging (RBH), especially with new landowners” states Craig Alderman of QUWF. The temptation to bush hog or use a circular cutter causes real and permanent damage to ground nesting birds in the fields. Turkey and quail like to nest in clumps of native grasses, small patches of briars or brush in the body of the fields and cannot be spotted until it is too late. These are normally targets of the RBH operator, thinking to “clean-up” his field. “I drove to our southern boundary to check for trespass on the QUWF farm going down our maintenance road and flushed two turkey hens in the fields, from their nests, within yards of the road,” reflects Alderman. We missed early field prep due to weather and now will leave the fields until early July for fall planting prep leaving the nests alone. Note the locations, most likely they will chose the same areas next year.

We ask if you have not prepared your fields for planting for whatever reason, leave the bush hogging, use of finish mowers etc. to early July to let the nesting and birth cycle be complete. This is what we as biologists, concerned sportsman and landowners work for, the natural reproduction of our wildlife. If you have secondary nesting, this may extend to August in some parts of the country. Please let others know.

Further, here in Central MO we have had our first fawns drop for 2024. The danger, the does will bring them into field edges within weeks of birth, exactly the time haying efforts begin in earnest. Once again, these fawns are taught to be exceptionally still and too are impossible to see from a tractor or other equipment.

Here in the Midwest, haying is critically important to cow/calf operations. It has already begun in-between the downpours, tornadoes and straight-line winds. Being vigilant on a mower, especially along the edges, is key or even having someone check the area for nests and fawns as you move through the fields is a good option. Yes, it takes a little extra caution and effort but saving the lives of the critters you want to survive is the direct result.

When you do bush hog, have an RTV, UTV or ATV go ahead of you slowly to ensure there are no hidden critters. Preserve what you have worked for. We do recommend late fall for serious bush hog use on fields.

About QUWF and the AFC: The Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation (QUWF) is the only Veteran founded and managed national conservation organization in the U.S., and the only multi-specie and clean stream national organization, based in Missouri. QUWF with its partner the American Falconry Conservancy (AFC) “turns-the-dirt™” locally and nationally focusing on veteran and all private landowners with chapters that manage and control their own funds. The AFC and its members are dedicated to the historical sport of falconry and the preservation of upland wildlife habitat and populations. Visit our website at www.falconryconservancy.org for more information.

To join QUWF, get involved, sponsor our work or open a chapter locally for upland wildlife and habitat restoration/ clean streams or the youth fishing teams, visit our web site at www.quwf.net or email calderman@quwf.net. QUWF is a proud member of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and an Endowment Partner with the College of the Ozarks.

Preserve the Land and Clean Streams….Build the Habitat….Hunt and Fish for Generations” with QUWF® and the AFC™.