Swith Grass for Ethanol

[Live2Hunt]

In the Eastern half of Nebraska some of the old growth CRP is just plain to dense for young birds.
I have hunted the same fields over the years and have noticed the drop in birds in the same fields. First decline occurs with the Bobwhite Quail, which need open ground.

In the More Western part of the state. The CRP grows in a more "clump" style. Where the upper part of the plant spreads out forming a great canopy but at the very bottom area (like 2"-4" off the ground) their is less density. Even in the old growth CRP fields.

 

[1pheas4]

I'm talking areas I'm familiar with, Western Dakotas and Eastern MT. World of difference from say the Red River Valley in Eastern ND and Western MN. Grass certainly gets very heavy there. Then again there's little chance for any number of pheasants anyway.

I think this is why we're going back and forth here. We're talking about two totally different areas with two very different habitat needs/conditions.

Also, just for the fun of it; pheasants in their native lands will nest in grass lands and woodlands. Such as a grouse or turkey. They dig out a small depression in the ground surrounded by leaves and nest without being covered by grasses. Wild pheasants in Europe do this too. --obviously unlike wild pheasants in the U.S. who nest in grass lands for various reasons.

With the "Michigan Sichuan" project, it was hoped that we would get our birds to do the same --nest in woodlands and near trees. As we know it didn't work. They resorted to grasslands for nesting just like their American cousins.:cheers:

 

[mnmthunting]

Reed Canary is common in the West. Came with the Homesteaders. Low ground to wet for grain most years was commonly planted in RC. Probably to fill a void. Native lowland grasses have low yield and nutrients compared to RC.
Pheasants mostly will nest in surrounding high ground. When their hunted and flushed they sure like to dive into RC. Useful for getting away from Hawks too.
In this case cutting or burning would not benefit the birds.

I realize this is a different situation from what you guys have farther East.

 

[OldDublin]

Any management decision regarding gamebird habitat is not dependent upon location...it is most dependent upon need.
Everything from soil conditions, odd seasonal trends and beyond can vary within any area...best to manage for need and never based upon generalizations.
The birds will thank you.