Habitat Management for Turkey in Oklahoma Increases

There is nothing better than habitat management for ensuring improved turkey habitat and hunting into the future. Wildlife officials in Oklahoma have been evaulating additional funding sources to pool monies for habitat work for wildlife. Now, the National Wild Turkey Federation chapters in the state budgeted more than $151,000 to further the Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative within the state in 2016.

The Oklahoma State NWTF Chapter board of directors reviewed and allocated funding for numerous projects and secured $1,291,169 in match funding from valuable partners.

“The Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative is supported by our state boards and chapter members,” said Becky Humphries, NWTF chief conservation officer. “Hunting Heritage Super Fund money is critical to implementing the initiative, and investing in focal landscapes and hunter recruitment.”

The board of directors dedicated $40,978 in NWTF funding to proposed Hunting Heritage Super Fund projects that focus specifically on saving habitat. An additional $50,302 was retained to help Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation with land purchase costs. Finally, $59,915 in funding will support programs saving the hunt.

These turkey habitat enhancement projects will save vital turkey habitat in Oklahoma. Funding includes the following turkey management projects, but is not limited to:

  • Black Kettle WMA – $5,000 to support removal of invasive plants on 200 acres of prime turkey roost areas.
  • Cherokee WMA – $6,400 to support fireguard enhancements and prescribed burning of 3,200 acres.
  • Pushmataha WMA – $4,000 to support prescribed burns on 5,000 acres.
  • Ellis County WMA – $5,000 to support removal of invasive plants on 100 acres of prime turkey roost areas.
  • Beaver River WMA – $5,000 to support removal of salt cedar on 45 acres of prime turkey roost areas.

To view the entire budget announcement regarding turkey management in Oklahoma and more, visit this site. This is good news for turkey hunters, habitat and other wildlife that depend on native plants to make a living.

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