Winter Cover

We can't control the severity of the winter, but we can establish quality winter cover to help upland birds when harsh winter elements arrive.

We can't control the severity of the winter, but we can establish quality winter cover to help upland birds when harsh winter elements arrive.

Winter weather can be deadly for many species of farmland wildlife unless there is dense sheltering cover and a reliable food source nearby. The thick cattails of wetlands or stiff-stemmed native grasses such as switch grass are examples of good winter cover. If available, pheasants prefer these herbaceous covers because of the density of vegetation at ground level. However, the dense woody habitat of coniferous farmstead shelterbelts is the key to survival in most severe winters when wetlands are filled with snow and native grasses are flattened by ice. Woody plantings elsewhere on the land are also important, and the rules for shelterbelt establishment apply here as well.

Map

Areas where pheasants benefit most from well-planned tree and shrub plantings. In the unshaded portions you will want to concentrate your efforts on nesting cover.

Shelterbelts & Windbreak Basics

Farmstead shelterbelts have long been a feature of the Midwestern landscape; sheltering wildlife, livestock and farmsteads from winter’s harsh grip. A well-designed shelterbelt provides loafing, feeding, roosting and escape cover for ring-necked pheasants and other wildlife.

The basic steps for a successful shelterbelt project are: selection and ordering planting stock, proper preparation of planting site, suitable planting techniques, and proper care after planting.

Shelterbelts should be designed to contain 10 or more rows of trees and shrubs primarily on the north and west sides of farmsteads, and for maximum protection should be at least 150 feet wide. The shrubs are planted in the outermost rows to catch drifting snow, while the tall, center deciduous trees "lift" the chilling winds above the farmstead. Evergreens are on the inside four rows and effectively reduce the remaining wind and drifting snow. Field windbreaks are often much smaller in scale and contain 2 to 4 rows of smaller shrubs planted outside two (2) rows of evergreens.

For more about winter cover, consult Pheasants Forever's Essential Habitat Guide or contact the Pheasants Forever Farm Bill Biologist in your area.