Skip to main content
Mourning dove on log. Photo by Stephen Ofsthun
‘Watering holes’ for Mourning Dove

Learn how to improve watering holes for mourning doves by creating bare ground, managing vegetation and adding attractive perches near quality feeding and roosting areas.

Strips of land mowed along a fence line while a smoke from a fire fills the background.
Mowing: Harmful or Useful

Learn how to use mowing strategically for wildlife habitat, including brush management, weed control, strip mowing, access routes and firebreaks.

A whitetail buck sniffing the air.
Deer Management Starts Now

One aspect of deer management that many people overlook is summer habitat. Everyone is so focused on fall forage and food plots that this easily achievable improvement is, many times, the last on someone's list.   

A group of invasive red cedars against a blue sky.
Redcedar Removal a Big First Step to Improving Habitat

Eastern redcedar trees are taking over Oklahoma's landscape and destroying wildlife habitat. Learn how redcedar removal can restore native plants, conserve water, and bring wildlife back to your property.

Open prairie landscape with tall golden grasses, scattered shrubs, and a tree line in the distance under a clear sky.
“What’s Next” After Purchasing Land for Wildlife?

Many outdoor enthusiasts long for the chance to own and manage land for wildlife recreation and, whether the property is large or small, knowing what to do or where to start can be incredibly important to help in achieving the desired goals.

An example sprig of side oats gamma grass.
The Benefits of CRP, Native Vegetation

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is a voluntary incentive-based program administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) that was started in 1985, initially to deal with soil erosion and stabilize commodity prices. This was quickly expanded to include enhancement of wildlife habitat.

A collage of two photos over a brown wood graphic. The photos show McCurtain County farmer John Sanders has been selected as the 2025 Landowner Conservationist of the Year by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Sanders Selected Landowner Conservationist of the Year

McCurtain County farmer John Sanders has been selected as the 2025 Landowner Conservationist of the Year by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. 

A photo of a good example of diverse habitat in Oklahoma. Trees in the distance, tall grass and a large field can be seen.
Beauty Is In The Eye Of The Occupant

When I’m out talking to landowners, there is one phrase I hear quite often. “This place will look a whole lot better when I get it cleaned up.” Sometimes they are right; but often, when it comes to improvements for wildlife, they are mistaken.

A photo of ideal deer habitat of mixed vegetation.
Strategies for Deer Management on Private Lands

White-tailed deer are Oklahoma’s most popular game animal, and recent harvest numbers show their strong presence across the state. With record antlerless harvests and a mix of public and private land hunting opportunities, landowners play a vital role in sustaining healthy deer populations.

A dead tree hangs off the branch of a living tree, making this tree deadly and known as a widowmaker.
Widowmakers: Hazardous Habitat

Oklahoma’s forests are full of hidden hazards after severe weather. Learn what “widowmakers” are, why they matter, and how spotting and safely removing them can keep you — and your property — out of harm’s way.