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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.

A camera on a tripod points to a field of grass and trees.
Using a Photo Point to Monitor a Year’s Growth

We visited a Lexington WMA photo point every month in 2024 to track the before and after views of a prescribed fire.

Wild turkey hen and her chicks.
Boost Turkey & Quail with Early Successional Management

Do you see turkey or quail on your property during certain months of the year but not all? There’s something going on, but what? Sometimes the answer can be complex; other times the solution is simple. For some, early successional management may be the key.

Cattle in a pasture.
How Grazing Can Benefit Quail

Oklahoma has a long and storied history of being one of the leading states in beef cattle production, as well as being one of the leading states in numbers of bobwhite quail. And when applied correctly as a habitat management tool, the cow can greatly benefit the quail while benefitting herself and her owner’s bottom line.

A small reddish plant grows next to a yellow ruler placed for size reference.
Tiny Plant Makes for a Big Discovery

An avid naturalist discovered a federally threatened plant with the nickname “Tiny Tim” growing in Oklahoma for the first time.

black-capped chickadee sits on white twig.
Backyard Bird Habitat

With just a few minor tweaks to your gardening plans throughout the year, you can cultivate a welcoming winter backyard bird habitat.

A tick sits on the edge of a leaf.
Prescribed Burning as a Tool Against Ticks?

The benefits of prescribed burning for wildlife have been well documented, especially when managing for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and bobwhite quail. Even more, prescribed burning continues to be one of the most cost-effective wildlife management tools available to land managers. The question is, can prescribed burning help to control tick infestations too?

Clearing eastern red cedar has helped turkey numbers rise on Malson’s land.
2024 Landowner Conservationist of the Year

Farmer-rancher Randy Malson of Roger Mills County was named the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s 2024 Landowner Conservationist of the Year.