2006 Habitat Project

Our habitat team for 2006

Left to right

Andrew Green, Jeff Green, Aaron Green, Ed Bowen, Robert Harold.

Thanks to you, the members of Bedford-Fulton Pheasants Forever, the first of hopefully many habitat projects will begin spring of 2005.  This project will take place on the portion of SGL 97 that borders Elk Lick Rd (AKA: Milk and Water Rd.).  While much of this SGL offers some very good cover for grouse and woodcock and other woodland species, the fields are primarily hay fields that were typically harvested, providing little resources for ground nesting wildlife.  While some of the established cool season grasses will remain, we will not be cutting these fields until after nesting season is over.  We are also planning to prepare some of these areas for more warm season grass cover that will provide excellent winter cover.   The biggest thing you will notice this hunting season are the many strips of grain still standing in the field.  Included in these high quality food plots will be corn, sorghum, and an assortment of mixed small grains such as buckwheat, Japanese millet, and wild flowers.   Plan on visiting this area in September when dove season opens as we expect this to be a real drawing for these migratory game birds. 

Habitat Chairman

Jeff Green

Purpose

The backbone of Pheasants Forever is the unique system that allows county chapters such as Bedford/Fulton to raise money for pheasant and other small game as well as big game habitat in our own area. All money raised by Bedford /Fulton chapter remains in Bedford and Fulton counties.  Local control of the funds and the freedom to spend those funds means county-by-county prioritization of habitat needs. Local control means access to the network of contacts that chapter leaders have to the landowning public and to natural resources professionals.   Local control means there is an incredible incentive to raise more to do more, and to wisely shepherd funds. Local control also means the ability to generate tremendous support from both the general membership and local businesses by presenting a product that local sportsmen and women can see, touch and walk on.  Bedford/Fulton chapter of Pheasants Forever concentrates its habitat project efforts on fulfilling the biological needs of the ring-necked pheasant, as well as on the preservation of permanent areas for all wildlife.

Current Projects

Bedford Fulton's habitat Project slated for 2005

State Game Lands 97 at Elk Lick Road. 

The BFPF (Bedford-Fulton Pheasants Forever) chapter has recently finished planting 32 acres.  from 8 acre of big blue stem (warm season grass) to grains such as corn, sorghum, millet both, foxtail and Japanese.  Below is a link to a photo gallery of this project.

Local Land Owners

If you have land and are interested in improving the habitat for pheasants and other small and large game but not sure how to get stated give us a call. We will be very happy to provide you with the help you need to get started. Our habitat chairman will look at what you have to work with and make suggestions on habitat improvements. We can provide seed at low or no cost to you.

Planting Tip

Preparing ground for planting can be a difficult task for an individual without proper equipment. Many local farms will be very happy to stop by your property after working their ground to plow disc and harrow a couple acres for you. Many times if they already have the equipment hooked up the charge will be very reasonable. A benefit to them is that some of the deer that would normally be in their fields will move to yours and give them more grain to harvest.

After ground has been plowed, disc and harrowed broadcast seeding is an excellent way to plant food or cover plots. For around $20.00 you can purchase a hand broadcast seeder. After seeding a 3x4-inch landscape timber can be dragged behind a 4-wheeler or garden tractor to help cover the seed.  Go over the area one time and don't be concerned that all seeds are not covered, the next rain will help cover and germinate the seed. 

Sorghum field broadcast seeded at a rate of 25 lb. per acre

Available seed for 2011 planting:

Low cost wildlife seed

grain sorghum

corn

To reserve seed contact the habitat chairman.

Habitat Chairman:

Jeff Green

(814) 652-6796

jeff@green-ranch.com