Milliken Forestry’s Wildlife Services Division specializes in designing and implementing wildlife management programs.  We combine our extensive knowledge of land and wildlife management with landowners’ goals and resources to achieve a notable improvement in habitat and wildlife population characteristics. This article provides an overview of all aspects of Milliken Forestry’s wildlife management services.

What is a Wildlife Management Plan?

A wildlife management plan developed by Milliken Forestry Company is a customized program that is designed to fulfill the wildlife population objectives of private landowners, property managers and biologists. It includes –

• A schedule of activities and tasks that are necessary to ensure that wildlife goals are accomplished
• An outline of the steps required to develop a land infrastructure that is ideal for recreational accessibility and opportunity
• Detailed aerial, topographic and other types of maps
• After following the plan for a period of time, results can be measured to confirm that goals have been met.

How can having a wildlife management plan help landowners?

Having a formalized, written wildlife management plan can help landowners in several ways:

• It educates landowners on the process of wildlife management by giving them schedule of events throughout the year.  They learn when to plant, fertilize, harvest and control burn.  They also learn how to tailor road systems and place food plots for optimal wildlife population growth.
• It helps landowners complete their forest management plans.  Wildlife management is just one component of overall forest management.  Timber cannot be managed properly if wildlife is not taken into consideration. 
• If landowners attempt to become certified under the American Tree Farm System or any other certification program, wildlife management must be addressed. 
• It provides a solution for protecting any endangered species that might be living on the property. 
• It helps landowners generate the right mix of plants and animals.
• It provides a system for managing the water quality of ponds and streams on the property.

How can having a wildlife management plan help from a financial perspective?

Enhancing wildlife creates value for the property because it makes it more desirable for others to own.  For any potential buyers with recreational interests such as hunting or fishing, land that is wildlife-managed is very attractive.  In addition, if your land has an abundance of wildlife, you may be able to lease your property for hunting, which will generate rental income.

Does Milliken Forestry develop wildlife management plans for deer?  Quail?  Turkey?  Doves?  Waterfowl?

Yes.  Milliken Forestry develops wildlife management plans for deer, quail, turkey, doves, and waterfowl (ducks).  We can also create a wildlife management plan that allows you to grow the population of some combination of these types of wildlife.

In what areas of the country does Milliken Forestry implement wildlife management plans?
Milliken Forestry primarily works in the Southeastern United State in states such as South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee.  However, Milliken Forestry has gone as far as Michigan.  We are willing and able to provide our wildlife management services throughout the United States.

How are wildlife management plans and forest management plans connected?

In order to have a proper wildlife management plan, it is necessary to also have a forest management plan in place.  Milliken Forestry uses scientific knowledge and operational expertise to strategically integrate each forest management plan with its respective wildlife management plan.  By following our customized forest management plans, clients are able to implement complementary, well-planned wildlife programs that achieve desired results.

What are some of the specific wildlife management services Milliken Forestry provides?

Milliken Forestry provides the following wildlife management services:

• Turnkey Wildlife Management
• Written Wildlife Management Plans
• Habitat Analysis
• Habitat Enhancement Plans
• Habitat Diversity Planning
• Selective Harvesting Plans
• Population Surveys
• Controlled Burning
• Infrared Camera Censuses To Measure White Tail Deer Population
• Pond And Stream Management

Summary

Milliken Forestry has the experience needed to take your property to a higher level of wildlife management, while also adding value to the property to enhance future resale value.  Wildlife management is a crucial part of overall good land stewardship.

For more information about how Milliken Forestry can help you with wildlife management, please contact us at staff@millikenforestry.com, or call us at 803-788-0590.