Transactions of the Western Section of the Wildlife Society

1984, Volume 20


Previous Article All 1984 Articles All Years Next Article


Year1984
Volume20
TitleDeveloping a Habitat Management Plan for Private Land
Author(s)E. Lee Fitzhugh, Ronald H. Zinke, Ray Conway
ArticleLink to PDF

Abstract:
Ray Conway has operated for 17 years the 4,400 acre Sugarloaf Ranch for quail and livestock production. This is his most recent of several similar endeavors. Gradual changes in goals over time have occurred, and a decision was made to change the management orientation to include deer, turkey, dove, band-tailed pigeon, and nongame habitat while maintaining a viable quail hunting base, all compatible with existing livestock grazing. Svoboda (1980) described a good wildlife planning process for private landowners. The present paper describes practical application of Svoboda's technique to the Sugarloaf Ranch. Each step of the process is described and the resulting plan is briefly outlined. This plan can serve as a guide to habitat development tasks that are practical and economic in the view of a rancher with over 40 years experience in private-land wildlife management.


Western Section Website