If applied correctly, pines won't be harmed. For the best bobwhite habitat, Thomas recommends using prescribed fires on a two-year rotation. Thickets of shrubs such as wild plum should be circled with a disk or a fire plow to protect from destruction. Small thickets should be scattered throughout the woodland for escape cover. This can be accomplished by using a fire plow or disk to circle the areas to be left unburned.
Some experienced burners use night burning to leave nesting areas.
Humidity increases at night, which can cause the fire to go out in spots. This creates a mosaic of burned and unburned areas that becomes top-quality habitat. Before attempting any type of burning, contact your state wildlife and forestry departments. Forestry departments can give you information on state laws regarding prescribed fires. Many conduct prescribed burns for landowners for a reasonable fee.