Pine Management . Short rotation pulpwood management over extensive areas leaves little prospect for wild turkeys. However, high densities of turkeys may exist on large tracts managed primarily for pine saw timber. Restrict pine management to sites best suited to pine production. Leave hardwood-dominated drains and stream bottoms uncut when harvesting or establishing pine stands.
Thin pine stands liberally as needed.
Prescribe burn as soon as the tree height in young stands allows safe burning. Further benefits may be achieved by burning some stands annually and by permanently excluding fire from others. Burn woodlands during winter but avoid burning later than March 15 to prevent nest destruction. Ideally, fire should be used early enough to allow ample germination or green-up by the time flocks disperse. The Alabama Forestry Commission provides technical assistance on fire use and can help with the construction of fire containment lanes.