MN Aspen Cuts for Deer

MN Aspen Cuts for Deer
MN Aspen Cuts for Deer

MN Aspen Cuts for Deer

MN Aspen Cuts for Deer

MN Aspen Cuts for Deer

To improve aspen and mixed aspen forests as deer habitat, a portion should be clear-cut periodically to set growth back to the aspen sprout stage. Clear-cutting removes the tree canopy so that sunlight, heat, and rain penetrate to the forest floor stimulating plant growth. Clear-cutting can be accomplished with a commercial timber sale which benefits wildlife and provides you with income. The boundaries of a timber sale do not have to be straight lines; the shape can follow topography or other natural features. Leave tight clumps of balsam fir or jack pine un-harvested for use as winter cover. Areas of new forest growth scattered within a deer’s home range provide good deer habitat for 10-15 years.

Whitetails respond best to timber management that maintains a proportion of young, intermediate, and mature growth stages or age classes. Forest “stand” harvest in aspen-birch forest is an appropriate option for deer. To improve habitat for deer and ruffed grouse, harvest timber in patches or units 10 acres or smaller in aspen-birch and northern hardwood-oak forests.

MN Aspen Cuts for Deer

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