Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Completed Competitive Grant

Integrating hunting and grazing - a southern Iowa investigation into management issues

Project ID: 2003-E6

Abstract

Land resources in southern Iowa are limited, yet there is increased interest in both improved wildlife habitat and hunter access to these lands. The study looks at ways to achieve these goals without shortchanging area farmers.

Key Question: Can cattle graze wildlife habitat (warm season grasses, CRP) without hurting bird populations and, vice versa, can pastures be managed to improve habitat and birds? Why?

Findings: If successful, land owners that want the habitat can rent the land to cattle producers (increasing access to pasture) without sacrificing their objective (good hunting), and cattle producers can provide good hunting without sacrificing their objective (good pastures). This dual purpose use for land can increase access income for both parties. The key is that the management of such lands must be timed carefully, and managed with both the birds and the cattle in mind. It takes more management skill, but it means the two can be compatible.

Lead investigator: James Pease, ISU Natural Resource Ecology and Management, et al

Year of grant completion: 2005

This competitive grant project was part of the Leopold Center's Ecology Initiative.

Topics: Animal management and forage, Wildlife and recreation