Hack, Spray, & Blaze: Enhancing Oklahoma’s Wildlife Habitats | BGWT #461

In this episode, John Weir, Dr. Laura Goodman, and Dr. Mark Turner sit down for a laid-back, boots-on-the-ground talk about Forest Stand Improvement (FSI) and how it plays a big role in shaping better wildlife habitats for deer, turkey, and quail—especially right here in Oklahoma. They swap stories and share how FSI differs from Timber Stand Improvement (TSI), and why even folks without marketable timber can still benefit from these management techniques.

You’ll hear plenty of real-world advice—how to get more sunlight to the forest floor, which trees to keep or cut, and what tools make the job easier (spoiler: PlantNet and iNaturalist apps get some love). They also dig into strategies like girdling, hinge cutting, and selective herbicide use. And of course, no land management talk would be complete without prescribed fire. It's not just about burning—it’s about building a better future for your land.

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Resources

- OkState Range & Pasture Plant ID

- PlantNet

- iNaturalist