Wildlife & You
Backyard Wildlife
See the Michigan Department of Natural Resources' Backyard Wildlife Management. For an excellent guide to managing wildlife, also check out the MDNR's Managing Michigan's Wildlife: A landowner's guide.
Brush Piles for Wildlife
Learn more about brush piles, which make good cover for several animals including cottontail rabbits, quail and several species of songbirds.
Clearcutting Small Pockets for Wildlife
By clearcutting small areas in a continuous woodlot, you can attract "edge species" such as white tailed deer, grouse, rabbits, woodcock, and many others.
Den Trees for Wildlife
Many species of woodland wildlife benefit from the presence of den trees, those large, standing trees that are used by animals for nesting, roosting, cover, food supply and other critical functions.
Wildlife Biologists
Need professional help in planning a wildlife habitat project? While the Conservation District Forester can assist you in developing a basic plan, for more in depth help, you may want to contact a wildlife biologist consultant. Download our Consulting Foresters & Wildlife Biologists list.
Contractors
Native Habitat & Food Plot Establishment and Management Contractors & Sources List (PDF)
Wildlife Nuisances
Deer, squirrels, woodchucks, skunks and other wildlife species can be enjoyable to feed and watch-but when they start eating plants you don't want eaten, or start trying to get into your home-they become pesky nuisances. While we don't have a sure fire way to control or deter every wildlife species, download our Animal Removal & Nuisance Control Services list, for businesses that specialize in controlling animals.
Also review our handy reference, Likelihood of Deer Damage on Trees and Shrubs (PDF), which provides general guidance in selecting plants based on their deer damage potential.
Wildlife Organizations
For information on wildlife in general, and specific species in particular, try these web sites for well-known wildlife agencies and organizations:
- General Wildlife: Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Division
- Deer: Whitetails Unlimited
- Ducks: Ducks Unlimited
- Pheasants: Pheasants Forever, Washtenaw Chapter
- Wild Turkeys: Turkey Federation