Does Burning Create more Turkeys?

In this episode of Land & Legacy: Habitat + Hunting, hosts Adam Keith and Matt Dye tackle the misconception that burning alone creates better turkey habitat. They argue that while prescribed fire is a valuable tool, it's ineffective—or even harmful—if applied to closed-canopy forests without prior mechanical thinning. Drawing on data from Dr. Craig Harper's study, they highlight that only 7% of a landscape supported 43% of turkey nests, emphasizing the critical importance of early successional vegetation. The hosts break down the distinct needs of nesting cover (denser, with more woody structure) versus brood-rearing cover (open, forb-heavy, with bare ground and insect-rich plants). They stress that successful turkey management requires intentional, multi-step strategies: first reducing canopy density through logging or thinning, then using fire or disking in rotation to promote desired plant communities. The episode warns against 'burning for turkeys' without proper groundwork, using real-world examples of over-burned, under-managed timber stands where sight lines were too open and understory failed to regenerate. They conclude that while fire is essential, it's a tool—not a fix—and must be paired with mechanical site preparation and long-term planning to truly benefit wild turkey populations.