Seasons – Winter 2026
Winter Activites: What You Can Do Now
While winter may feel like a slower season on the land, it’s actually one of the most important times for your wildlife management plan. The next two months are ideal for evaluating habitat conditions, preparing for spring growth, and setting your property up for long-term success. Here are key wildlife management activities landowners should be focusing on right now.
Habitat Management
Winter is one of the most effective times of year to address brush management, particularly through mechanical methods. With most native vegetation dormant, brush work can be done with less impact on desirable plant species and greater visibility across the property. This allows landowners and land managers to be more intentional about what is removed and what is preserved.
Benefits of winter brush management include:
- Less stress on desirable native plants, as dormant plants are better able to recover
- Improved access for equipment, thanks to firmer soils and reduced foliage
- Reduced disturbance to nesting wildlife, since most nesting activity has not yet begun
- Stimulated spring forage growth, as increased sunlight and space allow native grasses and forbs to respond when temperatures rise
By selectively removing invasive or overly dense brush, rather than just clearing, landowners can improve sunlight penetration, increase plant diversity, and create a healthier balance between cover and forage. Thoughtful brush management supports a wide range of wildlife species while helping the land function more efficiently heading into spring. If your not sure where to start, our team is here to help! We can talk through this and other services
Nest Box Replacement
Take advantage of the ideal time this winter to inspect, repair, and replace nest boxes in preparation for the upcoming nesting season. Many nesting species (Chickadees, Painted Buntings, and Purple Martins) begin scouting nesting sites well before spring arrives. Why now? You may increase nesting success by providing clean boxes without less risk of parasites, mold and disease. Also keep in mind the proper sizing. Ensure entrance holes and box designs are species appropriate to limit competition from invasive species. By providing safe, functional nest boxes now ensures these species have a reliable habitat when nesting activity begins in a few short months.
Key Reminders
With 2026 underway, some Central Appraisal Districts (CADs) across Texas are beginning to send notices requesting updated Wildlife Management Plans and applications, with deadlines typically falling between late February and April 30, 2026. Even if you believe your current plan is still valid, a new application may be required if certain changes have occurred. These include a change in legal ownership name (such as transferring the property to a new individual or entity), a change in acreage due to a sale, subdivision, or additional land purchase, or if your Wildlife Management Plan was written in 2021 or earlier and is due for its five-year update. Additionally, (CADs) have the authority to request a new application or updated plan at any time, and it’s critical to meet all deadlines and requirements to avoid losing your favorable tax status. This time of year is also a key filing period for annual reports, updated wildlife plans, and open space applications for new landowners, making now the right time to review your property and ensure everything is in order.
Looking Ahead to Spring
As you are looking ahead to the Spring season, keep in mind your activities. Will you need a Spring Breeding Bird Survey? Connect with our team now to learn what bird species are migrating through your habitat this Spring. It’s a time to get one-on-one time with a Plateau birder as they identify birds by sight and sounds and provide a detailed report listing all species and numbers observed. Our most popular service also qualifies for a Wildife Management activity and only takes one morning! Experience this unique service this Spring and click here to learn more.
Landowners who take advantage of the winter season are setting their property up for healthier habitat, stronger wildlife populations, and smoother management throughout the year.
What’s New at Your Texas Land
Have you been listening to Your Texas Land lately? Our most recent episodes continue to focus on the real issues Texas landowners are navigating right now, from long-term conservation strategies to practical land management tools. In one episode, we sit down with Land Within Reach to discuss conservation development and how landowners can thoughtfully balance growth, stewardship, and the future of their property. In another, we share exciting news for our listeners: Plateau is now an authorized dealer of Pig Brig Trap Systems®, expanding the resources available to landowners managing feral hog populations. If you’re looking for timely conversations, expert insight, and real-world solutions for Texas landownership, now is a great time to tune in.
Subscribe to Your Texas Land wherever you listen to podcasts and stay connected to what matters most on your land.
Listen to Episode 27: Caught in the Trap – How Texas Landowners Can Take Back Their Land
Listen to Episode 28: Building in Harmony – A Path Forward for Sustainable Development
From the Field to the Mic
You may have noticed a fresh look across our social media channels and it’s more than just a new design. We’re using these platforms to give landowners a closer look at who we are, what our team is working on, and what’s happening on Texas land day-to-day. From behind the scenes moments in the field to educational insights and real conversations about stewardship, our goal is to share more than just our services. We invite you to follow along on social media to learn from our team, see projects in action, and stay connected to the work we’re passionate about, Texas land and the landowners who continue to preserve it.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay connected.
Check out a few recent clips below to see what we’ve been up to.
Webinar and & In-person Events Coming!
Click here: https://lnk.bio/PlateauWildlife
UPCOMING EVENTS INCLUDE:
- Jan 27 | 12 PM CST – Lunch Webinar (Online)
- Feb 3 | 6 PM CST – Evening Webinar (Online)
- Feb 5 | 6 PM CST – Weatherford, TX
- Feb 5 | 6 PM CST – Kerrville, TX
- Feb 11 | 6 PM CST – Bastrop, TX
- Feb 12 | 6 PM CST – Waco, TX
- Feb 12 | 6 PM CST – Waller, TX
- Feb 17 | 12 PM CST – Lunch Webinar (Online)
- Feb 19 | 6 PM CST – The Colony, TX
- Feb 24 | 6 PM CST – Evening Webinar (Online)
- Mar 3 | 12 PM CST – Lunch Webinar (Online)
CLICK THE LINK TO REGISTER AND SECURE YOUR SPOT: https://lnk.bio/PlateauWildlife
Are you a realtor? Connect with our team here to schedule a continuing education (CE) course for your team today. Plateau is Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) and Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR) certified to offer a 1-hour course on Selling Rural Land with a Wildlife Management Tax Valuation and What you need to Know About Wildlife Management Open Space Appraisals. Now is the time to get us on the books and preparing your team for the busy season ahead.
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