Talking Wildlife Management with Your Clients – Key Talking Points

Addressing Common Questions & Misconceptions

Provide clear answers to potential buyer inquiries: 

• “Is hunting required under a wildlife management plan?” No. While hunting can be a tool within a comprehensive wildlife management plan to manage certain species, it is not a mandatory requirement. The primary focus is on benefiting native wildlife populations. 
• “Does managing land for wildlife require a lot of intensive labor?” The level of effort can vary depending on the landowner’s goals and the specific management practices chosen. Many activities, like habitat restoration or providing water sources, can be integrated into a manageable routine. 
• “Are there significant restrictions on what I can do with my land if it’s under wildlife management valuation?” The primary use of the land must be for wildlife management. However, compatible secondary uses, such as personal recreation, are often permitted. It’s important to understand the specific requirements outlined in the management plan and by the appraisal district. 

 

Highlighting Flexibility

Emphasize the range of approved Wildlife Management activities beyond traditional agriculture.

Wildlife Management Valuation offers landowners a diverse set of management practices to choose from within seven recognized categories: 

• Habitat Control: This means actively using the land to create or promote an environment that benefits wildlife on the land. 
• Erosion Control: Implementing measures such as spillway repair, establishing native plants, and low water crossings and culverts are just a few of the activities landowners can perform on their property. 
• Predator Control: This term refers to practices intended to manage the population of predators to benefit the owner’s target wildlife population. 
• Providing Supplemental Water: Creating or maintaining water sources like rainwater collection and distribution systems, well and windmill overflow and spring development or enhancement, especially important during dry periods. 
• Providing Supplemental Food: A landowner supplies supplemental food by providing food or nutrition in addition to the level naturally produced on the land. That could include grazing management, prescribed burning, or food plots. 
• Providing Shelter: Creating brush piles for small mammals and birds, establishing nesting boxes, or enhancing natural cover like thickets and woodlands. 
• Making Census Counts: Regularly monitoring and documenting wildlife populations through observation, surveys, or other scientific methods to assess the effectiveness of management practices. Landowners can select the combination of these activities that best suits their property, their interests, and the specific wildlife they aim to benefit. 

 

Showcasing Property Enhancement

Explain how Wildlife Management can improve the ecological value and aesthetics of the land. 

Actively managing land for wildlife can lead to significant ecological improvements, including: 

• Increased Biodiversity: Creating diverse habitats supports a wider range of native plant and animal species. 
• Healthier Ecosystems: Improved soil health, water quality, and natural processes contribute to a more resilient environment. 
• Attracting Desirable Wildlife: Well-managed properties can become havens for game species, songbirds, pollinators, and other native fauna, enhancing the recreational and aesthetic value for the landowner. 
• Enhanced Natural Beauty: Restoring native landscapes and creating diverse habitats can significantly improve the visual appeal of the property. 
• Long-Term Sustainability: Implementing sound wildlife management practices contributes to the long-term health and productivity of the land.