A Landowner’s Spring Checklist for Wildlife Management Valuation

For local landowners operating under a 1-d-1 wildlife valuation, spring is one of the most important times of the year to implement qualifying management activities for Texas wildlife. Nesting birds are returning, native vegetation is actively growing, and many of the practices recognized under wildlife management are most effective during this window. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department defines the standards and approved practices, but your County Appraisal District determines whether your efforts meet the standard. It’s essential that your documentation is sufficient and submitted on time to meet appraisal district deadlines to ensure approval.

This post breaks down the activities that count toward your wildlife management valuation, why spring timing matters, and how working with experienced professionals like Plateau Land & Wildlife Management can protect both your land and your property tax savings.

 

What Are Texas Wildlife Management Qualifying Activities?

Texas law requires landowners seeking a wildlife management valuation to actively complete a minimum of three out of seven recognized qualifying activities each year. These aren’t just checkbox exercises; they’re practical, habitat-focused efforts that demonstrate your land is being managed for the benefit of native wildlife populations.

The seven recognized Texas wildlife management qualifying activities are:

• Habitat Control: Managing brush, native grasses, and vegetation to support wildlife 
• Erosion Control: Implementing practices that stabilize soil and protect water sources used by wildlife 
• Predator Control: Reducing pressure on native species through legal, managed predator removal 
• Providing Supplemental Water: Installing or maintaining water features like wildlife troughs or guzzlers 
• Providing Supplemental Food: Planting food plots, maintaining feeders, or using livestock or fire to manage natural vegetation  to support native wildlife 
• Providing Shelter: Creating brush piles, nesting boxes, or other structures for wildlife habitat 
• Making Census Counts: Conducting systematic surveys to monitor wildlife populations on your property

 

Your appraisal district expects documentation of these activities, not just intention. That means photos, records, receipts, and ideally a formal wildlife management plan prepared by a qualified wildlife biologist.

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Spring Wildlife Management Activities That Support Your Valuation

Spring is one of the most productive seasons for completing wildlife management qualifying activities in Texas. Many of the recognized qualifying activities align naturally with seasonal wildlife behavior, plant growth, and favorable environmental conditions. When properly executed and documented, these efforts not only improve habitat on the ground but also contribute to a defensible record of compliance with your County Appraisal District.

 

Habitat and Brush Management

Habitat control is one of the most common and defensible wildlife management qualifying activities in Texas, and spring is an ideal time to evaluate plant communities and address problem species. As native vegetation begins active growth, landowners can identify gaps in desirable cover and target invasive or encroaching species before they expand further. Managing native woody encroachment along with invasive species like ligustrum, nandina, chinaberry, and Chinese tallow, improves habitat quality for species like quail, wild turkey, and songbirds.

Common spring habitat control activities include:

• Mechanical Brush Management: Selective mechanical removal of woody species to improve plant diversity, create edge habitat, and maintain travel corridors. Spring is generally not the time of year for cedar (Ashe juniper) control due to the potential for disturbance to nesting songbirds, but grubbing mesquite and control of other species outside sensitive habitats is appropriate.
• Chemical Control: Targeted foliar or basal herbicide applications to control invasive and undesirable woody species and support recovery of native plant communities. Timing is critical for chemical control, so spring is a good time to start planning.
• Prescribed Burning: When conducted under proper conditions, fire can reduce brush encroachment, improve plant diversity, and stimulate native grass and forb response.

 

Census and Monitoring

Making census counts is a required wildlife management qualifying activity in Texas and provides the documentation needed to demonstrate active management. Spring is one of the best times of year to document wildlife presence, particularly for migratory species as they move through or establish breeding territories. These efforts can serve as an important component of your qualifying wildlife management activities in Texas.

Common spring survey methods include:

• Breeding Bird Surveys: Conducted during peak vocal periods when migratory species are establishing territories, providing valuable insight into habitat use and overall ecological condition
• Turkey Roost Counts: Early morning or evening observations are used to estimate local turkey populations and monitor property use
• Game Camera Surveys: Strategically placed cameras along travel corridors, water sources, and feeding areas to document wildlife presence and seasonal activity
• All survey efforts should be documented with dates, locations, and observations to support your wildlife management records and demonstrate compliance with appraisal district expectations.

 

Supplemental Water and Food Sources

As temperatures begin to climb, supplemental water becomes increasingly valuable to wildlife. Landowners should inspect existing water features, clean out winter sediment, and confirm functionality before peak summer heat.

• Water Trough and Guzzler Maintenance: Should be filled when necessary and documented with dates and photos
• Spring Food Plots: Can be planted with warm-season species like pearl millet, iron-clay cowpeas, or sunflowers
• Native Forb and Mast-producing Shrub Plantings: Supports pollinators and browsing wildlife simultaneously

Completing these activities this spring puts you ahead of appraisal district reviews and avoids the stress of last-minute catch-up.

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Documentation: The Step Most Landowners Miss

Completing qualifying activities for Texas wildlife management is only half the equation. Without proper documentation, even the most well-managed property can face challenges during an appraisal review.

What your records should include:

• Dates and descriptions of every qualifying activity performed
• Photo documentation tied to specific activities and locations on the property
• Receipts or invoices for seed, equipment, water installations, or contractor work
• A current wildlife management plan that outlines your management goals and activities

 

The state provides standardized wildlife management plans and annual report forms for 1-d-1 wildlife valuation, which establish a consistent framework for documenting activities. However, appraisal districts have the authority to request additional supporting records as needed. While not required, a wildlife management plan developed or reviewed by a Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB) or Associate Wildlife Biologist (AWB) can strengthen your documentation by ensuring your activities align with established guidelines and are clearly communicated.

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Why Landowners Partner With Plateau Land & Wildlife Management

Not all wildlife management consultants offer the same level of expertise or protection. Plateau Land & Wildlife Management has been helping Texas landowners transition to and maintain wildlife management valuations since 1997, and the difference in experience shows.

Here’s what sets Plateau apart:

• Registered Property Tax Consultants on Staff: Plateau’s team can represent landowners directly before appraisal districts, including during formal reviews and proceedings, and is specifically trained in the nuances of Texas Property Tax Code Section 23.51 (1-d-1 open space valuation)
• Certified Wildlife Biologists (CWB) and Associate Wildlife Biologists (AWB): Credentials awarded by The Wildlife Society, an international professional organization, ensuring your management plan is grounded in sound, defensible ecological science
• Unmatched Scale and Experience: We’ve worked on over 1.5 million acres across 167 Texas counties for more than 8,000 landowners
• A Complete, One-stop Solution: From wildlife management plan development and on-the-ground implementation to documentation and appraisal district representation, Plateau manages the entire process so landowners can focus on their property and long-term goals

 

Smaller firms and one-off consultants may offer lower upfront costs, but often lack the experience, credentials, and legal standing to protect your valuation when it matters most. Plateau works alongside landowners to implement and document qualifying activities for your Texas wildlife management plan in a way that is not only biologically effective but built to withstand appraisal district review, giving you confidence that your investment in wildlife management is protected.

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Start Your Spring Activities With a Plan That Protects Your Land

Spring is one of the most important times of year for wildlife management in Texas. As habitats grow and species establish breeding territories, the work you do now directly impacts wildlife use for the rest of the year.

But these efforts aren’t just beneficial for your land; they also play a critical role in maintaining your 1-d-1 wildlife valuation. When activities are properly planned and documented, they create a clear, defensible record that supports long-term compliance.

Whether you’re transitioning from agricultural or timber use or managing an existing wildlife valuation, having a clear plan ensures your efforts are both effective and properly documented.

Plateau Land & Wildlife Management helps landowners implement and document qualifying activities in a way that supports both habitat improvement and tax valuation requirements.

Take a proactive approach this spring: Protect your property, improve your habitat, and strengthen your valuation.

**Get in touch with Plateau Land & Wildlife Management →**

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FAQs About Texas Wildlife Management Activities

 

What are Texas wildlife management qualifying activities?

Texas wildlife management qualifying activities are specific land management practices recognized under a 1-d-1 wildlife valuation that demonstrate a property is being actively managed to sustain native wildlife populations. 

The seven recognized qualifying activities defined by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are:

1. Habitat Control
2. Erosion Control
3. Predator Control
4. Providing Supplemental Water
5. Providing Supplemental Food
6. Providing Shelter
7. Making Census Counts

 

How many activities do I need each year?

Landowners must complete at least three of the seven qualifying wildlife management activities each year, with proper documentation. These activities should be ongoing and appropriate for the property, demonstrating active management that meets appraisal district expectations. Having additional activities built into your management plan provides a margin of safety if conditions, timing, or other constraints prevent one or more activities from being completed as planned.

 

Which activities are best to do in spring?

Spring is an ideal time to perform qualifying Texas wildlife management activities, such as: 

• Habitat and Brush Management
• Wildlife Surveys and Census Counts
• Providing Supplemental Food & Water
• Providing Supplemental Shelter

 

Do I need a wildlife management plan?

Yes. A wildlife management plan is required to establish and maintain a 1-d-1 wildlife valuation and provides the foundation for both management and documentation. The plan outlines your property’s goals and the specific qualifying activities you will implement.

A plan developed by a Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB) or Associate Wildlife Biologist (AWB) ensures your management is grounded in sound, science-based principles. A plan prepared or reviewed by a Registered Property Tax Consultant ensures your activities and documentation align with County Appraisal District requirements and expectations.

 

How should I document wildlife management activities, and when should I hire a consultant?

Keep dates, photos, receipts, and a Wildlife Management Plan tied to each activity. Working with a qualified wildlife management consultant ensures your documentation is defensible, saves time, and maximizes your property tax benefits.