Green Timber hole size

Blake K

Blake K

Active member
Bought 30 acres of green timber near a historically ducky area(at least for southern Indiana). Going to do a limited timber harvest yet this fall to help recoup some of my initial purchase cost as well as open up a few holes. Any thoughts as to size of holes to create or will what the loggers take out most like create big enough holes for effective green timber hunting? Any thoughts as to must haves/have nots when creating these holes? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
 
Unless you are extremely close friends with the logger I would suggest hiring a forester to help you.

If green timber reservoirs are common around there, try to find one with experience setting up timber sales to facilitate waterfowl habitat... errr waterfowl hunters.

Otherwise if no one here has experience with this, I'm sure there are other forums or sources of info.

Start here: https://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_bk_w7000_0157.pdf
 
I will second the call a forester and add keep a close eye on the loggers. They always promise the world and then leave a big pile of s*** when they are done if they do not have strict guideline to follow.
 
Like the others have said, hire a forester. Your forester will make sure you get top dollar for your timber and it gets cut right. Many states also have biologists available to work with private landowners. This would be helpful too as I doubt many consulting foresters know squat about ducks.

You have one chance to get it right- hire a forester, and sell your timber under contract. A logging operation can do a world of damage to levees and water control systems, so I would also consider a performance bond.

Remember, the more stipulations you put on your wood, the less it will bring, but it's your land, and you are stuck with the mess if they screw it up. Handle this strictly as a business transaction.
 
Another thought, call your game commission to see if they will give you recommendation for land management for wildlife. I know PA game commission does this for free.
 
I am good friends with the loggers. They are also long time clients of my accounting practice as well. They understand what I am after.

Green timber setups in my area are not common so our local conservation personnel are not experienced in it. Think I will just ensure there are 4 or 5 decent holes so I can rotate spots and ensure I have good cover around them so no matter which way the wind is blowing I can be hidden.
 
I am not a expert, but have done my fair share of Green Timber duck huntin'. Most important thing is acorns/food, and a good place for the birds to loaf. Best hunts we ever had there were no holes, blinds, or lotta decoys. You watch more than you shoot, and ya shoot when only a few drop in. When large flocks drop in like rocks you watch till they leave. Rest your spots and be picky, when and whom to hunt with and you will have FUN. The sights and sounds of Green Timber huntin' will stay with you always and etch great memories. Also if the water is moving NEVER have a collar on your dog.
 
Do you have water control structures? It's more important to rest your trees- They can't tolerate being flooded all season unless it's a tupelo-cypress swamp. There are a lot of former GTRs that stayed flooded up all season that now are just full of dead timber. Have a plan for keeping/getting the water out in the off-season, too.
 
No water control structure, but is very low land which floods very quickly with the fall rains and tends to stay flooded till spring. The river near the property is feed by a 8,000 acre reservoir in which they let out lots of water in the late fall/winter to get it down to winter pool stage so it can hold water from spring rains.
 
You may consider negotiating with the timber company to plant oaks after they finish cutting. A forester can advise you on which species will tolerate the seasonal flooding in your area.
 
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