Hack, Spray, & Blaze: Enhancing Oklahoma’s Wildlife Habitats - BGWT 112

In this episode, John Weir, Dr. Laura Goodman, and Dr. Mark Turner sit down for a conversation about Forest Stand Improvement (FSI) and how it plays a big role in shaping better wildlife habitats for deer, turkey, and quail—especially right here in Oklahoma. 
They swap stories and share how FSI differs from Timber Stand Improvement (TSI), and why even folks without marketable timber can still benefit from these management techniques.

You’ll hear plenty of real-world advice—how to get more sunlight to the forest floor, which trees to keep or cut, and what tools make the job easier (spoiler: PlantNet and iNaturalist apps get some love). 
They also dig into strategies like girdling, hinge cutting, and selective herbicide use. And of course, no land management talk would be complete without prescribed fire. It's not just about burning—it’s about building a better future for your land.

10 Takeaways:

1. Set clear wildlife goals—know if you're managing for deer, turkey, quail, or all three.
2. FSI is about habitat, not harvest—focus on diversity, not timber value.
3. Sunlight on the forest floor is key to encouraging beneficial plants.
4. Learn your trees—ID skills help you decide what to cut and what to keep.
5. Apps like PlantNet and iNaturalist are handy for identifying flora.
6. Girdling and herbicide are go-to methods for thinning unwanted trees.
7. Hinge cutting adds instant structure that wildlife, especially deer, love.
8. Fire isn't the end—it's a tool to keep your habitat strong and Cedars at bay.
9. Don't fear killing a few oaks—it's sometimes necessary for a better habitat.
10. Mix and match your methods—it's okay to combine tools and tailor your strategy.
     

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to episode and host
02:07 – Forest Stand Improvement (FSI) explained
04:39 – Defining wildlife management objectives (deer, turkey, quail)
07:05 – Importance of considering property size and surrounding landscapes
09:52 – Tools and apps for plant identification (PlantNet, iNaturalist)
12:12 – Recommended guidebooks and Oklahoma State Extension web resources
14:33 – Importance of ongoing plant identification and landowner education
17:11 – Initial steps in forest management: assessing sunlight and tree density
18:25 – Explanation of basal area in forest management
20:01 – Techniques for tree management: girdling and herbicide application
22:29 – Herbicide mixtures and their proper application
26:00 – Advantages and considerations of girdling versus hack-and-squirt methods
27:01 – Explanation of hinge cutting and its benefits for wildlife habitats
32:28 – Special considerations for managing habitats specifically for quail
34:55 – Description and application of hack-and-squirt herbicide method
35:32 – Aerial herbicide application for large-scale forest management
37:18 – Importance of creating variable canopy density
38:33 – Prescribed fire: its crucial role in habitat maintenance
40:24 – Managing fire risks and considerations for snags (standing dead trees)
42:26 – Fire rotation and management practices to minimize wildfire risks
45:00 – Transforming leaf-litter fuel types to herbaceous plants through prescribed fire
46:22 – Historical context of fire management in Oklahoma’s forests
48:01 – Risks of cedar encroachment on turkey roosting trees and forest health
50:00 – Episode wrap-up and summary

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