Typically, with eight rows I recommended planting two rows of shrubs on the outside, then a fifty-foot-wide strip of prairie (which serves as a snow catch area), four rows of conifers in the center, and finally two rows of shrubs on the inside.

Diversity is the key to all successful habitat. So not surprisingly, wildlife value increases with more varieties of native shrubs. Shrubs not only offer shelter, but can be good source of food, with the fruits and seeds they produce. A variety of conifers can be used but eastern red cedar offer some of the best dense cover when planted in shelterbelts.

Cattails and Native Grasses

The next components of winter cover are cattails and dense native grasses.

If not present, cattails can be established by restoring shallow wetlands in areas they existed historically. The seeds are usually already in the soil bank and the plants will appear on their own when the site becomes wet again.

Grass species such as big bluestem, Indiangrass and switchgrass should be placed next to the food plot if present, or on the leeward side of the shelterbelt. Switchgrass should be a predominant portion of this mix because of its stiff stems and tendency to remain upright under heavy snow.

Dense grasses provide important thermal cover and a place to remain safe from predators. Proper placement of the winter cover will enhance the ability of the remaining cover to also provide habitat during winter months. Stiff stemmed wildflowers planted as a component of nesting cover and as pollinator habitat also add this dimension.

Food Plots

Look at what is available for food in your area and determine if the addition of a food plot will benefit the property. Adding a food plot within good cover will limit the bird’s exposure to the elements and to potential predators by eliminating their need to leave quality habitat.

For this same reason, supplemental feeding with grain in winter is discouraged and incorporating a food plot is encouraged.  Planting blocks of food sources such as sunflowers, sorghum, millet or corn within the habitat offer protection to escape from predators, helps birds maintain better body temperature and allows them to expend less energy while finding food.

These factors support better physical health of the birds, which is very important, especially for the hens as they prepare for the upcoming nesting season.

Another source of food and cover could be annual weeds such as giant ragweed. Your first instinct is to mow these areas, but they supply a great food source and their stiff stems mimic that of woody cover. You do not want all the cover to be weeds, but small areas of annual weeds should be tolerated and in fact welcomed.

Diversity Reigns

Having a diversity of habitat is the key to supporting a good population of pheasants and other wildlife.

Evaluate what is on and around the property. You may not need to have all the components on your site if some are present on the other side of the fence.

Look at the limiting factors and focus on them, making sure winter cover is always in the picture. Winter cover improves the physical health of pheasants, and promotes increased reproductive success for hens.

Now is always the right time to start planning to improve your habitat for next winter and beyond.