Game Bird and Mammal Habitat Conservation or Enhancement

Definition

Based on a landowner’s objectives for the property, the assessment of the property for any limiting factors for game birds or mammal’s habitat needs of species desired by the landowner (e.g. Ruffed Grouse display logs, American Woodcock display space, foraging habitat).

Eligibility Criteria

A lack of game habitats identified by a consultant and confirmed by a PEI Forests, Fish and Wildlife professional.

Guidelines and Assessment Procedures

• Shall meet the eligibility criteria for this treatment listed above
• Meet the conservation criteria recommended by a PEI Forests, Fish and Wildlife professional that has assessed the property
• Shall monitor and report on the success of the conservation or restoration techniques

Examples of Game Habitat Features

Ruffed Grouse Habitat

• Display logs: Fallen logs or creating logs specifically for drumming displays
• Young forest patches: Dense regeneration for cover and nesting
• Food sources: Maintaining aspen, birch, and fruit-bearing shrubs
• Diversity of age classes: Mix of young, mature forest for year-round needs

American Woodcock Habitat

• Display/singing grounds: Open areas near forest edge for courtship displays
• Moist soil areas: For probing and feeding on earthworms
• Young forest cover: Dense shrub cover for nesting and brood rearing
• Edge habitat: Transition zones between forest and open areas

Snowshoe Hare Habitat

• Dense young conifer stands: Thermal and escape cover
• Brush piles: Additional cover and protection
• Food sources: Browse from young deciduous trees and shrubs
• Connectivity: Corridors connecting suitable habitat patches

White-tailed Deer Habitat

• Softwood shelter: Dense conifer stands for winter thermal cover
• Browse: Young deciduous growth and shrubs for food
• Edge habitat: Transition zones for feeding and cover
• Water access: Proximity to streams, ponds, or wetlands

Assessment Process

1. Initial Consultation: Landowner meets with consultant to discuss objectives and target species
2. Property Assessment: Consultant evaluates current habitat conditions and identifies limiting factors
3. PEI Forests, Fish and Wildlife Review: Professional confirms assessment and recommends conservation criteria
4. Implementation: Habitat enhancement activities carried out according to approved plan
5. Monitoring: Ongoing assessment of success and reporting

Potential Enhancement Activities

• Creating or maintaining openings for display grounds
• Selective harvesting to create diverse age structure
• Retaining or creating mast-producing trees (oak, beech)
• Managing for soft mast (berries, fruit)
• Creating or enhancing edge habitat
• Maintaining or establishing travel corridors
• Protecting or creating wetland buffers
• Placing coarse woody debris for cover