Burning NWSG
Jess & crew did a lot of burning in April, it does wonders for native prairie grass but it can also be very dangerous! I learned my lesson nearly 20 years ago, so Jess takes every precaution to avoid a runaway wildfire.
Because we burn commercially we use more equipment then the average landowner, we purchased a sprayer with boom and hose reel but BP sprayers also work well.
FS Sprayers
We prepare by mowing around the perimeter,tilling an 8' strip to act as a firebreak before starting a back burn against the wind. Drip torches work well, but we use propane
Fields with low fuel load burn slower
Fields with a high fuel load can roar like a runaway freight train!
It goes without saying the watching the weather and winds is of utmost importance!
Hot burns help destroy invasives including cedars, locusts
One can see how wind whipped burns can quickly get out of control
leaving nothing but scorched earth in its wake
and a few prizes to emphasis the importance of NWSG in whitetail management
Fire is an important management tool that helps keep native grasses robust and thriving. Without proper precautions fires can jump roads and wreak havoc on neighboring lands so have plenty of help and backup plans.
If burning isn't an option then mowing before fawning time will suffice.