Ok.... When I am on my land I look for trees that have open cavities or bark missing and wood exposed. If upon inspection, the tree is not hollow or already a den tree (you can tell if animals are already using it by wear, or the presence of nesting materials, nut or acorn hulls etc or by the size of the hollow).

If the decay is in just in the begining stages or the exterior of the tree, you can use a chainsaw to plunge cut (using the nose of the saw to hollow out areas of the tree) creating a usable den area in the tree (but keeping the entrance limited in size) and thus opening it up for immediate shelter and alsoto insure orpromotefurther decay and expansion by wildlife. It takes some time and is dangerous if you are not skilled with a saw. Depending on the size of the tree, I try not to cut an opening which will affect it's structural intergrity. I use the saw to hollow out an area which becomes a pocket or cavity in the tree. Sometimes it is at the base of the tree or other times it might be at the height of a branch that broke off and left a wound.

It seems certain trees are more "den suitable" like cherrys, oaks and nut trees or hard woods.

I also take the oppourtunity when I am thinning trees (cutting trees that are competing with mast producing trees or apples that I am releasing) to create brush piles for wildlife. I purchase the terra cotta "chimney flues" which are 8 inches by 12 wide and 30 inches long and place two in the center of the pile and then cover them with the logs and then branches (diminishing in size)from the cut trees to create brush piles with solid dens in the center. I try and place these piles under tree cover and not in the open so that the animals seeking shelter are not prey to hawks etc. I thenfertilize the area (with an organic like Plan-tone) and plant honey suckle or other vine type plants (rasberry or black berry) to create a living and food producing brush pile/shelter.

There is nothing more satisfying than seeing rabbits in an area that was barren before your work.....

BTW Farmhunter I have always noticed your posts here and find them a inspiration for my efforts on my NY property.