What type of evergreen tree would be a great winter cover for pheasants and other upland game. It might also be nice if it is relatively fast maturing.

jack pines mature fast just makesure you protect it from animals eating it and tearing them up

Balsam Fir and Cedar groves

Dan O.

I have several acres of white pine. They were planted 9 years ago in rows only about 7-8 ft. apart. I just bought the property 2 years ago, but I can tell you the pheasants and deer love it. I see more pheasant around the pines than anywhere else in the area. During bow season they are constantly cackling. Winter time they are still around.

I agree about the White Pine, Red Pine & Black Spruce. The deer Turkey and Elk just love the cover these provide. I personally will not plant any more Jack pines, these trees are just a mess, scrub trees up here on my property. I don't like the looks of them and they don't fill in like the Whites do. JMO!

I would say some kind of cedar because I have jumped pheasants and quail many times durring snowy weather.

Join Pheasants Forever and you will get copy of their magazine. It has all kinds of information in it about establishing winter shelter belts for pheasants.

It isn’t enough just to have some winter thermal cover. It is also important that it is established in the correct proximity to the food supply while still providing sufficient escape cover so they avoid the predators, (both avian and ground), that will be attracted to the cover to hunt.

Pheasants Forever is a great place to start getting the best possible information.

R.S. Bodenhorn

I have been a member for only about a year now what article has the information on winter cover what year and quarter?

I would have to dig up some of the past issues to find them but it seems as though they are really petty common in the magazine. I’m not sure what area you are in but most areas that have a local chapter also have a Habitat Coordinator and a Regional Biologist that should be able to provide plenty of guidance on establishing a shelter belt.

R.S. Bodenhorn