Our philosophy towards wildlife management is based on a broad holistic approach rather than single-species management. Once the objectives of the client are defined, we analyze the subject and surrounding properties using the GIS system and the collection of field data to identify natural features and there arrangement in the landscape to determine specific strategies to enhance wildlife habitat. A field inventory of the subject property is conducted to identify land-cover, its arrangement, types and abundance of wildlife populations, and land uses to identify those habitat components that may be limiting wildlife populations.

A variety of habitat restoration tools are used including prescribe burning, water impoundments for fishing, waterfowl and wading bird habitats, wetland creation and restoration, scrub/shrub plantings, and modifications to agricultural/forestry operations to address critical habitat needs. Active hunting and recreational lease programs can also be developed to provide additional annual revenue.

There are many types of government and non-profit incentive programs available to support habitat and conservation practices. However, at RMA, we feel it is imperative to first develop a comprehensive long term plan. Too often landowners will enroll in an incentive program with restrictive conditions and limitations that may not best address the owner's initial goals.

White-tailed Deer
White tailed deer populations in the Eastern US have greatly expanded in the last 20 years. However, unmanaged herds can quickly become overpopulated resulting in critical damage to agricultural crops and desirable vegetation planted for landscape enhancement. Following an analysis of habitat needs, food plots, field borders, wildlife openings within forested land and timber stand improvements favoring soft and hard mast trees are some of the tools that can be incorporated on most properties to improve habitat. Hunting programs can be designed to maximize recreational uses while concurrently improving the quality deer herd and size of individual animals.

Wild-Turkey
Land cover manipulation is essential to meet the seasonal needs of Wild Turkey populations. The arrangement and maintenance of landcover is essential to provide adequate breeding, nesting, and seasonal food availability for both young and adult turkey populations. The creation of habitat suitable for spring insect populations is too often overlooked and is critically important to young turkey poults. Prescribe burning, food plots, field borders and the development of wildlife openings in forested areas are typical tools used to improve Turkey populations.

Red-cockaded Woodpecker
Listed as a federally endangered species, the red-cockaded woodpecker depends on healthy old growth, longleaf pine habitats. Long-leaf pine has been extensively removed for forest products over the past 200 years and as a result Long-leaf pine habitat has been greatly diminished throughout the Southeast US. Many landowners have interest in restoring Long-leaf Pines on their property and several conservation programs area available to encourage restoration. Existing long-leaf pines should be managed by regular prescribe burning to maintain on open understory and to reduce hardwood competition. Long-leaf establishment and preservation of existing stands can provide habitat for Red-cockaded woodpeckers while concurrently supporting conditions favorable for many popular game species such as quail, turkey, and deer.

Gopher Tortoise
These reptiles are located in Southeast US and are considered keystone species, since their existence supports foraging and nesting behavior of many other species. Gopher tortoises build elaborate underground burrows which up to 300 other species use these burrows. This species is vital to the ecosystem health and RMA is working with several clients in Florida and Georgia to protect their habitat.

Quail Plantations
RMA assesses land in order to develop quality foraging and nesting habitat to support healthy populations of quail. The arrangement and active, regular maintenance of early successional vegetation is critical to healthy quail populations.

Associated Services:
* Inventory, monitoring and management of all wildlife species: game, nongame, threatened and endangered species
* habitat assessment and development
* wetland and shallow water pond design
* Hunting Leases

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Wildlife pond in field, summer view


Wildlife pond in field, winter view