Double Draw Ranch: Transformed For Wildlife Pt. 2

In part 1 of this two-part series we discussed how we at the Double Draw Ranch got started in improving habitat. Now let’s talk about getting some help.

Help

We then found out there was help out there for clearing Cedar. The National Resource Conservation Services, (NRCS,) helps ranchers apply for assistance for conservation practices. My best advice is to go to your local office, get all their brochures and read! You will be amazed at how much help is available. They help you plan and then give financial support through grants. We applied for help on several practices. They helped develop a conservation plan to meet our goals and then submitted it for funding.
Subsequently, we got a grant to clear cedar, plant food plots, do cross-fencing to create pastures for cattle rotation, and run water distribution to all newly created fields.

Approved NRCS Practices

Cedar Clearing
Now with the grant in hand, the work began. We hired a contractor with a bulldozer this time. We believe this was the best solution for clearing. It’s one and done. The dozer completely removes the tree and roots and pushes everything in a pile to be burned. We averaged 3 hours per acre which was pretty much the NRCS budget for clearing. Make sure you understand all NRCS specifications before you start. It took us a few acres to get it. You can only leave 10% of the targeted species, such as cedar. You may need to leave some for cover and erosion if there are no desirable trees. Your plan will divide the acreage into plan items. A hundred acres may have two or three item numbers. Once you finish a plan area, you call the NRCS out to certify the area. Once approved, you are paid that portion of the grant. The area maybe 25 acres, but because of terrain or desirable cover you want to leave, it may only certify 21 acres. That’s what the plan will pay. That gives the landowner control of what it looks like when you are through.

Food Plots
The grant also gave us assistance for food plots. We designated 11 acres for planting. The area designated was not prepping liked we wanted, so working with the NRCS agent, we split it into three ranch regions. It worked out well, and we certified all 11 acres.

Cross Fencing
The NRCS helped us plan four rotational pastures for the Angus cows we have on the ranch. That lets the pastures rest three-fourths of the year. The cows help fertilize the land and spread seeds.

Water Distribution
Water distribution is in the works right now for the four pastures cross-fenced. An NRCS engineer came out and surveyed the land and desired water trough locations. He took the data back and is currently developing the specifications. We should have it completed this year. It will complete four years of improvements to the ranch working with the NRCS. The ranch is green and growing over 260 acres of grasses and forages now for the deer. It’s a significant shift from having the feeders being the animal’s primary source of nutrition.

Managed Land Deer MLD
Many of the practices we were already doing helped us get approved for MLD. This program gives the ranch more time to manage the deer herd. Instead of a 2 1/2 month hunting season, you get five months to harvest your animals. Don’t let all these different practices and organizations scare you. You will learn they are all there to help and will hold your hand through the process. Their goal is for you to succeed in your goals. They provide technical advice and financial assistance in many cases.

Giving Back
We are truly blessed to have enjoyed the ranch for 14 years and enjoy God’s creation. It wouldn’t be the same without getting to share it.

We support several conservation groups like the National Wildlife Turkey Foundation, NWTF, the Mule Deer Foundation, MDF, and Coastal Brigades. We donate hunts to raise money for conservation and give to youth through an essay contest. The kids have to write about the organization and why they want to hunt on the Double Draw. Some of these kids have come back to hunt on their own.

We donate hunts to churches for kids to raise money to go to church camp, which is a blessing to everyone involved.

We also provide very affordable hunts to the average guy. These hunts are a dream of a lifetime to many. Go to DoubleDrawRanch.com to see the many successful hunts on the ranch.

That’s a Wrap
Well, that’s a view from the top. I hope it helps you to succeed in your goals and make your dream come true. I hope all the info enables you to avoid a lot of our mistakes along the way. The result is a beautiful ranch.

Gene Hennigan

To contact Gene Hennigan and book hunts on the Double Draw Ranch click here.