Ok Gang,
Across the U.S.A. there is an epidemic of invasive species on land and water, plant and animal. I have noticed in the big woods that I hunt with little to no agricultural lands around I can walk thru the forest with big open Oak flats and a run in with some pine thickets. I love it. In winter months it seems that I can see for miles (exaggeration). But in the small tracks of land that I hunt close to home, the little parcels left between fields and such, they are chocked with Honeysuckly, autumn olives, multi-floral rose bush etc.....
Yesterday while still-hunting/ just going for a stroll with my bow I came across yet another entire section of these woods that were literally impenetrable. Tall oaks and hickories about, but the forest floor just choked up with Japenese honeysuckle and the like. Now, I understand right now I'm fine and the deer/turkeys are loving it, I kill in this spot frequently, but it seems to be getting worse, not to mention its impossible for new growth of the hard mast trees due to the choke out.
Also on this property there is a stand of about 10 acres that is nothing but hundred of osage orange trees and black locust, all very mature, along with the choke out plants. Forgot to mention tons of black walnut.
So to get to the question, ( I have permission to cut, remove, and maintain this property any way that meets state codes) Would you go thru and try to clear out the invasives that are taking over? should I go on a man hunt and cut down the invasives that are choking the land?
From a hunting stand point they serve a great purpose, it gives the game great refuge, I can pattern the animals very well from feeding to bedding, plenty of ground places to hide etc... but, in the long haul they can permanently damage the land. So for the land owners and those of you who steward your lands, what do or would you do?
Thanks.