Can Hinge Cutting Be Integrated With Other Habitat Techniques?

Combining Hinge Cutting with Other Techniques

Hinge cutting can be combined with other habitat techniques to create a variety of management zones that cater to different deer age classes and species. For example, hinge cutting can be used in combination with thinning and pruning to create “food plot” zones that are high in browse and forage production. These zones can be maintained at a density of 50-75 trees per acre, with a mix of hardwoods and softwoods.

Creating Deer-Friendly Habitat Layers

By integrating hinge cutting with other techniques, such as burning and mowing, land managers can create a layered habitat structure that benefits deer throughout the year. For example, hinge cutting can be used to create a mid-story layer of vegetation, while burning and mowing can be used to create a diverse understory layer. This layered structure can be maintained by rotating management activities over a 5-10 year period, with each zone being managed differently to promote habitat diversity.

Managing for Deer Habitat Diversity

To create a deer-friendly habitat, land managers should strive to create a diverse landscape that includes a mix of forest types, ages, and structures. By combining hinge cutting with other techniques, such as thinning and pruning, land managers can create a variety of habitat zones that cater to different deer age classes and species. For example, a 100-acre property might have 20 acres of hinge-cut woods, 20 acres of thinned woods, and 60 acres of unmanaged forest. This diverse landscape structure can provide deer with the food, cover, and habitat diversity they need to thrive.