Ask Fred Zepponi III
Monroe County - 155 - Prairie Restoration Deer and Turkeys
Description
Monroe County - 155 Acres Prairie Habitat Restoration is a very personal property. My family and I for the last five years have been thoughtfully and passionately bringing this forgotten and overgrown agricultural tract, located in the heart of the Mississippi Black Prairie Region, back to a wildlife haven. When purchased, the property was almost completely wooded offering nothing more than marginal area and food sources for wildlife. In the five years since, we have strategically cleared 25 acres of wooded area to create food plots and bedding/nesting grounds for all types of native wildlife. There are currently four established food plots, each with a three-man sportsman condo and feeders. The two larger food plots, labeled Fields 1 and 2, have been planted in milo in the spring for the last three years for doves and turkeys then partially planted in wheat, brassicas, and clover in the fall. Summertime food plots for deer are not required due to being almost surrounded by cropland that is generally planted in soybeans, so we have concentrated on summer bedding area and fall and winter food sources. The latest improvements to the property were made in 2022 when 13 acres were cleared and planted in native prairie grasses to enhance browsing, insect population for the turkeys and bedding/nesting area. The 13 acres were planted to Mississippi States Prairie Grass Restoration recommendation, species planted included Big Blue, Little Blue, Indian Grass, Switch Grass, native sunflowers, and partridge peas. The 13 acres are divided into three fields to create sanctuaries for wildlife and so that one field could be burned each year without disturbing the other bedding/nesting areas. This is in keeping with the recommended prairie grass burn rotation of every three years. Dozens of Mossy Oak Nativ Nursey trees have been strategically planted tree species included Compton Oak, Persimmons, Mexican Plum, Swamp Chestnut Oak, Cherrybark Oak and Shumard Oaks. The majority of the property remains wooded with a wide diversity of tree time, there are approximately 50 gorgeous acres of mature hardwoods and cedars on the east side as well as two hardwood drains that run from the central areas of the property to the west line. The remaining wooded areas are primarily 20+ year old cedars that were left in place for additional bedding area. Over the last few years, we have seen a drastic increase in the quality and number of whitetail deer and the numbers turkeys, doves, and other small game. This place is unique, and you will not be disappointed. Its location on Highway 45 Alt just east of Okolona makes for easy access to the Golden Triangle, Tupelo, and the surrounding area! Agent is related to seller.
Additional Information
wildlife
- Dove
- Quail
- Small Game
- Turkey
- Whitetail Deer
recreation
- Bird Watching
- Equestrian Trails
- Hunting
