Author Topic: Grouse are down. (Read 660 times)

EsoxLucius · « **on:** October 09, 2005, 02:16:08 PM »

Saturday, 7 hours, 6 flushes.
Sunday, 5 hours, 8 flushes.
None bagged.

However, one particularly bold bird drummed near our campsite from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Saturday night into Sunday morning. I think he was lonely.

wipartimer · « **Reply #1 on:** October 09, 2005, 05:36:07 PM »

Were you hunting with a dog? if so, what kind?

jh45gun · « **Reply #2 on:** October 09, 2005, 06:41:15 PM »

You can blame the predators plain and simple. The DNR wants us to believe that habitat is to blame and it may be some what but they also did mention predators in a newspaper article a few weeks ago in the Duluth paper where they interviewed a WI and MN game biologist. I have been hunting the same type of cover for years and yea while grouse love aspen they do not need it entirely. I have found grouse in Oaks, Jackpine, Spruce and Balsam, Tag Alders and mixed forest besides Aspen.

EsoxLucius · « **Reply #3 on:** October 10, 2005, 10:46:22 AM »

4 hunters, 2 English Springer Spaniels hunting in a DNR wildlife area with habitat managed for deer and grouse just outside of Park Falls, WI. We were not just on the walking trails either, we were busting cover as well. I believe overall numbers may be down due to habitat reduction as more and more grouse range is not managed for aspen. Hence, the 4 age classes of aspen that make prime habitat is available to fewer birds. However, I agree that the biggest factor is likely to be predators. Fewer trappers, more predation. I'm thinking this year's broods must have been hit by unfavorable weather and increased predation.

wijim · « **Reply #4 on:** October 14, 2005, 03:27:19 AM »

they are up in my area....its a good grouse year this year here.

EsoxLucius · « **Reply #5 on:** October 14, 2005, 10:33:25 AM »

And what general vicinity would that be?

wijim · « **Reply #6 on:** October 17, 2005, 02:58:26 AM »

chippewa county.....