More Grouse Forecasts: RGS
The Ruffed Grouse Society recently published its 2010 grouse forecast, and although there’s nothing new there for the major (and some minor) states vs. our compiled forecast, it does have some states and Canadian provinces not covered, excerpted and edited below.
Alaska
Looks like this will be the fifth year in a row of population decline from the 10-year cyclic peak of 2005. Pops should start to increase next year.
Georgia
“Sluggish” management (cutting) in the Chattahoochee National Forest in northern Georgia “hampers efforts to boost grouse numbers.” RGS reports, “Expect to do some serious walking to have flushes this fall.” Seems like if you know where to find woodies, they should be there again this year.
Iowa
Terry Haindfield, state wildlife biologist: “Grouse numbers in 2010 appear similar to last year. Favorable weather conditions should give additional birds for diehard hunters willing to kick the brush to experience the explosion of a flush [aren’t all grouse hunters diehard brush-kickers?!].
“Continued habitat improvements on Iowa Department of Natural Resources public lands and the expansion of these efforts on private land will no doubt create the necessary conditions for future improvements for not only ruffed grouse but also woodcock. With our increased management for early successional habitat [good for you, Iowa!], we are not only defining the current range of ruffed grouse in Iowa but we are discovering some outlying areas we would not have believed where grouse still exist.”
Kentucky
Still pockets of good grouse hunting in eastern Kentucky, and reverting surface mine areas offer good opportunities, but “overall, grouse populations are poor to fair.” For woodcock, hunting “can be excellent on any given day during the fall migration in classic old field or young forest covers, especially in bottomlands or along rivers and streams.”
North Carolina
Grouse numbers are “very spotty” in western NC – something we can attest to, having hunted there! There might be some good pockets, but “overall the numbers are down.” Seems private lands and some state lands still offer most of the best hunting as management in national forests isn’t up to snuff.
Canada
Nova Scotia
As in New England, an early spring and fair weather should help grouse numbers, and woodcock numbers may be higher.
New Brunswick
Grouse numbers are “much improved” vs. the last 3 years, and woodcock should be better than 2009.
Quebec
Only woodcock mentioned, supposedly better than 2009.
Category: 2010, AK, Forecasts/counts, GA, IA, KY, NB, NC, NS, QC, Ruffed Grouse, Ruffed Grouse Society
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