628 DESIG.M\G GROUSE COVERTS AND SETTING UP MANAGEMENT PLANS 



on page 613 to see how basic is this point. 



If one has merely cruised a covert it may prove difficult to remember where all these spots 

 occur and, of more importance, where they are not. The types often are found in an array 

 so confusing as to make it more practical to locate them from the cover-type map. Here, if 

 each type is colored differently, the size, shape and relation one to another may be seen at 

 a glance and plans laid to correct the deficiencies utilizing the methods discussed in the fol- 

 lowing chapter. 



It is not so simple to evaluate composition from a map. However, since cover types are 

 classified according to their composition, one may obtain a general idea of the makeup 

 of each type from the map. For example, young slashings are distinguished from oldor 

 slashings by defining them as different cover types. The former are usually full of herbs 

 and berries while, in the latter, hardwood sprouts commonly predominate. 



For a more exact idea of the individual cover type composition, one must refer to field 

 notes unless cover type symbols are used to include this information on the map. Suitable 

 symbols indicating density and the degree of food and shelter value are described in the Ap- 

 pendix under Methods and Techniques*. 



The deficiencies to be guarded against fall logically into two classes. These are the size, 

 shape and arrangement of cover, and the composition of the individual types. Both are 

 discussed in detail in Chapter III, the first on p. Ill to 113. the second on p. 112 to 113. 

 By comparing the points there raised with the actual situation in the field desirable changes 

 in the design of any covert become apparent. 



The following will give an idea of how cover-type maps may be used to help recognize 

 cover deficiencies. It is easy to see from a map where lie the open areas that may be planted 

 to extend the habitat. Where woodlands are concerned, deficiencies are not as easy to iden- 

 tify. Many such areas, at least in the Northeast, afford ample winter shelter or spring breed- 

 ing grounds but are often lacking in summer and fall food. To gain a general idea of where 

 the latter may be inadequate, those zones containing suitable food for these seasons and 

 within easy reach of the birds may first be outlined roughly <>n the map. This may be done 

 by drawing lines from 600 to 800 feet around and parallel to the edges of existing feeding 

 grounds. 



The rest of the woodlands outside these lines constitutes a zone in which summer and fall 

 feeding grounds are inadequately represented. To remedy this defect, the location of clear- 

 cut units or slashings may be plotted inside the inadequate zone from 1200 to 1600 feet apart 

 and of a similar distance from existing feeding grounds. Thus roughly located, the clear-cut 

 units may be placed more exactly in accordance with the points heretofore mentioned.^ 



It is less difficult lo determine \\+iere winter shelter or spring breeding grounds should 

 be located. If necessary, the same technique may be applied. The zone of adequacy is prob- 

 ably about the same for the first, but for the second it is represented by a strip seldom more 

 than 200 feet wide along woods' roads, field borders, small openings in the woods or similar 

 edges. 



No mention has been made of what to do with open lands such as fields or meadows. These 

 may be left to seed in naturally, or, more profitably, may be planted to provide both a game 



• Sto p. 698. 

 A Sea p. 622. 



