630 DESIGNING GROUSE COVERTS AND SETTING UP MANAGEMENT PLANS 



in detail in preceding chapters. A practical analysis of just how each fits into the scheme of 

 grouse existence may be found in the introduction to the Management section of the book.* 

 One cannot read these without realizing that, while each affects the grouse crop in its own 

 way, few are susceptible to direct control. Indirectly, by building better cover and by con- 

 trolling the harvest, the effect of those factors which encourage increase can be strength- 

 ened; those limiting grouse numbers may be made less destructive. Beyond this, as a practical 

 proposition, there is not a great deal that can be done to help the bird except at prohibi- 

 tive cost and effort. 



In considering the possibilities, one remembers the losses from predation and disease, over- 

 shooting and dispersion, and is apt to wonder if some control measures for these might not 

 be incorporated in any plan for managing grouse coverts. Such items as the providing of 

 artificial food and shelter and restocking depleted coverts are also occasionally advocated. 

 Let us, then, see to what extent these fit into the overall design. 



Predation 



Predation, as a force, may work both for and against more grouse, as already described. 

 When grouse are abundant, forcing some to occupy poorer habitats, these birds are natur- 

 ally more likely to be caught by predators. One of the best ways to avoid such losses is to 

 improve habitat quality. Most important in this connection is the arrangement of feeding 

 and escape areas adjacent to each other. 



Predator control is one of several activities collectively responsible for maintaining large 

 grouse populations in Scotland and England, where the red grouse is produced in almost 

 unbelievable numbers. It is used hand in hand with the control of certain diseases." the 

 building up of excellent cover, and the complete harvesting of the surplus each year. Though 

 millions have been spent on predator control in this country, no similar result has ever 

 been achieved. 



Wliere predators are not overly abundant, it is doubtful if their control can be justified. 

 True, over small areas, particularly if thoy are isolated, it is perfectly possible to remove 

 most of the resident ground and winged predators by trapping and hunting. But the cost 

 over a large territory is prohibitixc and the results, as previously desrrijied. are by no means 

 as favorable as has been generally pictured. Nor are bounties a practical way of holding 

 grouse predator numbers in check. 



Cover improvement over large areas supplemented by trapping or shooting of species 

 particularly destructive to grouse, such as goshawks, great horned owls, foxes and weasels. 





* See p. r.8fl. 



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