THE GOAL — IDEAL COVERTS 593 



with vegetation characteristic of recently cut-over areas, though usually somewhat 

 less varied and abundant. Grassy spots are seldom much used. 



Composition. The greater the variety of the vegetation, the better. Conifers are not impor- 

 tant and predominantly coniferous woods are but seldom utilized. 



Density. Woodlands rather open or of medium density are considerably used, especially 

 about the edges. Overgrown lands and slashings, which are preferred, may be densely vege- 

 tated if rather open spots are scattered throughout. 



Undergrowth. Variety here is likewise important. Small hardwoods, shrubs, berry bushes 

 and lush herbs are preferable. 



Slope. Steep slopes are avoided. 



Water. Open water, such as a stream, is not a necessary component of brood cover since 

 dew, succulent vegetation and moisture-fdled fruits meet brood needs in this respect. Indi- 

 rectly, moist spots, because they encourage a profusion of herbaceous vegetation and insect 

 life, are quite attractive to broods. 



For Adults 



The hallmarks of quality in cover for adult grouse are variety in composition and a high 

 degree of interspersion of the cover types. Woodlands, particularly if they contain some 

 conifers, are the backbone of a covert although brood cover, brushv patches and cut-over 

 areas are much used, particularly in summer and throughciut the earlv fall. To meet year- 

 round needs the ideal covert should include the following: — 



Basic patterns. Typical cover consists of patches of second-growth or mature conifers 

 scattered through a stand of mixed hardwoods and conifers, edged by second-growth hard- 

 woods* abutting overgmwii land or ciil-over areas. 



For the sake of clarity, let us further subdivide this into the following seasonal patterns: — 



Spring — Second-growth hardwoods adjacent to coniferous clumps or to mixed hardwoods 

 and conifers. 



Summer — Slashings, spol-lumbcrcd woodlands and inalurc or second-grow ih liardwoods. 

 Conifers are not desired. 



Fall — Broad bands of rather open woods' edges, overgrown lands or slashings adjacent 

 to a mixed woods of hardwoods and conifers. 



Winter ■ — Coniferous patches scattered through second-growth hardwoods or mature hard- 

 woods and conifers. 



Com position. Pine, hemlock, sjiruce. l)alsam and white cedar all provide excellent shelter. 

 In mature stands, an undcrslory of mixed coniferous and hardwood reproduction is desirable. 



A substantial part of the hardwoods present should be species producing food for grouse. 

 Birches, poplars and cherries are excellent in this respect. Beechnut mast, when available, is 

 eagerly sought after. Small beech gro\ es or wide-spreading old trees scattered throughout the 

 woodland make for more attractive cover. 



Density. Excej)! as heretofore indicated, the density of the woodland cover seems not to 

 be directly of prime importance. Clumps of conifers are, perhaps, most used when of med- 



* Important primarily for neetins cover and sliould not bt- extensive. 



