594 MANAGING GROUSE AREAS 



ium density although the relatively very dense cover, typical of many reforested areas, may 

 be much frequented for a few hundred feet in from the edges. Hardwood stands of medium 

 density are most satisfactory. 



Undergrowth. The important point here is to have a variety of undergrowth available 

 beneath the crown cover. The density is of less moment though extensive patches of thick 

 undergrowth are not particularly productive while contributing materially to the difficulties of 

 the hunt. Large areas covered with grass or rank herbs such as goldenrod or asters are usu- 

 ally avoided. 



Slope. Neither slope aspect or degree are particularly important insofar as adult grouse 

 are concerned. 



Water. As with broods, a stream or other open water is not a necessary component of 

 ideal adult grouse cover. 



The above represents a broad pattern towards which one may direct his efforts. But. 

 though the basis lies in an analysis of 19.619 adult grouse flushes. 1.515 brood contacts and 

 1,270 nest locations, it is unquestionably possible to deviate from it to some extent and still 

 produce many grouse. 



For the Grouse Hunter 



A much more controversial subject is the planning of a covert to provide not alone favor- 

 able conditions for the birds but for those who would hunt them as well. Here the authors 

 have but little to go on* save their own experience as enthusiastic and persistent grouse 

 hunters, and those of other experienced sportsmen who have generously contributed their 

 ideas on the subject. 



Naturally the first specification for an ideal hunting cover is that there be at least a fair 

 concentration of grouse. This varies in most coverts with both the year and the season. One 

 may expect but will not find a good crop every year even in the best of coverts. To be 

 reasonably assured of good hunting opportunities, one must, therefore, have a number of 

 excellent coverts from which to select those with currently high populations for hunting. 



Even where birds are usually abundant, every hunter knows of some coverts which are 

 seldom hunted because the birds do not "fly right" when flushed. What he usually means by 

 this is that food and shelter are so intermingled that, though many birds may be flushed, 

 they seldom remain in sight long enough to provide even a sporting chance for a shot. It is 

 perfectly possible to have highly productive coverts which also offer excellent hunting oppor- 

 tunities. 



With respect to the hunter, in the Northeast, at least, an ideal covert is one which con- 

 tains a number of edges in which the birds are apt to be found feeding, especially during the 

 early part of the hunting season before the leaves have fallen. No grouse enthusiast need be 

 told of the attractiveness in October of hedgerows, old pastures and overgrown lands, espe- 

 cially if they adjoin a woodland of mixed hardwoods and conifers. Woods' roads lush with 

 clover, also, then, are much frequented. Later, the birds may be expected to concentrate 

 more in the wooded areas, particularly if evergreens are present. 



* A diicustioD of the lyppa of covrr to Khii-h icroiiftr atr tiinsi likely In fly vt\\vn fliislicd. will \tv found in Chaplrr III. [>. 166. 



^'- 



* 



