588 



MA\A(;i\G GROUSE AREAS 



one or two species. In the same \\a\ insi-ct ilaniajic lo tree* normally is more severe where 

 the stand is relatively ])ure. Recreational o|)|)orlunities are increased, not alone because more 

 wildlife is present, but also in accordance with the |)riiiciple that variety is the spice of life. 



Yet there are an increasing number of organizations and individuals who wish to make 

 the production of a grouse crop a primary end in itself. W hile. as a matter of economics, 

 this is seldom feasible, in terms of total enjoyment per dollar expended there is much to 

 recommend it. Perhaps a happy medium might be attained were one to devote 25 to 30 

 per cent of the covert to fully meeting grouse needs and the rest to producing other forest 

 crops on a self-sustaining basis. This in general is the background against which succeed- 

 ing chapters dealing with the intensive development of grouse areas have been written. 



"> 



"^' \ 







.^N EXCELLENT COVEKT IiN W HK.ll .\ll.\i;i) WOODS ARE EDGED WITH OVERGROWN FIELD.s .\M) 



BROKEN. HERE AND THERE. BY SMALL SLASHINGS AND ABANDONED LANDS. SUCH A COVElfT MAY 



PROVIDE LARGE CROPS OF BOTH GROUSE AND TIMBER. IF SKILLFl I.I.V MAINTAINED 



THK (;OAL IDEAL COVERTS 



Before considering, even in a general way. what ma\ be done to improve grouse coverts. 

 naturally one nuist have a clear ])icture of the prodiiil desired. \\ hat. then, are the char- 

 acteristics of an ideal covert? 



Grouse cover must serve the needs of the birds during the nesting, the brood and the adult 

 periods. Since the production of a liarvestable crop is the goal of most game managers, at- 

 tention must also be given a covert's ''huntability." to coin a term. Hnl first, what con- 

 ditions are ideal for the bird? 



