C)U1 MANAGING GROUSE AREAS 



Maintaining Hunting Grounds 



In New York, where there is at least one grouse hunter for every 50 acres of grouse cover, 

 it is obvious that the State can never be expected to own sufficient public hunting grounds to 

 supply adequate hunting lands. Only in the vicinity of the larger centers of population, there- 

 fore, is the State justified in purchasing and developing aii) substantial areas primarily for 

 this purpose. Even this is dependent upon the availability of low-cost lands and their sub- 

 sequent management to provide recreation and a forest as well as a wildlife crop. This does 

 not preclude the desirability, however, of acquiring large areas of abandoned land in other 

 parts of the State for such purposes. The principle of State purchase and restoration of such 

 lands to productive use is a sound one. Properly directed, such a project cannot but sub- 

 stantially increase the amount of land open to public hunting. 



Because the ruffed grouse is seldom found in heavily farmed areas, less cover is posted 

 against grouse hunting than is true with many other species. W here posting becomes serious, 

 the State should consider remedial measures. In this connection the establishment of land- 

 owner-sportsman cooperatives, such as have been developed to meet similar situations in 

 pheasant areas, might be tried out providing the grouse are sufficiently numerous to warrant 

 the expense. 



Stimulating Grouse Production on Private Lands 



Though obviously desirable, few states have made even a start in stimulating private land- 

 owners to produce more grouse. Yet, until ways of doing this are worked out. the State can 

 exert but little influence on the majority of grouse covers lying within its borders. The dis- 

 trict manager setup already mentioned stands ready to advise and help those landowners who 

 have the interest of the bird at heart. To reach the others, it will be necessary to provide 

 some other quid pro quo to stimulate constructive action. 



Stiniulaling Interest and Understanding 



Another contribution of the State lies in stimulating an interest in and an understanding 

 of the grouse problem. Books such as this, articles, talks, discussions and movies all help. 

 So also does the formation, with State encouragement, of local conservation clubs. Only by 

 starting an educational program with the youngsters in the schools, however, can we. in the 

 long run, get across the story of the value and problems of wildlife in general, and of grouse 

 in particular. The school lecture program of New York's newly created Division of Conser- 

 vation Education represents a long step in the right direction. 



Emphasis on Fundamental Conservation Programs 



By now it is clear that whatever helps coiiserxalion in general, sooner or later is likely also 

 to benefit grouse. Basic farm and forest, soil and wildlife conservation projects should be vig- 

 orously supported after making certain that adequate consideration is given therein to improv- 

 ing game conditions. 



Reading this chapter, it may seem to some that any effort they can make to better grouse 

 conditions must be so small as to make it unimportant. Nothing could be further from the 

 truth. Granting the enthusiasm of the authors for their task, the material for this book 

 could never have been devoloix'd without the liel|) and backing of thousands of grouse-con- 

 scious individuals. Oaks grow from acorns. Inherent in the germination of every seed of 

 interest and activity lies the probability of making conditions better for this grand game bird. 



