94 The Ruffed Grouse 



Considering these factors, it is at least possible that grouse may 

 choose to avoid areas because of their degree of slope. 



Similarly, the direction of the slope may be important. A north 

 slope, that is one sloping downward predominantly between north- 

 west and northeast, is a cool slope, whereas the south and west 

 slopes are comparatively warmer. Cover composition often varies 

 considerably according to aspect, and may affect grouse distribu- 

 tion. For example, in south-central New York, mountain laurel is 

 found only on south slopes. When winds come predominantly from 

 certain directions, particularly winds accompanied by storms, oppo- 

 site slopes are tlie most protected, other things being equal. 



Substantially the same relationships among the slope-use inten- 

 sities prevail at all seasons. Steep slopes are used much less than 

 others. This partial avoidance of steep slopes— those in excess of 

 twenty degrees— is probably due to a disinclination to climb up and 

 down, even in flight. Just how steep a slope has to be before a 

 grouse begins to shun it is not at all clear. 



The other significant preference is for east and west slopes over 

 flat (less than five degrees), south, and north slopes. 



COVER TYPES CHOSEN AS AFFECTED BY 

 WEATHER CONDITIONS 



Every hunter of grouse knows that the birds will be found in dff- 

 ferent situations under varying weather conditions. It is natural 

 that there should be differences in selection of cover with changes 

 of temperature, sky conditions, wind, and possibly other elements. 

 We ourselves seek the most protective abode in a storm, and are 

 inclined to sun ourselves under clear, balmy skies. So why should 

 not the grouse do likewise? And they do. 



Effect of Temperature on Cover Used. Temperature is relative as 

 it affects grouse behavior. Fifty degrees Fahrenheit in the summer 

 would be cold, in the winter warm, and in spring or summer it 

 would likely be about normal. Conceivably, it would be pos- 

 sible to record the temperature and precise measurements of other 

 weather factors in the field as each grouse is flushed, but this is un- 

 necessary. The temperature at the moment involved may be gauged 

 as warm, normal, or cold, where normal means that it is within the 



