332 The Ruffed Grouse 



given woodland first requires an analysis of the existing situation. 

 From the standpoint of grouse needs, the two primary considera- 

 tions are shelter and food. Other requirements must be fitted into 

 the framework of these basic facilities. These must be evaluated 

 with respect to quantity {i.e., extent), quality, and arrangement 

 ( i.e., interspersion ) . Varying needs of the different seasons must all 

 be cared for. To illustrate, let us plan the development of a unit of 

 grouse cover; a hypothetical cover entity which provides all the 

 needs for a single grouse population group-a breeding pair in 

 spring and its subsequent production through the summer, fall, and 

 winter seasons, or any multiple of such a group occurring on the 

 unit. Of course this hypothetical area is useful only as a standard; 

 it never actually exists, nor is it feasible to attempt to reproduce it 

 in existing cover. It merely serves as a pattern by which we may 

 evaluate deficiencies in actual habitat and plan for improvement 

 measures. 



A imit of grouse cover is shown diagrammatically in Figure 16. 

 Two basic variations are shown: the square unit, here measured 

 as twenty-five acres, which is most useful in analyzing cover that 

 has many and irregularly-shaped cover type subdivisions; and the 

 parallel strip unit of indefinite length, for application to extensive 

 coverts. 



These cover unit diagrams indicate several basic needs: (1) All 

 seasonal cover requirements are included (conifers for shelter 

 needs; hardwoods for nesting and winter food; brushy areas of cut- 

 over or overgrown land for summer and fall food; open areas to 

 make edges); (2) proportions of basic seasonal cover needs are 

 indicated; (3) interspersion of types is idealized. Cover composition, 

 controlling quality of shelter and food conditions, is not included; 

 quantity and arrangement are. 



In analyzing an actual area of grouse range we may consider the 

 quantity and arrangement elements first, the quality problem later. 

 First we must determine what cover types exist, and where. This 

 can well be done by making a map.' If aerial photographs are avail- 

 able (as they are for most of the Northeast today— inquire of the 

 nearest office of the Agricultural Adjustment Administration or Soil 

 Conservation Service ) , these are very useful for this purpose. Other- 



^ For a detailed method of mapping forest areas for wild-life management, see 

 Wehh (1942 V 



