NATIONAL RUFFED GROUSE AND WOODCOCK HUNT

The Grand Rapids RGS Chapter has hosted the National Ruffed Grouse and Woodcock Hunt (NGWH) every October for the past 19 years. Originally, the Hunt was intended to be an opportunity for appreciative upland bird hunters to gather in mutual enjoyment of northern MinnesotaÕs many sporting opportunities. However, the late Gordon Gullion, pre-eminent ruffed grouse expert, quickly recognized the HuntÕs value for gathering research data to broaden our understanding of grouse biology.

The NGWH format provides us with a relatively large sample of bird, collected at the same time, place and in the same manner each year. This minimizes variability in the sample, allowing biologists to make scientifically defensible conclusions from data collected from the sample.

The results of a study, published in the December 1998 issue of Science magazine, suggested that red grouse populations in Scotland cycled due to periodic infestations of the intestinal roundworm Trichostrongylus tenuis. Several people speculated that the same parasite might play a role in ruffed grouse cycles. To investigate this possibility, MichiganÕs RGS biologist Mark Banker collected 25 intestinal tracts from each sex and age group of grouse harvested at the NGWH in 1999. This was near the peak of the local grouse population, when we would expect the parasite to be most prevalent. With the assistance of Dr. Michael Hamas of the University of Central Michigan, we found no specimens of T. tenuis, or any other parasite, in the samples collected. Therefore we can state with some certainty that parasitic roundworms do not play a role in ruffed grouse cycles.

We have recently initiated an in-depth analysis of the 19 years worth of data collected at the NGWH. We can already make assumptions on any yearÕs reproductive success rate based on the proportion of young birds in the harvest and can see how hunter success rates relate to DNR spring drumming surveys. But, we hope to see if this data analysis will help us unravel the mysteries of the grouse 10-year cycle, discover the role of color phase in survival, or make predictions about woodcock population trends.

The scientific value of the National Ruffed Grouse and Woodcock Hunt cannot be overstated. We now have one of the most complete, continuous records of population characteristics for any North American Wildlife Species. Grand Rapids Chapter volunteers and NGWH participants can take pride in their contribution to furthering our knowledge of the King of Game Birds, the ruffed grouse.

February 21, 2001
Ralph Stewart, Editor in Chief
Shooting Sportsman
P.O. Box 1357
Camden, ME 04843
Dear Mr. Stewart:

I read Robert Jones' recent columns "My Millenium Vow" and "The Hunter In My Heart" with great interest. I am concerned about the fate of the American woodcock as both a sportsman and a Forest Wildlife Biologist with the Ruffed Grouse Society. I am pleased to see that you acknowledge that the root cause of the decline is habitat loss but was dismayed to see that minimized in Mr. Jones' second column, in favor of the more emotional topic of hunter restraint.

Habitat Loss: The Migratory Shore and Upland Game Bird Subcommittee of the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies convened a Woodcock Task force in 1999 to examine the causes of woodcock declines. The Task Force, composed of some of the premier woodcock researchers in the country, concluded that a lack of young forest habitats in the breeding range is most likely the limiting factor for woodcock populations. Woodcock numbers have declined as old field habitats in the east have progressed through successional stages to become mature forests. In addition, land managers efforts to provide habitat for woodcock are hampered by increasing urban sprawl and public sentiments against active forest management.

Hunting Effects: Woodcock hunting seasons have been shortened and bag limits reduced over the past several years to limit hunter-induced mortality. These efforts have not altered the downward trends in woodcock population indices. The U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Wildlife Management Institute, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Pennsylvania Game Commission and Dartmouth College are currently cooperating on a research project in the northeast to quantify hunting's impacts on woodcock. Over a two year period they tracked 343 radio-equipped woodcock on unhunted sites. One hundred ten died of 'natural' causes (not hunting) - a 68% survival rate. At the same time they tracked 428 bird on sites open to public hunting and found 128 died (24% due to hunting) - a 70% survival rate! This project will soon be expanded into the Great Lakes States.

This evidence strongly suggests that woodcock populations are indeed declining due to habitat loss, not hunter mortality. Therefore, rather than advocating voluntary bag limits or "point and release" programs, Shooting Sportsman should strive to educate hunters on the habitat needs of woodcock. Further, sportsmen and women concerned about woodcock should support and join the Ruffed Grouse Society. Our motto is "Dedicated to improving the environment for ruffed grouse, woodcock and other forest wildlife". We have biologists throughout the east encouraging public land agencies and private forest owners to create ruffed grouse and woodcock habitat. We also work very hard to increase public acceptance of forest management practices.

Only by actively encouraging forest resource managers to create and maintain young forest habitats will woodcock populations recover. Simply not shooting these fascinating and sporting game birds will not save them. If you don't help save habitat, the last woodcock you watch fly away unscathed may be the last one you ever see.

Sincerely,
Rick Horton
Forest Wildlife Biologist