Predictions for spring Ruffed grouse drumming counts

[sachem longrifle]

I predict that the spring drumming counts will be up but not as much as they could be due to prolonged cold in Feb. with lack of snow. Any other predictions?

[Shack]

I dont know? I sure have seen alot more birds of pray this spring. More so than other years. I have been seeing eagles and hawks on a daily basis. The more birds of pray in an area has an effect on cycles also. As a matter of fact, I have been meaning to start a thread about this. I think I will, along with you post. With all the turkey talk lately, it is a nice change of pace. Although, the turkey talk has peeked my intrest in this sport.

[Hoytmystic]

I have been hearing them everytime I go out of my house. I think it will be a better year. But I would like to know if having no snow all winter really effects them? With no snow they don't have alot of cover from predators? Any answers!

Kyle

[Scott M]

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But I would like to know if having no snow all winter really effects them? With no snow they don't have alot of cover from predators? Any answers!

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Like sachem said, it's the cold weather without snow that gets them. Grouse burrow into the snow to stay warm, predator avoidance is probably secondary to getting out of the bitter cold.

Don't know if anyone will ever explain the cyclical nature of grouse population swings. Biologists admit they don't know what causes it.

I agree with what everybody has said, the numbers will probably be up, but not as much as they could have been if we hadn't gotten that cold spell without much snow in February. I hope they did well anyways.

[sachem longrifle]

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But I would like to know if having no snow all winter really effects them? With no snow they don't have alot of cover from predators? Any answers!

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Like sachem said, it's the cold weather without snow that gets them. Grouse burrow into the snow to stay warm, predator avoidance is probably secondary to getting out of the bitter cold.

Don't know if anyone will ever explain the cyclical nature of grouse population swings. Biologists admit they don't know what causes it.

I agree with what everybody has said, the numbers will probably be up, but not as much as they could have been if we hadn't gotten that cold spell without much snow in February. I hope they did well anyways.

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Ok, I had a chance to talk to a biologist. He was not going to go out on a limb but stated that with a good number of young birds that were around from last year, the cycle is on the upswing, and the fact that the overall winter was mild except for Feb. we should see good number of birds this fall. He said the cold with little snow in Feb would probably have a minimal effect considering that the whole winter was not like that. The big decider, besides the cycle, is how the spring weather is. So my double barrel 20 may see another good year this fall