Michigan DNR seeks partners for grouse program

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources wants to team with volunteer groups to improve ruffed grouse habitat and hunting opportunities.

A program called the Grouse Enhanced Management System will create seven locations in the Upper Peninsula and the northern Lower Peninsula where forests will be logged to promote growth of young aspen, which is ideal for grouse and woodcock.

Aspen usually is harvested every 60 years, but within the grouse management areas it will be logged on 40-year rotations.

Each area will have a parking lot and gated roads so hunters can wander among aspen stands without worrying about vehicle traffic.

Community partners are being sought to help with tree management, signs and other tasks. Those interested can get more information by contacting the DNR’s Katie Keen at 231-775-9727.

From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140611/METRO06/306110041#ixzz34MPrsrak

WI 2014 Ruffed grouse survey indicates minor population decline

MADISON - Ruffed grouse populations in Wisconsin have shown another slight decline this spring, according to a recent roadside ruffed grouse survey. Results from this survey help DNR biologists monitor the cyclic population trends of ruffed grouse in the state.

"The index that Wisconsin uses to track ruffed grouse decreased 1 percent between 2013 and 2014," said Brian Dhuey, DNR wildlife surveys coordinator. "This decrease is quite minor, and isn't unexpected at this point in the population cycle. Ruffed grouse populations are known to rise and fall over a nine to 11 year cycle. The last peak in Wisconsin's cycle occurred in 2011. We are headed to the low point in the cycle, which usually occurs in years ending in a 4, 5, or 6, so we are either at the low point or getting close; only time will tell."

Roadside surveys to monitor the number of breeding grouse have been conducted by staff from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Forest Service, tribal groups and numerous grouse enthusiasts and volunteers since 1964. Surveyors begin 30 minutes before sunrise and drive along established routes, making 10 stops at assigned points and listening for four minutes for the distinctive "thump, thump, thump" sound made by drumming male grouse.

The number of drums heard per stop in 2014 was down 1 percent statewide from the previous year. One of the primary regions for grouse in the state, the central region, showed a 24 percent drop in the number of drums heard per stop. A second primary region in northern Wisconsin showed a 3 percent increase.

Read the rest of the WI DNR article

Complete survey results can be found by visiting dnr.wi.gov and searching for "wildlife reports." For more information on ruffed grouse in Wisconsin, search "ruffed grouse hunting."

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott Walter, upland wildlife ecologist, 608-267-7861 or Brian Dhuey, wildlife surveys coordinator, 608-221-6342

Ruffed Grouse Wildlife Leadership Academy for Teens - Spots Still Available

There are still spots available for teens at the Ruffed Grouse Field School + Where are the former students.

http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=42eca229875afc7ec6412fb63&id=bbf49a0b2e&e=05d6c150f6

Hiring - CT - Ruffed Grouse Resource Assistant

Employer:	Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Location:	Connecticut
Country:	United States
Last Date to Apply:
Details:	Website: http://www.ct.gov/de...eepNav_GID=1655 Salary: $10.00 - $12.00 (depending on experience) Description: Three seasonal resource assistants are needed from approximately August 8, 2014 - February 1, 2015 to study dispersal, home range, mortality and habitat use of ruffed grouse in Barkhamsted and Hartland Connecticut. Specific duties may include, but are not limited to: capturing and equipping grouse with radio transmitters, monitoring radioed grouse, vegetation sampling and data entry. A field vehicle will be provided but there is no housing available. Qualifications: The preferred candidate will have a Bachelors degree in a related field, the ability to work independently as well as part of a team, able to carry and setup trapping equipment in remote locations and possess a willingness to work long hours (i.e. early mornings and late nights) in variable weather conditions. Candidates should also have prior experience with avian capture and handling, radio telemetry, vegetation identification, Microsoft Office and a variety of field equipment (i.e., compasses, GPS Units, telemetry receivers, prisms and 4 wheel drive vehicles). Prospective candidates should send a cover letter, resume and 2 references to: Kelly Kubik Franklin Swamp WMA 391 Route 32 North Franklin, CT 06254 kelly.kubik@ct.gov (email applications preferred)

100's of Top Secret Ruffed Grouse Hunting Sites Revealed

I always a little bit leery of showing any ruffed grouse hunting spots as even one or two more hunters in my areas can make it more likely that someone else will be in one of my favorite hunting spots.

But, the spots are all in the public domain and hopefully it will help a few of the newer hunters stay interested in the sport.

The Ruffed Grouse Society has released maps of their Management Area Projects.  It looks like there are a couple of hundred areas listed.

You will need to have Google Earth installed on your computer to view the maps.

Here is the link to the RGS website with all of the mapping information.

Ruffed Grouse Society Welcomes New Wildlife Biologist for Eastern Great Lakes Region

The Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) recently named Eric J. Ellis as the new regional biologist for the Eastern Great Lakes region (Michigan, Ohio and Indiana). In his new position, Ellis will support the Society’s management efforts to create healthy forest habitat for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and other wildlife and help preserve our rich sporting traditions.

As part of his duties, Ellis will work with state and federal wildlife agencies, private landowners and chapters on habitat projects and initiatives. He will also focus on grant writing and fundraising efforts to help the organization further enhance young forest habitat.

“With his experience with habitat development and fundraising, we are excited to add Eric to our team of wildlife biologists. We feel he has a great combination of education, on-the-ground experience, leadership and enthusiasm to help us grow in all areas of habitat enhancement,” said RGS President and CEO John Eichinger.

Prior to becoming part of the RGS team, Ellis worked as a wildlife habitat biologist and project manager for the Conservation Resource Alliance in Traverse City, Michigan where he facilitated fundraising and implementation of habitat management projects by working with public and private landowners, foresters and contractors. He also led the Wild Link Program assisting volunteer landowners in managing private property along regional wildlife corridors. He received his Master of Science degree in resource recreation and tourism from the University of Idaho in 2007 and his Bachelor of Science in resource ecology and management from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor in 1997.

Read the complete Outdoor Hub article

Gaylord MI Ruffed Grouse Society dinner June 13 at Treetops

GAYLORD — The Jim Foote Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society will host its 22nd annual Conservation and Sportsmen’s Banquet on Friday, June 13, at Treetops Resort, 3962 Wilkinson Road.

The evening begins with a social hour at 5:30 p.m. Dinner will be served at 7:30 p.m.

As with all RGS fundraisers, proceeds from this event will be used to enhance habitat for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and other forest wildlife. The evening will feature a live and silent auction, games, drawings and door prizes, highlighted with the finest selection of quality firearms, artwork and collectables.

Individual membership and dinner tickets are $65. There is also a membership and spouse package for $90 (includes two dinners) and a junior membership and dinner ticket for $40 (17 and under). Banquet, conservation, sustaining and gold sponsorship packages also are available.

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Peter McCutcheon at (231) 546-4849.