grouse

[joe]

After spending countless hours in the woods trying to jump a grouse, yesterday i finally jumped one. Wouldnt you know it i missed. I am very dissapointed in myself. I have jumped many woodcock without a miss. I guess i will keep on trying. I forgot how good these birds taste.

[Turkeyfoot]

Joe......that's why I don't hunt em much anymore in our area, just does'nt seem to be worth the effort. The terrain makes for tough hunting conditions and you generally get that surprise flush and miss the shot:eek: The ealy 70's were boon tears for grouse in Eastern Oh. and it was'nt uncommon( for me anyway) to shoot a box of shells on a trip! Maybe bring home 2 birds, but those days are gone. As you know, grouse cycle and some years are better than others.

Always done best late in the years in Jan & Feb hunting in the snow. That seems to concentrate them in certain areas like edges of hayfields bordered by multi-floral-rose and grapevine infested flats. One thing I've noticed while bowhunting, not a good year for grapes this year either:( Heads of the little side hollows and ravines, with cover, have always been the most productive for me;) Hope the next shot you'll connect!....TF

[Star1pup]

Join the "I've Missed Grouse" Club.:) Anyone who has hunted them will know what you mean. Sure wish we had more of them in eastern Ohio. I used to see many in Beaver Creek State Park or around Negley, OH. No more.

Does it strike you funny that the one kind of hunting we lack in Ohio is upland bird hunting? We have deer and turkeys, but no grouse, pheasants or quail. Could it be that deer and turkeys are too big for the protected hawks and owls to catch?

[Lance]

You mean your actually supposed to hit the things???? My dogs point them but I never seem to hit them...... If I actually hit 1 or 2 a year down here I'm happy!!!!

As far as bird numbers I can only fault habitat. Other states have the same laws on raptors as Ohio, the difference is they have more HABITAT. Nobody wants to cut anything here, they like their nice big hardwoods and have no clue in regard to the need for diverse habitat. They walk around the woods April-November and think they've got some ground cover. They never see it when theres 4-5" of snow on the ground and there's no place for a bird to hide. If it weren't for all the strip mine areas in Ohio we'd really have no birds!

[Star1pup]

I would definitely log my place, but the trees are almost, but not quite ready I am told. One guy said to cut in 10 years, but I'm 66 now! Who knows if I'll be around or able to hunt in 10 years. There are just too many for me to cut myself. I've often though of getting a couple of guys that would be willing to work and give them hunting permission, but no one wants to work, just hunt.:rolleyes:

[Lance]

If you want it cut sooner than later you may want to check into getting it harvested for pulp rather than lumber. Size isn't nearly as important then. How many acres do you want to cut??

[Star1pup]

Actually I've been looking for guidance as to what I should cut with no luck. Most of it is wild cherry.

[Lance]

How many acres? I know they where able to get DNR biologists to come out and look at the ground I hunt and make recommendations. I have a couple good contacts that may be able to help.

[Star1pup]

I have 67 acres total and has the guys from SWCD out, but they were not much help.

[DigDoug]

Joe, did you have a dog with you?

[Lance]

The guy you need to get to your place is Dan McMillen from the Division 3 office here in Akron. His job is to come out to private property to help develop wildlife managment plans you just need to let him know what your targeting he should also have some contacts for timber work. If you need more help than what he can offer let me know I can get more help.

[Star1pup]

Lance:
Thanks. I'll give Dan a call. Maybe I can use it for one of my weekly columns.
Bill

[Turkeyfoot]

Star1pup........Contact the ODNR in Columbus ask for the Forestry div and Tom Berger. He's got over 30yrs in forestry and I'm sure he'd be glad to help or steer you in the right direction.....TF

[gunner70]

Joe just keep at it. Ruffed grouse is a hard bird to hunt, So dont get mad or frustrated. And I know how hard it is to remain focused on hunting them when you dont see that many. And that is a big factor. Ive done alright this year soo far. I have bagged 9 grouse with out a dog. I have wrote a lot of posts in the past on what to look for. Some here and some at other boards, Like www.gofishohio.com and www.gohuntingohio.com
If you are interested just do a name search and read on. And if you have any questions email me with the subject line Grouse. And I will answer as much as I can.:D