Ruffed Grouse drumming counts are in!!!

[thunderpout]

I just learned of some great news...the latest Ruffed Grouse drumming counts are in and its looking much better this year for grouse hunters in MN.(and their dogs!) The DNR changed the regional "zones" that the state is broken into, but the majority of the state is up 40% from last year, which was up a little from near the bottom of their ten year cycle...I am so psyced up!  I gots ta figure out how to fast foward the calendar to fall!!!! ::       -thunderpout 8)

[Merimac]

Will a drought effect bird count?

[thunderpout]

I think if it was bad enough,  every living thing needs water,  It could also effect the amount of insects available for poults/chicks to eat which is their main sourse of protein at that age.... but for the most part, staying warm and dry and uneaten by the many predators they have looking for them are the biggest challenges young grouse face...but thats a good question.   -thunderpout 8)

[thunderpout]

Merimac, do you mean will drought affect the amount of drumming that a grouse does, affecting the numbers in that way?  If so...boy, I am not sure but I have read that if during wet, windy and cold weather is present during drumming counts it can affect the accuracy of the numbers so it could....             -thunderpout 8)

[Merimac]

I Asked about it the first way.  But part 2 is an interesting question. 

Seems like the folks in Mi are still finding nests...  Good reason to wait a few weeks.

Mac

[Mayfly]

I focus all my attention on Pheasants but didn't Grouse hunters have an excellent year last year?! So this will really be good if that is right.

.

[Merimac]

It was certainly better than the last few... But nothing like 5 years ago.  I have a young dog and would really like to get into the Timberdoodle this year.

[thunderpout]

Mayfly,  last year was about the 2nd year up from the bottom of the ten year cycle,  so the next five or six years will only get better!  which is why Im so darn giddy!  Well, that and having a two year old setter that finally got rid of his "puppy mentality"...I finally timed this one with the peak of the grouse cycle!  I had to put down two great old english setters in the last three years, that happened during the down years...so now its time for the really good times again!   :: ::rockon:: :rock:         -thunderpout 8)

[Mayfly]

Sounds like good news! Any pics of the dogs?

[thunderpout]

Yep, tons of em, not in digital format though...Im a bit behind in that technology, I spend all my money on guitars, guns and gas but if I make it up to the Camp Y gals party I'll bring some, or mabey Drummer the wonder dog may make it up there with me....    -thunderpout 8)

[Mayfly]

 :;hijacked::

I may head up there on Saturday if someone could give me directions.........