Researchers are looking at bobwhites to determine if the virus is affecting them and if it may be contributing to quail declines. 19 Ruffed Grouse Dr, Lakeville, Wayne County, PA 18438. Photo by Timothy Flanigan/Nature Exposure, A ruffed grouse is shown perched on a birch log for a better view in a Pennsylvania thicket. What about weather impacts on grouse production? View more property details, sales history and Zestimate data on Zillow. Responsive Harvest Framework, including decision thresholds used to develop the 2019-20 season recommendation. Today, much of Pennsylvania's forest area is 90 to 120 years old. The ruffed grouse, known for its signature wing drumming in the spring woods, ... Johnstown, PA 15901 Phone: (814) 532-5000 In that short time and that small space, the grouse population has tripled. An adaptive management framework will allow managers to experiment with different spatial configurations of refuge and recreational areas until successful distributions are identified. This type of configuration will provide high quality habitat across the entire landscape, but will also minimize disturbance in some portion while providing high quality hunting in the remaining landscape. Current data from Maine suggests that After-Second-Year hens have lower mortality during nesting than first year hens, which agrees with what we know about other game birds. Partly cloudy skies. Grouse do not infect other species. Grouse Priority Siting Tool (G-PAST) - Public Version. After 20 years of bat population gains, and advances in research, White Nose Syndrome suddenly swept through the U.S. starting around 2008, severely curtailing the bat population. However, limited information on the dynamics of these pop-ulations prevents the development of effective management strategies to reverse these trends. Williams enlisted the help of 800 hunters who provide her with blood samples of birds they harvest. 27 and Dec. 14-24 (2 daily, 6 possession). This led to further research steps #2-5 above. Ruffed grouse were once a very popular, plentiful upland game bird throughout much of the country. We are continuing to increase our commitment by hiring additional Forestry Technicians. Three-year state running averages were used due to missing data in some states/years. Now in the age of West Nile Virus, we MUST streamline our process of restoring grouse numbers. If males are removed from their established territories in late winter, these sites are not likely to be re-occupied in time for breeding. I own 50 acres of ideal grouse habitat in NW PA. Only 7% is made up of young forest that grouse need for courting, nesting and brood-rearing. Two Factors Affecting the Ruffed Grouse Decline. Research Bulletin – SGL 176: Scotia Barrens, Susceptibility of Ruffed Grouse to West Nile Virus, Prevalence of West Nile Virus in Ruffed Grouse in Pennsylvania: Evidence of Population Impacts, http://maps.dcnr.pa.gov/bof/huntmap/index.html, RHF and a map of the Northern and Southern Management Zones, presentation on the Game Commission Forest Management program, http://ecosystems.psu.edu/research/centers/private-forests, Split Zone approach and the Responsive Harvest Framework, Special Requests to Use State Game Lands Information, Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP), Informs habitat targeting at the state game lands level – Locating and supporting existing grouse populations is the most-immediate way to safeguard grouse during periods of high West Nile Virus prevalence. The one that kills you slow is long-term habitat loss; they’ve been losing habitat for decades.”. In 2017, the PGC took an emergency measure by shortening grouse season for the first time since 1960, indefinitely postponing after-Christmas hunting. many species are susceptible to infection, but susceptibility to clinical disease varies by species. Rather, the following approaches are used collectively: 1) Population monitoring; 2) Experimental infection trials; 3) Passive surveillance (mortality investigations); 4) Active surveillance (antibody or viral surveys of a population); 5) Population and Disease Modeling (if data are available); and 6) Other options including Sentinels, Model Species, etc. We stress that managers should not strive to increase harvest rates beyond those experienced in this study because increased harvest mortality may be additive. 2003). Enables efficient and accurate data entry for foresters – Foresters have completed the Grouse Summer Sighting Survey annually since 1981. 2017 Habitat Report - Young Forests (PDF). And now, the Game Commission has created the tool to make that happen! Photo by Timothy Flanigan/Nature Exposure. Why not reduce daily bag limit from 2 to 1? Most grouse make one major dispersal movement in their lives: juvenile dispersal in their first autumn (September). If in fact WNV is effecting our over all Pa Grouse population, I would be the 1st to change the Grouse season, to help assure a great Grouse population. Hot dry summers benefit mosquitos that carry WNV because they breed in stagnant water. Rationale: All measures used to track grouse populations have undergone steady declines since the statewide late season was established in the 1980s. A RHM framework incorporates abundance and productivity measures into season-setting decisions so that seasons and bag limits respond to changes in populations. It is possible, though beyond the scope of our data to conclude, that refuge areas will produce birds that will disperse across the landscape and may be available to hunters in recreational areas. Grouse Habitat Best Management Practices PDFGrouse Management Webinar (video, 49:45) The Ruffed Grouse Society, for example, holds a “national grouse and woodcock hunt” each fall in Minnesota. View forest management history of an area to identify priority areas that have NOT received recent management attention. Pennsylvania’s state bird is in serious trouble. Another factor is the decline in bat populations, as bats eat lots of mosquitoes. When we applied those survival rates to the number of grouse harvested in the late season from 2012-2015, we estimate that approximately 24,000 birds would have entered the breeding population over those four years if they had not been harvested in the late season. This framework relies on a split zone approach to season-setting because northern and southern grouse populations face differential hunting pressure and disease risk, and are exhibiting different population trends. Pennsylvania is fortunate in this regard: In contrast to many other states, Pennsylvania has seen stable to increasing furtaker numbers and furbearer harvests over the past 20 years. Status of Ruffed Grouse; 2017 (award-winning video, 9:10)  It’s what’s best for them.”. Likewise, shortening the late season by two weeks (and leaving 2 weeks open) would not measurably increase grouse abundance because most harvest occurs during the first two weeks (as shown by Game Commission research conducted in the 1980s). Directs habitat partner efforts – Identifying critical areas for grouse management can assist habitat partners in developing grant proposals, initiating agency collaboration on priority sites, reaching out to high-priority private landowners, and incentivizing their own local clubs and chapters to support active management in priority areas. (# defoliation events, 2007-2016). Is West Nile Virus from grouse a risk to humans and other species? Ticks are inactive and temperatures are just right for running the dogs. This tool enables Game Commission field staff to record grouse sightings to identify prime areas for habitat management. When the population exceeds certain thresholds, the season is lengthened. Incorporating all critical variables into management decision-making gives Game Commission personnel much more power to weigh options and priorities. Males are occupying an established breeding territory and hens have already had experience in raising a clutch. Grouse Habitat Best Management Practices PDFFrom the Coverts - Fall 2014 (PDF)From the Coverts - Fall 2015 (PDF)From the Coverts - Fall 2016 (PDF)From the Coverts - Fall 2017 (PDF)From the Coverts - Fall 2018 (PDF)Ruffed Grouse Management Plan (PDF), Grouse Habitat Best Management Practices PDF. Comments are welcomed by the Commission at pgccomments@pa.gov. A ruffed grouse walks near a birch tree in Pennsylvania. Please enable scripts and reload this page. Hunting pressure, harvest rates, hunter success, and thus, hunting-related disturbance are all related to distance from roads or initial starting point (e.g., gate or hunting cabin; Fischer and Keith 1974, Gullion and Alm 1983, Broseth and Pedersen 2000, Gratson and Whitman 2000, Hayes et al. After reaching a population apex in the mid 1990s, the non-migratory bird that has little problem surviving the harshest of winters has fallen victim to the repercussions of human interaction. Ruffed grouse population declines after introduction of West Nile virus. The other 60% of the sample looked OK.”, But she said that after two weeks, they developed heart and brain damage so badly that they would not have survived in the wild. What does the Game Commission hope to gain by closing the late season? This indicates that a sick grouse is not likely to pass the virus to another animal, though animals inhabiting the same area may be vulnerable to WNV+ mosquitoes that inhabit that area. The site can be viewed here We suspect dedicated ruffed grouse hunters will enjoy and support road closures. Pennsylvania’s forest management is already more active than most or all States in the Mid-Atlantic, and we are still increasing activity. How will the Game Commisson measure success? If population indicators drop below certain thresholds, the season is restricted. You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. Both species exist in areas where WNV is known to circulate, so they may be exposed to the virus. The data layer created over time will also further BWM objectives of conducting CART analysis to further identify critical variables and thresholds affecting grouse occurrence. Glenn E. Stauffer. Above-average spring and fall temperatures prolong the mosquito-breeding season, and eight of the past 10 years have been that way. Additionally, more hunters prefer to see season length reduced rather than bag limit, according to the results of the 2015 Grouse and Woodcock Hunter Survey. By identifying potential grouse focus areas, G-PAST furthers a half dozen habitat objectives in the Pennsylvania Ruffed Grouse Plan and can serve as a model for other Eastern states. What is Responsive Harvest Management (RHM)? While the Game Commission regulates hunting, the harvest of terrestrial predators is directly under the control of hunters and furtakers. For one thing, southeastern Ohio was always at the southern edge of grouse habitat, so even though they may have been relatively plentiful when the habitat was present, it was never in the heart of grouse territory. The Young Forest Project  How does the season recommendation fit into the Game Commission's Ruffed Grouse Management Plan? However, by using models to assess the Responsive Harvest Framework over time, we will get an indication of whether we are making a detectable difference in grouse populations and trends. Submit feathers from one grouse in one envelope. very low juvenile per hen ratios in hunter-harvested birds and summer brood sightings), decreased proportion of juveniles in the winter harvest (Dec and Jan). More hope came from the past two summers, which have been mild and dry – and Williams said her statewide grouse numbers have actually increased by 10% since 2018. “The stuff that you would have to fight your way through,” she said, “they need that around to protect them from predators.”, Humans "like a forest that looks kind of like a park," she said. A forester marking timber hears a grouse flush and easily enters the location data with just a few clicks on a smart phone. 2020-21 SEASON: Oct. 17–Nov. We are not aware of any studies that have investigated attitudes towards road closures as a management tool in the Appalachian region, but studies in other areas have indicated hunters do support road closures as a management tool (Gratson and Whiteman 2000, Little 2001). We suspect hunters will make heavy use of roads (Broseth and Pedersen 2000) and recommend placing greater emphasis on locating girdled patches along (open and seeded) roads to provide additional hunting opportunities. Identifies potential grouse focus areas – Modeled variables can help BWM refine and ground-truth the grouse habitat targeting model now being developed. When WNV first moved though the US, people found dead crows and blue jays because these species were abundant and live near human settlements. A Birds and mammals bitten by the foreign mosquito were subsequently bitten by native mosquitoes, which then spread the virus. These research results clearly show that a significant change has occurred in grouse population demographics since the 1980s (when the current season structure was enacted) – and more importantly since the early 2000s (when WNV entered the state). To guide grouse habitat creation, the Game Commission has developed the Grouse Priority Area Siting Tool (G-PAST). If WNV mortality among woodcock was high, population declines should be evident because woodcock occur specifically in wet habitats. The post-Christmas grouse season (hereafter “late season”) is well-loved by many grouse hunters. RECREATIONAL AREAS are defined as any area <402 m from an open road (Figure). These are high-value birds to recruit into the breeding population. Birds harvested in October-January were most likely exposed to WNV during summer (July through mid-September). The blood can yield antibodies and show infection percentages. In Alberta, harvest rate (48%) was higher for birds trapped <101 m from a road than birds trapped >101 m from the road (19%; Fischer and Keith 1974). However, there is interest in pursuing future active research, as time and resources permit. Keystone State. In the Game Commission 2015 Grouse and Woodcock Hunter Survey, 58% of more than 2000 grouse hunters indicated that they supported a split zone approach. “We really need twice that for grouse to really thrive,” Williams said. Each year for the last three years Game Commission foresters have offered more than 9,000 acres of timber for sale and cutting is now underway on those contracts. This makes the likelihood of finding a carcass greater for jays and crows. The Game Bird Section has initiated a statewide study of grouse recruitment. Estimating conservatively, we would still be harvesting 50% (or more) of the birds normally harvested. This data is critical to population trend estimates that are used to establish hunting seasons and other management recommendations. High around 30F. Even well-intentioned landowners can be overwhelmed with choices when it comes to managing their forests. Are "tame" grouse really tame? For this study, hunters are asked to submit the 3 outer primary wing feathers ("flight feathers") or the entire wing, a central tail feather, and 2 to 3 rump feathers, along with harvest location information. This is not the future – this is now. Due to COVID-related restrictions, this past spring’s drumming counts in … This novel GIS analysis has several direct and immediate benefits to grouse management: Statewide Grouse Siting Prioritization – shows grouse priority ranking regardless of ownership. View Priority Sites within SGLs to identify best areas of the Game Land to manage grouse habitat (Grouse Priority: Orange = “Good”; Blue = “Better”; Purple = “Best”). Seasons and Bag Limits: In Maine, Michigan, and Wisconsin the majority of ruffed grouse hunting occurs within 402 m of roads (Gullion and Alm 1983). Furthers objectives in the Ruffed Grouse Plan – This data stream will further six objectives of the Game Commission Ruffed Grouse Management Plan as well as one of the top three priorities identified for grouse restoration in the Eastern US. WNV shows strong indications as a significant mortality factor for Pennsylvania grouse. Scientific Name: The goal for closing the late season when populations are low is to maximize the number of birds carried over into the breeding population. grouse brood food) populations, but also benefit some mosquito species. Male ruffed grouse are aggressively territorial throughout their adult lives, defending a 6 … But if WNV mortality among pheasants was high, we would detect more mortality in farm-raised unvaccinated birds and in states with large wild pheasant populations. Chance of snow 50%. Our results also indicate ruffed grouse in the region have lower productivity and may be nutritionally stressed, particularly during late-winter (February-March) which coincides with the late hunting season (February) in many Appalachian states. The PGC is limiting late season harvest in an attempt to carry more birds into the spring breeding population. Why not shorten the season by reducing days in October, November, or mid-December? This activity will support populations of many declining species that require Young Forest habitat. The Likelihood of West Nile Virus Impact on Wild Turkeys, Woodcock, Quail and Pheasants. Determining susceptibility of a wild species to a pathogen requires a multifaceted approach because one test alone cannot determine susceptibility or population impacts. Figure 2: Long term grouse population trends, as reported by PA Grouse Cooperators, 1965 – 2015. The few minutes it will take you to watch this video will change how you hunt ruffed grouse. The tool is showing where mosquitoes are most, and least common – and providing a map that PGC land managers and foresters can use to promote grouse habitat where the birds have the best chance to survive. However, there are several arguments for trying this approach: Research on the impact of grouse hunting has returned mixed results depending on amount of available habitat, severity of winter conditions, level of natural (non-hunting) mortality, immigration into the hunted population from nearby population sources, level of hunting pressure, and harvest rate. Many are members of the Ruffed Grouse Society and spend the majority of their time and resources in the pursuit of ruffed grouse in the Appalachian region and other parts of the United States. Thresholds and triggers are identified that direct population managers to set liberal, moderate, or conservative seasons. Furthermore, male grouse holding territories >201 m from the road had higher annual survival (36%) than male grouse defending territories <201 m from the road (23%; Fischer and Keith 1974). G-PAST relies on two tools developed by Game Commission GIS technicians in consultation with the PGC Grouse Biologist and Region Biologists. Finally, a dying grouse is an easy target for predators, so the window for finding a sick grouse or carcass is very brief. The benefit of a responsive harvest framework is that season-setting is consistent from year to year, responsive to the grouse population, and transparent to the public. Follow Lisa Williams, Pennsylvania Game Commission Ruffed Grouse Biologist, to visit with a "tame" grouse. The late season is the season which most impacts the breeding population. (Information taken from Devers 2005: Population ecology of and the effects of hunting on ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) in the southern and central Appalachians). What can I do to assist the recovery of grouse? Both males and females are required to produce the next generation. Grouse Population Status and Management Plan Implementtion, Grouse Population Status and Management Plan Implementation. First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. This change is due to the differential forces acting on grouse populations in northern versus southern counties: 1) different population trends; 2) differential harvest pressure, and; 3) differential disease prevalence. Video (5:42) Penn State’s Forestry Extension offers many tools and workshops to assist private landowners: http://ecosystems.psu.edu/research/centers/private-forests. Expect number of harvested acres to continue to increase: each year for the last three years Game Commission foresters have offered more than 9,000 acres of timber for sale and harvesting is now underway on those contracts. For more information on the Commission Meeting Jan. 2018 Presentation video (15:00), Grouse Priority Siting Tool (G-PAST) - Public Version. All indicators reveal signs of a population in distress: The goal of the Grouse Management Program is to support statewide population recovery. Hunters should follow the same advice given for any game: use precautions during field dressing and cooking. In the Appalachian region, dedicated ruffed grouse hunters compose a minority of hunters (G. Norman, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, personal communication). View Damaged Stands on SGLs to identify stands where management attention can benefit forest health, resilience, regeneration and grouse management. By implementing a responsive harvest framework (RHF), the grouse season will change in response to changing grouse populations. Sale offers, bids and contracting, all of which take time, are now showing results on the ground. Since private lands are the key to large-scale population recovery, enhancing collaboration with traditional and non-traditional partners to communicate the dramatic need for grouse habitat restoration is also a high priority, Why are roads closed on many public lands during grouse season? Research conducted by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and supported in part by the Ruffed Grouse Society, has begun revealing the effects of West Nile virus on the state's ruffed grouse population, as well as the benefits of having an ample amount of the high … Whether this increased survival is enough to make a noticeable difference in grouse populations is not yet known. Based on research with similar species, survivors are likely to have lifetime immunity. To support recovering populations in all regions, the goal of grouse season-setting is to minimize late season harvest to increase the likelihood that these birds are carried into the Spring breeding population. These birds were exposed to the virus and survived. Priority mapping puts habitat managers back in the driver’s seat, enabling us to proactively restore grouse where it makes the most sense. Mean ruffed grouse harvest per hunter in 5 Northeastern states (Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia), 1993-2015. To assess impact on grouse hunting participation, we will monitor any changes that occur in statewide number of hunters and days afield relative to available days. Also, late season harvest disproportionately removes adult birds (i.e. The following background information was prepared by Game Commission Grouse Biologist Bill Palmer in 2003, and provides a nice overview of the relevant research: [To find papers cited in this section, go to Google Scholar and enter the authors’ name(s), year and ‘ruffed grouse hunting’ or a similar search phrase]. Split Zone approach and the Responsive Harvest Framework. The duration of the late season closure is unknown. Unfortunately, due to recent declines in hunter flush rates and brood observations, the 2019-20 grouse season recommendation calls for a continued statewide closure of the late season for at least one year. Research, as bats eat lots of mosquitoes: http: //ecosystems.psu.edu/research/centers/private-forests bat,. Are used to develop the 2019-20 season recommendation thresholds, the PGC took an emergency by! 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