Downeast Hunting Report: October 31, 2007

Wildlife is a product of the land, and the richer the quality of the land, the greater number of animals and species present. Wildlife production is the same as gardening; the yield can vary greatly from similar sized plots of land. There are a few other variables thrown into the mix, carrying capacity, biological breeding potential, climate, etc., to name a few.

Basic productivity from the soil up can readily be observed in various ways. One of the most striking is newly exposed soil along the edges of woods roads and what plants pioneer and take hold; grasses and clover or sweet fern, for example.

Consider Ruffed grouse … the production from similar blocks of land with similar tree species and stocking densities, although the stand age may be different, varies greatly from one end of the state to the other. Climate and especially weather conditions at critical times of the year can be the make or break factor (winter severity and nesting season especially). Usually we think of winters and deep snow as being hard on wildlife, and for many species it is. But snow accumulations can actually enhance grouse survival, as the bird has evolved the ability to dive and burrow into the snow for protection from the elements. The type of snow cover is actually more of a concern; deep powder being the best and a hard crust the worst. Because much of the grouse’s food in winter consists of buds located in the crowns of trees, the ability to forage for food is not affected by deep snow.

Following the format of several comedians, you might be a rabid (enthusiastic) bird hunter if you:

Lose more sleep over scratching your bird gun then denting your truck.
Hold your bird dog in higher esteem than your relatives.
You have given your prize bird gun a name, and you talk to it.
Vet bills average more than your personal health costs.
In case of a divorce, custody of the dog is more contentious than the kids.