Snow doesn't slow down ruffed grouse
Snow that’s deep enough for skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling -– and swearing -– covers much of Wisconsin as we trudge out of March, but while wintery Aprils can plague white-tailed deer, they don’t faze ruffed grouse.
That’s especially true if the grouse can bury themselves in snow overnight for protection from predators and cold temperatures. Ruffed grouse, after all, are the Eskimos of the bird world. But instead of building shelters from blocks of snow cut with saws and shovels, grouse simply dive head first into snow banks to end a flight, or stand atop the snow and shuffle in place until submerged.
Those entry techniques become difficult as snow melts, freezes and compacts, but as long as it’s 8 inches or deeper, grouse usually make it work. Still, they prefer light, deep and fluffy snow, which is seldom a problem during North Woods winters.
My friends and I often find the grouse’s abandoned snow roosts in Ashland County while hunting deer season in late November and early December, or when snowshoeing in February. No matter the roost’s construction, we always stop to investigate, maybe because bird architecture never loses its interest.
Sometimes snow roosts are just softball-sized potholes with grouse tracks leading away. Other times they’re flanked by matching wingtips in the snow where grouse launched themselves from shallow caves.
Still other snow roosts –- called “kieppes” -– link to a collapsed tunnel. A closer look at the tunnel’s far end usually reveals the bird’s entry point. Grouse burrow the horizontal tunnel in between for one to three yards before settling into their overnight roost.
Biologists assume grouse dig these short tunnels to disguise their roosts from foxes, coyotes and bobcats, much as cottontails do when building snow tunnels to their burrows. That’s probably a safe assumption, but there’s no doubting the thermal protection of the roost itself.
There’s been lots of research into the ruffed grouse’s “thermal energetics.” That’s the temperature where grouse must increase their metabolism and body heat to maintain proper functions.
When must grouse start burning extra energy? Well, some experts say it’s 40 degrees and other say it’s 28 degrees. Either way, ruffed grouse are built for harsh winters, and that means surviving temperatures far colder than the 30s.
Scott Walter, the Department of Natural Resources’ upland ecologist, said when he was conducting research with students at UW-Richland Center before his DNR days, he calculated that grouse roosting beneath snow burned 2.5 times less energy than those roosting above it.
Ruffed Grouse Society Annual outdoor youth event set in Marshfield WI
The West Central Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society will host its annual Youth Education Day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 27 at the Les & Melody Bergdahl property, 11192 Bluff Drive, Marshfield.
Registration begins at 8 a.m. Each youth participating will receive a free hat.
Supervised activities will include hunter safety, archery, rifle range, BB gun shooting, laser shoot and fly fishing. Equipment will be provided to those who need it.
In addition, there will be dog demonstrations. A round of sporting clays is available to all youths ages 12 to 18 with parent or guardian (guns and ammo provided), and an introductory archery lesson (bows provided) is being offered.
The free rain-or-shine event, which includes lunch, is open to youngsters ages 18 and younger. Advance registration is not required. Participants are advised to bring tick repellent and wear waterproof footwear.
For more information and directions, call Rich Chronquist at 715-387-1163 (days), 715-387-3875 (evenings) or email rchronquist@hotmail.com.
Original Marshfield Herald Article
Walker appoints Zimmer to Natural Resources Board
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Scott Walker has appointed wildlife biologist Gary Zimmer to the Natural Resources Board.
He announced the appointment Friday during a tour of forestry businesses in northwestern Wisconsin.
The seven-member board sets policy for the Department of Natural Resources.
Zimmer workers as a regional wildlife biologist at the Ruffed Grouse Society. He also worked 18 years for the U.S. Forest Service and for 12 of those years he was a district biologist.
Walker says Zimmer has a long and distinguished career and his knowledge will be a "huge asset" to the board. The governor says Zimmer will be able to advocate for sustainable ways to manage the state's forests.
Wounded Warriors Create Grouse Habitat - Video
VERY COOL VIDEO: Wounded Warriors Create Grouse Habitat:
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1278844113?bctid=1651198730001
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1278844113?bctid=1651198730001
Ruffed Grouse Society Announces 2013 Wisconsin Drummer Fund Projects
Record 15 Projects Approved For Funding
Coraopolis, PA – The Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) has selected 15 projects to receive over $58,000 during 2013 through its Wisconsin Drummer Fund program. The projects are designed to benefit habitat for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and other wildlife species that rely upon young forests for survival. Partners receiving RGS funding for projects in Wisconsin in 2013 include county forestry departments in Douglas, Florence, Marathon, Oconto, Washburn, Wood, and Vilas Counties, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Other partners providing support for these projects include the American Bird Conservancy and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
According to John Eichinger, RGS President and CEO, “2013 is a record year for the Wisconsin Drummer Fund with the most funds being distributed to the highest number of projects that RGS has ever supported in Wisconsin. Our ability to fund these important projects is highly dependent on the dedicated efforts of the volunteer members of our local RGS chapters in Wisconsin.”
The Wisconsin Drummer Fund was initiated in 2010 and is the direct result of funds being raised specifically at Wisconsin RGS chapter fund raising events and through direct member donations. Since its inception, nearly $157,000 has been made available through the Wisconsin Drummer Fund to support 40 Wisconsin grouse and woodcock projects. These funds have been matched by other agencies and organizations and have resulted in over $350,000 worth of projects being funded in Wisconsin since 2010.
Wisconsin Drummer Fund Projects approved for 2013 include:
Coraopolis, PA – The Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) has selected 15 projects to receive over $58,000 during 2013 through its Wisconsin Drummer Fund program. The projects are designed to benefit habitat for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and other wildlife species that rely upon young forests for survival. Partners receiving RGS funding for projects in Wisconsin in 2013 include county forestry departments in Douglas, Florence, Marathon, Oconto, Washburn, Wood, and Vilas Counties, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Other partners providing support for these projects include the American Bird Conservancy and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
According to John Eichinger, RGS President and CEO, “2013 is a record year for the Wisconsin Drummer Fund with the most funds being distributed to the highest number of projects that RGS has ever supported in Wisconsin. Our ability to fund these important projects is highly dependent on the dedicated efforts of the volunteer members of our local RGS chapters in Wisconsin.”
The Wisconsin Drummer Fund was initiated in 2010 and is the direct result of funds being raised specifically at Wisconsin RGS chapter fund raising events and through direct member donations. Since its inception, nearly $157,000 has been made available through the Wisconsin Drummer Fund to support 40 Wisconsin grouse and woodcock projects. These funds have been matched by other agencies and organizations and have resulted in over $350,000 worth of projects being funded in Wisconsin since 2010.
Wisconsin Drummer Fund Projects approved for 2013 include:
- Big Roche A Cri Alder Regeneration/Adams and Waushara Counties – Wisconsin DNR
- Clam Lake Wildlife Area Alder Regeneration/Burnett County – Wisconsin DNR
- Colburn Wildlife Area Alder Regeneration/Adams County– Wisconsin DNR
- Douglas County Alder Regeneration – Wisconsin DNR and Douglas County Forestry Department
- Hall’s Creek Hunting Trail Expansion/Florence County – Florence County Forestry Department
- Kubisiak Ruffed Grouse Management Area Aspen Regeneration/Wood County – Wisconsin DNR and Wood County Forestry Department
- Marathon County Alder Regeneration – Wisconsin DNR and Marathon County Forestry Department
- Oconto County Grouse Hunting Trail Development – Wisconsin DNR and Oconto County Forestry Department
- Parker Creek Alder Regeneration/Polk County – Wisconsin DNR
- Peshtigo Harbor Woodcock Habitat Restoration/Marinette County – Wisconsin DNR
- Vilas County Hunting Trail Rehabilitation - Vilas County Forestry Department
- Washburn County Wildlife Openings – Washburn County Forestry Department
- Woodcock Management Video Development – Wisconsin DNR
- Wood County Buckthorn Treatment – Wisconsin DNR and Wood County Forestry Department
- Young Forest Private Landowner Outreach – Wisconsin DNR
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