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Post by thecommissioner on Jun 19, 2010 6:49:44 GMT -5
This is so sad. www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/files/fw-MR_998_2010_Ruffed_Grouse_Breeding_Indices.pdfAbstract: Abstract: Ruffed grouse breeding populations are at the lowest levels since this survey was first initiated in 1953. No drumming males were heard on the 10 roadside survey routes (15 stops/route) during the 2010 survey period. In 2009, 0.02 drumming males heard per stop on the 8 control routes. The 5-year (2006-2010) mean drumming index for the control routes was 0.02 drummers per stop (~1 drummer heard every 50 stops) which was <2% of levels recorded during the peak years of 1979-81. For the fifth consecutive year, no drumming activity centers were located on the Maumee Grouse Study Area where population monitoring began in the early 1960’s. Prospects for population recovery are poor to dismal given the continual advancement of forest maturation. Ruffed grouse population levels are projected to drop below “viable population levels” within the next 5 years in portions of their existing range in south-central Indiana unless some intervention (e.g., extensive timber harvests of sufficient intensity) or sizable natural disturbances occur across the forested landscape to create early successional forest habitats. At this rate it won't be long until the bird is extinct in Indiana. I don't understand why the IDNR isn't protecting what is left. |
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Post by Woody Williams on Jun 19, 2010 8:13:40 GMT -5
That is bad....but treehuggeers will keep blocking any meaningful tree harvest.
Maybe a tornado can do what the loggers cant do?
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Post by thecommissioner on Jun 19, 2010 8:23:05 GMT -5
The type and scope of natural disaster, e.g. Hurricane Katrina, necessary to do what the tree huggers won't allow would be very bad for the economy not to mention the damage to homes, churches, schools, etc. Heaven forbid we would get a disease that kills the old growth before we can harvest it. Bottom line is the birds are finished and it won't be long until a sighting of a grouse in Indiana will generate the same excitement as a cougar sighting.
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Post by whitetail1 on Jun 19, 2010 9:45:58 GMT -5
Very sad. Some of my favorite memories as a kid and a teenager are of hunting Ruffed Grouse behind one of our English Setters. If you are a bird hunter and have never had the opportunity to hunt these fine birds during the fall here in Indiana, you have missed out on a special treat.
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Post by tickman1961 on Jun 19, 2010 9:54:08 GMT -5
I have not seen a ruffed grouse in 10 years.....
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Post by huxbux on Jun 19, 2010 17:47:54 GMT -5
I know where some are but I ain't talking.
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Post by HighCotton on Jun 19, 2010 21:17:09 GMT -5
Two years ago, while guiding a hunt for an older fella in his 80's down near Morgan - Monroe, my English Pointer (Cotton) pointed and flushed a grouse before we could even shoulder a gun. I stopped and told Randy I just needed to take a break. He seemed to know that this was a something of a magical moment. It's just so rare anymore to even see a Ruffed Grouse here in Indiana. As the "wings of thunder" blasted off into the woods, Randy, Cotton and I just settled down on a nearby log pondering the moment. I couldn't have been with a better man that day. The ole boy spoke with reverence of the action we had just witnessed. Not a shot was fired. Randy and I felt that a blast from the double gun might just have "ruined" the hunt. No grouse was downed or retrieved on this day...and yet it is one of my most memorable hunts.
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Post by thecommissioner on Jun 20, 2010 2:04:57 GMT -5
Wonderful story. Thanks for sharing it with us.  |
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Post by jabba on Jun 20, 2010 9:11:25 GMT -5
I still see some... but like they say... I ain't talkin'. Hopefully we'll get some logging done soon.
I am not holding my breath.
I have been writing my IN Rep for years over logging.
Are YOU?
Jabba
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Post by jajwrigh on Jun 21, 2010 22:46:42 GMT -5
I saw two near the house last year, but there is a lot of loggin going on in the area as well. Hopefully the regeneration of new trees will keep a few around. Neat birds...
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Post by gundude on Jun 24, 2010 19:43:38 GMT -5
The meeting aboubt GROUSE was held today in Indy. Only 7 hunters showed up to voice thier concerns abount their plight and the purposed rule change....... Want to make a change? get involved.. Thats all I have to say.
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Post by huxbux on Jun 24, 2010 20:53:53 GMT -5
Unfortunately some of us have jobs.
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Post by racktracker on Jun 24, 2010 21:14:21 GMT -5
Unfortunately some of us have jobs. And some of us don't live15 miniutes from Indy either.. Sorry, I'm not going to make a 5 hour round trip and drop $40 on gas to attend a one hour meeting when their minds are already made up.
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Post by gundude on Jun 25, 2010 6:39:31 GMT -5
Well I have a job too. My round trip time was 3 hours.
I'm just saying if its really important to you then you can find the time. If it isn't important to you.then you get what you get.
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Post by thecommissioner on Jun 25, 2010 10:28:34 GMT -5
What was discussed at the meeting? Any comments?
PS For me to attend meant a 14,000 mile round trip so it was next to impossible.
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Post by huxbux on Jun 25, 2010 21:12:17 GMT -5
It is important, but one must prioritize. One things for certain - as long as those tree hugging liberal nutcases in Bloomington throw their "educated" weight around this state and fight tooth and nail against timber harvesting, nothing will change with the grouse on public land.
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Post by duff on Jun 26, 2010 7:15:12 GMT -5
Just a thought for those that care or whatever, has there been any attempt to work changes into the Classified Forrests. I know this program is geared more towards timber mgmt and seems like it took a significant act to cut trees. If we can't go after state/federal lands what about the private lands that are under gov't programs.
I know the recession didn't help the timber harvest any in 09. My bud is a timber cutter and was laid off cutting timber for a while.
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Post by gundude on Jun 27, 2010 20:28:54 GMT -5
Comments will be posted the DNR website.
Btw. If "(hey have their mind made up". Remember "they" are YOU!
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Post by jabba on Jun 28, 2010 12:32:47 GMT -5
Writing your state reps, and the governor are FREE. You can do it on the internet.
Over and over and over.
Jabba
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Post by gundude on Jun 30, 2010 20:33:17 GMT -5
Correct and its free.... keep doing it but you wont get anything done till you show up face to face with the people in power...
E-mail is a great thing............... to a point!
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