Author Topic: NY Grouse Hunting (Read 2498 times)

WNY_Whitetailer · « **on:** April 01, 2004, 07:06:30 AM »

Do we have any hunters here that go after grouse in the Empire State? I have noticed what seems like a decline in grouse numbers over the last 10 years...I have only hunted grouse about 6 times in five years but I do listen while I am out deer hunting. I don't hear the grouse drum their wings half as much as they used to. Has anyone else noticed this as well? What might be the issue here? The habitat won't change dramatically in only 10 years so I don't think that is a problem...I'm a little stumped. :?

ScatterGunner · « **Reply #1 on:** April 02, 2004, 08:24:13 AM »

i hunt grouse every day i can when the season is open. i have a camp-soon to be primary residence- up near redwood,ny (a few miles north of ft drum) it's the best grouse hunting in the state !

sg

George Foster · « **Reply #2 on:** April 27, 2004, 01:44:13 AM »

I have been hunting grouse in NY for about 45 years now and will continue until I can no longer. Grouse go through cycles and have been in a down cycle for the past few years. This last fall the population seemed better in the areas I hunt and a up cycle may be starting.

gewehrfreund · « **Reply #3 on:** April 27, 2004, 02:40:59 AM »

In general, grouse numbers are higher in northern NY than in the southern part of the state. Like all ground nesting gamebirds, young grouse are very susceptible to spring weather and the last couple of springs have been too wet and cold for good nest success. On top of that, with the return of much of New York to mature forest, grouse numbers are probably declining somewhat. Forest openings/clearings and aspen regeneration (as well as keeping old apple trees clear of brush) is what is needed to maintain healthy grouse populations.

Tom H. · « **Reply #4 on:** July 12, 2004, 12:23:35 PM »

I agree with gewehrfreund regarding the mature forest issue. Maybe this is also why the turkey population is so high in the southern part of the state.
Another contributing factor that is absent is fire.

A few years ago there was a nice blaze near Storm King and in the year or so after, I heard that the Grouse population went up noticably.

Love those birds even if turkey tastes better.

Tom

Lee · « **Reply #5 on:** August 17, 2004, 10:49:42 AM »

Me and a couple friends hunt deer up there in big woods. We put up lots of grouse almost every year. We think the big ice storm about 10 years
back opened the forest up and was benificial.

Find a good area and its a joke, instead of 4 a day it should be around
12, I think you could get that many without using a dog.

bubba · « **Reply #6 on:** October 09, 2004, 04:21:08 PM »

ok how come I dent see you guys over on the hunting in NY forum? Scatter gunner I am from Ogdensburg we are neighbors.

NYH1 · « **Reply #7 on:** November 09, 2004, 03:31:33 PM »

Quote from: bubba

ok how come I dent see you guys over on the hunting in NY forum?

YEAH, WHAT HE SAID?