What about predators? Predation occurs differently at different stages in the grouse's life cycle. Snakes and small mammals most frequently take eggs and chicks. Adult grouse are most frequently taken by birds of prey, specifically owls and hawks.

Hunters need to see predators as more of a constant and less of a variable in this equation. The reason for this is that predator control is neither a viable nor effective way of restoring a robust ruffed grouse population. Besides, many of the predators that dine on ruffed grouse are protected species. It just makes sense to focus our attention, then, on areas where our efforts will have a positive effect.

Although owls and hawks both target ruffed grouse, the enabler to the predatory opportunities is lack of cover because of the large canopy of mature trees. Imagine a large horned owl sitting high on the limb of a tree in a mature forest. With no middle story or understory, there is no place for the prey species to hide. In this instance, the horned owl can swoop in, unobstructed by small limbs. It is the equivalent of fast food for raptors! This is the present state of the woodlands of West Virginia.

Contrast that scene with the same horned owl sitting on a high limb and trying to keep his eye on a grouse that is under the cover of the limbs and leaves of small trees. The flight path is obstructed, so the owl, seeking to improve his position, flies in closer. He is detected and the grouse is able to escape to cover that is more dense. These branches, leaves and limbs of the understory are the friend of the grouse. This is the protection that the grouse needs. Unfortunately, though, this adjacent cover is badly missing, due to poor forestry management practices.

Proper habitat also provides for nutrition for the life cycle. Chicks feed on new grass growth and the insects that live in and around grassy areas. A tall canopy of trees blocks out the sunlight that is critical for a varied ecosystem. Managing the land for grouse means a mixed prescription of clear-cutting (reforestation) and/or prescribed burning, select cutting (thinning), planting, and allowing the existence of legacy areas. Legacy areas are strips of hardwoods, dominated by large oak trees that provide acorns, which the grouse need for nutrition; these areas should be located in proximity to areas of cover, which the grouse need for protection from predators.

A tall canopy of trees blocks out the sunlight that is critical for a varied ecosystem.

The concept for providing habitat is not new. You see it all the time. Deer hunters plant food plots in relation to thick bedding areas to attract, feed and retain a healthy herd. Fishermen construct artificial reefs to provide those key ingredients, shelter and food, to hold their favorite game fish. Grouse hunters just need to borrow a page from their hunting and fishing brethren and try to provide habitat for the life cycle of the grouse.