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  Saturday, May 19, 2012  
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Gamebirdforum.com is a place for all gamebird enthusiasts to come together to discuss and share anything they'd like about these great birds.  Whether you're an avid gamebird hunter or you have questions about raising your own gamebirds, Gamebirdforum.com is your source for the all the answers you'll need.  Join our forums to answer your fellow gamebird enthusiasts questions, or ask a few of your own. 

 
Game Bird ForumGame Bird ForumGame Bird Discu...Game Bird Discu...Populations and...Populations and...ruffed grouse populationruffed grouse population
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 3/21/2011 8:20 AM
 
steelhead
10th Level Poster

Joined: 10/15/2009
Posts: 133

I have been reading that the ruffed grouse population cycles from high to low on 8-10 years increments. What would cause such a predictable cycle?

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 3/25/2011 1:37 PM
 
gamebird
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Joined: 8/26/2009
Posts: 88

That is the million dollar question if you can answer that one all the state fish and games would be beating down your door offering a job!

They don't know for sure,...they think it is related to the aspen tree growth/life cycle that when they mature to a certin point the catkins which are a primary food source aren't as available to the birds. It is also been speculated that it is just a natural population control mechanis to prevent the grouse from over grazing there habitat.

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 5/3/2011 5:46 AM
 
steelhead
10th Level Poster

Joined: 10/15/2009
Posts: 133

Someone once told me that predators are the main contributing factor. When predator numbers get high, more get grouse get eaten. Then grouse numbers get low, which causes predators to starve (or look for other food sources) and allows the grouse to grow in numbers. The habitat theory makes sense as well. If I had to guess, I would say its a combination of many factors, not just one or two.

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 5/25/2011 1:56 PM
 
gamebird
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Joined: 8/26/2009
Posts: 88

Yes definetly it is a fluid and dynamic environment there are many factors that effect grouse populations. A bad storm in spring during brooding could effect populations for several years.
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 6/27/2011 6:40 AM
 
steelhead
10th Level Poster

Joined: 10/15/2009
Posts: 133

How big of a factor is snow depth? I know the birds dive the snow to make a den of sorts. I would assume more snow is better? Would a crusty layer on top of the snow cause higher mortality?

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Game Bird ForumGame Bird ForumGame Bird Discu...Game Bird Discu...Populations and...Populations and...ruffed grouse populationruffed grouse population

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