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Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Division Director Mike Slattery today reminded hunters the openings of the ruffed grouse and squirrel hunting seasons are just around the corner. These seasons run from Oct. 7, through Jan. 31.
"Field staff indicate that hunters can expect to find good populations of grouse and squirrels," Mr. Slattery said. "Although acorn crops were only average in 1999, squirrel populations have remained relatively high across the state."
Wet spring and summer weather may have affected ruffed grouse chick survival. Grouse chicks can be susceptible to cool rains, becoming chilled after exposure to rain. Once feather development progresses, grouse chicks can fend off wet weather.
Since 1996, the Maryland Wildlife & Heritage Division has been participating in a six-year grouse research project with the states of Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, Rhode Island and Pennsylvania. The Appalachian Cooperative Grouse Research Project (ACGRP) is funded by grants from the Richard King Mellon Foundation and the Ruffed Grouse Society. The main purpose of this study is to determine survival rates of grouse across the southern Appalachians, and to determine preferred habitats of this forest game species.
Preliminary results indicate that grouse chick survival has been very low during the first four years of the study. It is possible that good hatch years could be carrying grouse populations for several years when reproduction in subsequent years is poor. Additional research will look into grouse chick survival, and the relationship between habitat and grouse survival.
"Cooperative efforts like the ACGRP provide wildlife biologists in Maryland with the opportunity to answer critical management questions," Mr. Slattery said. "Ruffed grouse are an intriguing game bird, and this research should provide additional information to properly manage this unique species."
Wildlife staff annually conduct mast surveys throughout Western Maryland to determine acorn production, as well as other mast crops. In 2000, acorn production was rated as poor and spotty in all four counties. That means that squirrels will be centralized around oaks that produced acorns, as well as hickories. Hickory nut production was rated as moderate across the region, as were walnuts. Apple production was rated as moderate to heavy throughout the region. It appears that food supplies for wildlife will be adequate through the fall and winter months in Western Maryland.
Ruffed grouse are found only in Western Maryland in the more mountainous areas. Hunters will find good numbers of grouse on all the public hunting areas in the western region. Squirrels can be found on these areas as well, so hunters will have the opportunity to pursue both of these species when hunting the western part of the state.
Squirrel hunters should find high numbers of squirrels across the state. Any woodlot that has oak or hickory trees will have squirrels. Hunters are encouraged to try some of the public hunting areas throughout Maryland when pursuing one of Maryland^s more traditional game species. Check with your regional Wildlife & Heritage Division offices for more information on public hunting areas across Maryland.
For additional information concerning Maryland hunting regulations, consult the DNR publication Hunting and Trapping in Maryland 2000-2001. For further information about hunting opportunities on public lands, consult the Guide to Public Hunting Lands in Maryland 2000-2001. Both publications are issued to hunters when they purchase a 2000-2001 Maryland hunting license, are available at all DNR Service Centers, or can be found on the DNR website: www.dnr.state.md.us
Uploaded: 10/2/2000
Uploaded: 10/2/2000