Jump to content

  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

Predictions for spring Ruffed grouse drumming counts

sachem longrifle

By sachem longrifle
in MN Pheasant Hunting-Grouse-Dove-Partridge

 Share

Recommended Posts

sachem longrifle Rising Star

sachem longrifle

Posted
Posted

I predict that the spring drumming counts will be up but not as much as they could be due to prolonged cold in Feb. with lack of snow. Any other predictions?

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Shack Grand Master

Shack

Posted
Posted

I dont know? I sure have seen alot more birds of pray this spring. More so than other years. I have been seeing eagles and hawks on a daily basis. The more birds of pray in an area has an effect on cycles also. As a matter of fact, I have been meaning to start a thread about this. I think I will, along with you post. With all the turkey talk lately, it is a nice change of pace. Although, the turkey talk has peeked my intrest in this sport. cool.gif

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Hoytmystic Collaborator

Hoytmystic

Posted
Posted

I have been hearing them everytime I go out of my house. I think it will be a better year. But I would like to know if having no snow all winter really effects them? With no snow they don't have alot of cover from predators? Any answers!

Kyle

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Scott M Grand Master

Scott M

Posted
Posted

Quote:

But I would like to know if having no snow all winter really effects them? With no snow they don't have alot of cover from predators? Any answers!

Like sachem said, it's the cold weather without snow that gets them. Grouse burrow into the snow to stay warm, predator avoidance is probably secondary to getting out of the bitter cold.

Don't know if anyone will ever explain the cyclical nature of grouse population swings. Biologists admit they don't know what causes it.

I agree with what everybody has said, the numbers will probably be up, but not as much as they could have been if we hadn't gotten that cold spell without much snow in February. I hope they did well anyways.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
sachem longrifle Rising Star

sachem longrifle

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Quote:

Quote:

But I would like to know if having no snow all winter really effects them? With no snow they don't have alot of cover from predators? Any answers!

Like sachem said, it's the cold weather without snow that gets them. Grouse burrow into the snow to stay warm, predator avoidance is probably secondary to getting out of the bitter cold.

Don't know if anyone will ever explain the cyclical nature of grouse population swings. Biologists admit they don't know what causes it.

I agree with what everybody has said, the numbers will probably be up, but not as much as they could have been if we hadn't gotten that cold spell without much snow in February. I hope they did well anyways.

Ok, I had a chance to talk to a biologist. He was not going to go out on a limb but stated that with a good number of young birds that were around from last year, the cycle is on the upswing, and the fact that the overall winter was mild except for Feb. we should see good number of birds this fall. He said the cold with little snow in Feb would probably have a minimal effect considering that the whole winter was not like that. The big decider, besides the cycle, is how the spring weather is. So my double barrel 20 may see another good year this fall

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.
 Share
Go to topic listing


  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • mulefarm
      Big Kandiyohi

      By mulefarm · Posted

      With the early ice out, how is the curlyleaf pondweed doing?
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      Big Traverse Ice Free

      By LakeofthewoodsMN · Posted

      On the south end...   The big basin, otherwise known as Big Traverse Bay, is ice free.  Zippel Bay and Four Mile Bay are ice free as well.  Everything is shaping up nicely for the MN Fishing Opener on May 11th. With the walleye / sauger season currently closed, most anglers are targeting sturgeon and pike.  Some sturgeon anglers are fishing at the mouth of the Rainy River, but most sturgeon are targeted in Four Mile Bay or the Rainy River.  Hence, pike are the targeted species on the south shore and various bays currently.   Pike fishing this time of year is a unique opportunity, as LOW is border water with Canada, the pike season is open year round. The limit is 3 pike per day with one being able to be more than 40 inches. All fish 30 - 40 inches must be released. Back bays hold pike as they go through the various stages of the spawn.  Deadbait under a bobber, spinners, spoons and shallow diving crankbaits are all viable options.   Four Mile Bay, Bostic Bay and Zippel Bay are all small water and boats of various sizes work well. On the Rainy River...  Great news this week as we learned sturgeon will not be placed on the endangered species list by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.     The organization had to make a decision by June 30 and listing sturgeon could have ended sturgeon fishing.  Thankfully, after looking at the many success stories across the nation, including LOW and the Rainy River, sturgeon fishing and successful sturgeon management continues.   A good week sturgeon fishing on the Rainy River.  Speaking to some sturgeon aficionados, fishing will actually get even better as water temps rise.     Four Mile Bay at the mouth of the Rainy River near the Wheeler's Point Boat Ramp is still producing good numbers of fish, as are various holes along the 42 miles of navigable Rainy River from the mouth to Birchdale.   The sturgeon season continues through May 15th and resumes again July 1st.   Oct 1 - April 23, Catch and Release April 24 - May 7, Harvest Season May 8 - May 15, Catch and Release May 16 - June 30, Sturgeon Fishing Closed July 1 - Sep 30, Harvest Season If you fish during the sturgeon harvest season and you want to keep a sturgeon, you must purchase a sturgeon tag for $5 prior to fishing.    One sturgeon per calendar year (45 - 50" inclusive, or over 75"). Most sturgeon anglers are either a glob of crawlers or a combo of crawlers and frozen emerald shiners on a sturgeon rig, which is an 18" leader with a 4/0 circle hook combined with a no roll sinker.  Local bait shops have all of the gear and bait. Up at the NW Angle...  A few spots with rotten ice, but as a rule, most of the Angle is showing off open water.  In these parts, most are looking ahead to the MN Fishing Opener.  Based on late ice fishing success, it should be a good one.  
    • leech~~
      St Cloud Fishing Reports

      By leech~~ · Posted

      Nice fish. I moved to the Sartell area last summer and just thought it was windy like this everyday up here? 🤭
    • Rick G
      St Cloud Fishing Reports

      By Rick G · Posted

      Crazy windy again today.... This is has been the norm this spring. Between the wind and the cold fronts, fishing has been more challenging for me than most years.  Panfish have been moving in and out of the shallows quite a bit. One day they are up in the slop, the next they are out relating to cabbage or the newly sprouting lilly pads.  Today eye guy and I found them in 4-5 ft of water, hanging close to any tree branches that happened to be laying in the water.  Bigger fish were liking a 1/32 head and a Bobby Garland baby shad.   Highlight of the day way this healthy 15incher
    • monstermoose78
      Moose's Report - Cambridge-Elk River-Foley-Milaca-Mora-Ogilvie Fishing Reports

      By monstermoose78 · Posted

    • monstermoose78
      Moose's Report - Cambridge-Elk River-Foley-Milaca-Mora-Ogilvie Fishing Reports

      By monstermoose78 · Posted

      As I typed that here came a hen.  IMG_7032.mov   IMG_7032.mov
    • monstermoose78
      Moose's Report - Cambridge-Elk River-Foley-Milaca-Mora-Ogilvie Fishing Reports

      By monstermoose78 · Posted

      So far this morning nothing but non turkeys. 
    • monstermoose78
      Moose's Report - Cambridge-Elk River-Foley-Milaca-Mora-Ogilvie Fishing Reports

      By monstermoose78 · Posted

      Well yesterday I got a little excited and let a turkey get to close and I hit the blind!!
    • smurfy
      Moose's Report - Cambridge-Elk River-Foley-Milaca-Mora-Ogilvie Fishing Reports

      By smurfy · Posted

      good......you?? living the dream..in my basement playing internet thug right now!!!!!! 🤣 working on getting the boat ready.......bought a new cheatmaster locator for the boat so working on that.   waiting for warmer weather to start my garden!!!
    • monstermoose78
      Moose's Report - Cambridge-Elk River-Foley-Milaca-Mora-Ogilvie Fishing Reports

      By monstermoose78 · Posted

      How is everyone doing? Holy moly it’s chilly this morning I stayed in bed and will hunt later today when it warms up.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

  I accept