Fox Collectors

seems to be a poor season compared to last year. went out and flushed six and killed two between myself and a buddy.
went out twice more and no birds at all. comapred to 40-50 flushes a day last year, that isnt too good. I think that late snow of 5 feet trapped a lot of birds and killed them

Brian
Bird numbers were OK this year in Northern Pa. but we could not seem to get close enough for good shots! We did see a couple Red foxes and at least one Coyote this year in the area of our favorite coverts. Maybe these predators have something to do with the birds being jumpy. You may be right about the snow causing the drop in bird population , You guys had record snowfall up your way last year. Paul

Brian
We hunt in the northern parts of the Adirondack Park and i sense the same as your thoughts on the bird populations. I also called the DEC and the biologist that I spoke with also thought that the grouse population maybe on the down cycle.
Cheers. - Gabor

In 1978 my brother and I had 68 flushes in a day here in West Virginia, northern panhandle. In 1982, we had 11 flushes the entire year. Now, in most of West Virginia, you cannot flush a grouse if you're life depended on the flush. So...no one seems to have any answers. We were told it was a down cycle. That down cycle has now lasted 28 years with absolutely NO improvements anywhere. There is a study ongoing now with birds that have been radio tagged. Birds of prey are the number 1 killer, with land predators next. But...we've always had them and their numbers are not all that exaggerated except there is very little fur market anymore, no one traps. Who knows. I know this for sure, the doubles I own have not seen a grouse for a LONG time! Jerry

Can't speak to NY, but here its habitat, habitat and more habitat. Give them the right place to live with good eats and good cover and good breeding areas and you'll have grouse as long as you have a few grouse to start with. Think clear cuts here in Va and Pa and WV and you've generally got it pretty much right. There are always other factors such a predators and weather, but if you have great habitat they will always come back as long as there is some breeding stock left.