#541712 - 12/27/07 09:18 AM
Grouse numbers
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7mm08
10 Point
Registered: 09/12/07
Posts: 3884
Loc: In a river hopefully!
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I know giving out locations of grouse habitat is like giving out your SSN#, but is anyone east of Crossville flushing any grouse? Do you think the numbers are up or down this year as compaired to the previous years since they tend to run in cycles? And just for grins, do you think that the proliferation of turkeys has hurt the grouse numbers, RUFFLY speaking?
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If gun control was truly about "protecting the public", then the government would first outlaw and confiscate tobacco products! 600,000 Deaths per year!
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#541773 - 12/27/07 10:05 AM
Re: Grouse numbers
[Re: 7mm08]
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InfoMan
TWRA Information Officer
10 Point
Registered: 11/25/02
Posts: 3819
Loc: Morristown, TN
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Ruffed grouse populations fluctuate in Tennessee but do not have the true cycle that is experienced in the north. The most significant factors that effect grouse populations in Tennessee are habitat and weather.
Big news!! They like thick places. You didn't know that did you?
You can generally look at turkey hatches and figure grouse have similar success. Heavy spring rains are a problem for turkeys and grouse.
If you are finding turkeys in places you used to find grouse, the habitat has changed. Grouse like it thick...turkeys like it open.
For grouse, check out Royal Blue, Sundquist, and Ataya.
Edited by InfoMan (12/27/07 10:06 AM)
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#543224 - 12/28/07 05:04 PM
Re: Grouse numbers
[Re: InfoMan]
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shootdonniebrook
8 Point
Registered: 12/14/03
Posts: 1195
Loc: Carter County
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I've only been grouse hunting 5 or 6 times this season, but I have flew grouse every time. So far it looks to be a better year than last season. I think I've flew maybe 25 or so birds so far, and only shot 5. They have all been in 15 plus year old clear-cuts, and shots are fast.
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" Donniebrook "
A BIG MOUNTAIN BUCK
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#543473 - 12/28/07 10:11 PM
Re: Grouse numbers
[Re: shootdonniebrook]
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7mm08
10 Point
Registered: 09/12/07
Posts: 3884
Loc: In a river hopefully!
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yeah, I like a 20guage with a cylinder and skeet choke tubes for those fast flying shots. Used to live in Maine. The locals used #9 shot..more lead out quicker, thin skinned bird. I don't normally go until after deer season is over around here.
_________________________
If gun control was truly about "protecting the public", then the government would first outlaw and confiscate tobacco products! 600,000 Deaths per year!
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#543586 - 12/29/07 08:51 AM
Re: Grouse numbers
[Re: 7mm08]
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Model70Man
12 Point
Registered: 09/30/05
Posts: 6102
Loc: Knoxville, TN
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I haven't flushed any grouse this season, mainly because I haven't hunted that much this year. My parents live in Morgan county and their property holds quite a few quail, grouse, and turkey.
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#543606 - 12/29/07 09:42 AM
Re: Grouse numbers
[Re: 7mm08]
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bonekelektr
6 Point
Registered: 07/24/07
Posts: 735
Loc: Sullivan Gardens
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I know giving out locations of grouse habitat is like giving out your SSN#, but is anyone east of Crossville flushing any grouse? Do you think the numbers are up or down this year as compaired to the previous years since they tend to run in cycles? And just for grins, do you think that the proliferation of turkeys has hurt the grouse numbers, RUFFLY speaking?
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I thank the Lord Jesus Christ for my salvation.....
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#543656 - 12/29/07 12:32 PM
Re: Grouse numbers
[Re: bonekelektr]
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7mm08
10 Point
Registered: 09/12/07
Posts: 3884
Loc: In a river hopefully!
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Reason I mentioned turkeys is because several "old timers" I have talked to say that turkeys eat the eggs and chicks....those that would dispute this are probably the same ones that say stripers only eat shad...but that's another story.
I do know grouse in the south can not be compaired to the north. They all contend with loss of habitat, not enough true clear cutting, weather, snipers on ATV's and cars, and yes hawks, owls, and the other trash varmits. (the guys in MN, and ME look at us like we are crazy for "going in" after the birds with our dogs, beeper collars, and compasses to get ourselves out with!)
Sad part of the whole deal is...before you get these birds figured out...your body gives out and chasing them again is impossible.
Thanks for everyone imput. BIRD!!!!!
Edited by 7mm08 (12/29/07 12:33 PM)
_________________________
If gun control was truly about "protecting the public", then the government would first outlaw and confiscate tobacco products! 600,000 Deaths per year!
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#543725 - 12/29/07 04:17 PM
Re: Grouse numbers
[Re: 7mm08]
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smstone22
16 Point
Registered: 01/11/04
Posts: 16266
Loc: Allardt, TN
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I have seen 3 in the thickets on my property this year, and I bet I havent seen a total of 12 grouse here my whole life.
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#543774 - 12/29/07 07:01 PM
Re: Grouse numbers
[Re: smstone22]
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InfoMan
TWRA Information Officer
10 Point
Registered: 11/25/02
Posts: 3819
Loc: Morristown, TN
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Never really thought it was possible, but the stripers may be eating the grouse.
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#543788 - 12/29/07 07:26 PM
Re: Grouse numbers
[Re: InfoMan]
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7mm08
10 Point
Registered: 09/12/07
Posts: 3884
Loc: In a river hopefully!
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Infoman,
So......stripers eat grouse too? HAHA
Now that explains the feathers the other day in that 15# striper I caught below Melton Hill, but those were chicken feathers and dyed deer tail!!!
OK, I need some info on grouse. What causes the red/gray phase of grouse colors. Up "North Country" in Maine all the birds are gray except for one red one I killed of which my buddy called it a rather slanderous word.. Dont want to get kicked off the board.
In the South, all the birds are red..genetics, food?
Edited by 7mm08 (12/29/07 10:09 PM)
_________________________
If gun control was truly about "protecting the public", then the government would first outlaw and confiscate tobacco products! 600,000 Deaths per year!
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