Evaluation of a ruffed grouse restoration attempt on the Western Highland Rim in Tennessee

Eighteen ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) trapped in eastern Tennessee, were relocated to the Western Highland Rim, Cheatham County, Tennessee between August 1975 and May l976. This thesis evaluates the first restoration attempt for ruffed grouse in Tennessee.

A total of 659 locations were made for 15 telemetered birds, 6 of which were alive at their last location. One untelemetered bird survived 26 months. The remaining 9 telemetered birds survived from 1/2 to 10 days.

Movements of the 9 longest-lived birds were analyzed based on change in mid-day location, home range size (based on 2 polygon methods) and dispersal from release sites. Birds had a mean change in consecutive mid-day location of 381 m, with greater movements indicated in the fall and winter. Home ranges of 9 birds determined by the convex polygon method varied from 8.1 to 458.6 ha. Dispersal of grouse from their release points exhibited a mean of 760 m with a maximum of 2688 m. Of the 6 grouse alive at their last location, 4 had maximum dispersals of over 1 km.

Apparent cover preference, nomadic behavior and prospect for restoration are also discussed.