Some aspects of the ecology of ruffed grouse in unmanaged hardwood forests of the Cumberland Plateau, Tennessee

The impact of timber harvesting practices on a ruffed grouse population In a southern hardwood forest was studied on the Catoosa Wildlife Management Area In Cumberland County, Tennessee. Objectives of the Initial 2 years of the study were to establish baseline population estimates of ruffed grouse, delineate characteristics of the existing unmanaged forest habitat, and to delineate use of habitat types by ruffed grouse. Activity centers for 5 male grouse were Identified on the control area and 2 on the experimental area from March 1983 through September 1984. Male grouse visited drumming logs as early as mid-March. Drumming peaked In mid-April and continued until June. Estimated dates of copulation by grouse hens corresponded with the peak of drumming. Estimated hatch dates of 1 nest and 2 broods were 20-24 May. Four adult male grouse were captured and monitored by radio telemetry. Preferential usage was shown for evergreen shrub thickets. Twenty-five drumming logs were Identified and detailed characteristics were measured for 8 of them. Blueberry (Vaccinium) species provided the most Important drumming cover, with greatest understory stem densities being supplied by mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia). Analysis of fecal droppings showed green plant material to be the most Important food type of ruffed grouse, especially In spring. Extensive usage of huckleberry (Gaylussacia baccata) and blueberry fruits occurred in midsummer, and of flowering dogwood fruits (Cornus florida) in autumn. Home ranges of telemetered birds were larger than those reported for grouse in more northern portions of their range.