Population status, movements and habitat utilization of ruffed grouse on the Catoosa Wildlife Management Area, Cumberland County, Tennessee

The population status and habitat preferences of ruffed grouse were studied on the Catoosa Wildlife Management Area in Cumberland County, Tennessee. The objectives were to establish baseline estimates of population density on a largely unmanaged, upland hardwood forest, and to determine habitat utilization prior to implementation of forest management. Population density was estimated at 0.47 males per 100 ha on the control area, and 0.28 males per 100 ha on the experimental area, based on spring drumming censuses conducted from 1983 through 1986. Drumming activity began in late-March, peaked in late-April, and continued until early-June. Peak drumming activity corresponded with estimated dates of copulation derived by back-dating from nest and brood observations. Twelve ruffed grouse were captured and fitted with radio transmitters. Mirror traps were more successful than interception traps, although overall success rates were low. Battery-powered radios mounted with ponchos were the most reliable transmitter packages. Home range sizes were generally larger than those reported elsewhere. Movements appeared to be habitat dependent for broods. Dispersal occurred in mid- to late-September; distances from point of capture ranged from 1.2 to 4.0 km. Habitat types preferred overall by ruffed grouse were laurel-rhododendron Kalmia latifolia-Rhododendron maximum), Vaccinium -pine (Pinus spp.)/ and hardwood regeneration. Laurel-rhododendron and Vaccinium -pine were important cover types throughout the year for adult males. Hardwood regeneration was preferred by broods during the summer; post-dispersal juveniles favored laurel-rhododendron. Although not a preferred cover type, Vaccinium uplands provided drumming sites in spring and food during summer and fall.