AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

Evaluating Ruffed Grouse Reintroduction in Missouri

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1968
Authors:LEWIS, JOHNB, McGowan, JD, Baskett, TS
Journal:The Journal of Wildlife Management
Volume:32
Issue:1
Date Published:1968
ISBN Number:0022541X
Keywords:Bonasa, Bonasa umbellus, Phasianidae, Philomachus, Philomachus pugnax, Scolopacidae
Abstract:The ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) was almost extirpated in Missouri in the early 1900's, probably because of habitat destruction through repeated burning and overgrazing. An attempt to reintroduce grouse during the 1940's failed. Since then, improved habitat conditions for forest game warranted other attempts. Wild-trapped birds from Ohio and Indiana were released in Missouri on the Ashland Wildlife Research Area, Boone County; and Daniel Boone Memorial Forest, Warren County. Thirty-nine grouse were released in 1959 at Ashland and 18 on the Boone Forest. Subsequent releases brought the Ashland Area total to 119 birds and the Boone Forest total to 143. For evaluating results of reintroduction, data were obtained during eight breeding seasons, 1960-67. Thirty-six drumming activity centers were found at Ashland, 1962-67, and 26 on the Daniel Boone Forest, 1961-67. Reproduction at Ashland was confirmed in 1963, 1964, 1965, and 1966 by catches of young grouse; and four unbanded drumming males, evidently progeny of the released birds, were trapped. Ruffed grouse appear to be established on both areas, but densities are low and occupancy of range beyond the release areas has been limited.
URL:http://www.jstor.org/stable/3798232
Short Title:The Journal of Wildlife Management
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith