Effects of Clearcutting on Ruffed Grouse in Ohio's Oak-Hickory Forests

摘要

The effects on ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) of clearcutting 12 scattered211u001eparcels averaging approximately 5 ha each and totaling 12.4% of a predominately 211u001epole-to-sawtimber-sized oak-hickory forest were studied before and through 10 211u001eyears after cutting on a 471-ha portion of the Zaleski State Forest in Vinton 211u001eCounty, Ohio, 1975-1988. Grouse population response to clearcutting was 211u001edetermined by a census of drumming males, fall and winter transect flush rates, 211u001eand reported hunter flush rates on treatment and control areas. The chronology 211u001eand relative intensity of grouse use of clearcut parcels was determined by summer 211u001ecloverleaf trapping and winter searches when snow was present. Additional study 211u001esites were provided by a 164-ha area with older aged cuts and a 486-ha area with 211u001egrouse specific management that featured clearcutting.