Lovallo, Matthew J.

Scott, John G.

Storm, Gerald L.

Tzikowski, Walter M.

-We radio-tagged and monitored adult female Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) with broods to evaluate effects of habitat management on home-range size and patterns of habitat use. Experimental habitat management consisted of short-rotation clearcutting of 1- ha forest patches to create various-aged forest stands of mixed oak (Quercus spp.) and aspen (Populus tremuloides, P gradidentata) /scrub oak (Q. Ilicifolia, Q. prinoides). Home range size was not significantly different between grouse occupying managed and an adjacent unmanaged forest. Female grouse with broods selected mixed oak/scrub oak habitats and avoided herbaceous areas, recent clearcuts, and pitch pine (Pinus rigida)/scrub oak habitats throughout the study area. On the managed area, grouse selected 10-yr-old clearcut patches in mixed oak and aspen/scrub oak. Sites used by grouse had higher densities of woody stems 2.5-7.5- cm dbh, greater % cover of live vegetation at 0-2 m, and were closer to edges and openings than random sites. Habitat management practices positively affected one microhabitat component, distance to nearest edge, that was selected by female grouse with broods

Summer Habitat Use by Ruffed Grouse With Broods in Central Pennsylvania

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