2014 AMERICAN WOODCOCK POPULATION STATUS, Report Now Available

Significant decline of 7.3% in the Central Management Region.

Eastern Management Region was not significantly different from 2013

Read the full 2014 American Woodcock Report

Hiring - Maine - M.S. Assistantship – Demographics of ruffed grouse in multiple use forest landscapes

Employer:	University of Maine
Location:	Orono, ME, and regional field sites
Country:	United States
Last Date to Apply:	31 Aug 2014
Details:	Job Category: Graduate Assistantships Website: http://umaine.edu/wl...aduate-program/ Salary: Stipend: $19,123 per year plus tuition and ½ Health Insurance Premium Start Date: 09/01/2014 Description: I am seeking applicants for an M.S. position focused on evaluating the demographics of ruffed grouse in Maine. Our objectives for this project are to better characterize how forest management practices, forest habitat composition, and sport hunting influence variation in grouse survival and reproductive success. We will use a combination of mark-recapture, radio telemetry, and forest vegetation assessments to address these objectives. This project is a close collaboration with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW), and the successful applicant will work closely with MDIFW biologists and 1 other M.S. student. Field work will occur at two field sites, and each student will be responsible for supervising field operations at one of these two sites. Data collection protocols will be similar among sites, and all project data will be shared and available for the purpose of developing and addressing distinct research questions in support of each student’s graduate thesis. The start date for this position is no later than September 1, 2014, with an earlier start date possible. The student will be supported primarily through a funded research assistantship, but may be required to serve as a teaching assistant for 1 or 2 semesters. Successful applicants will be expected to apply to the Graduate School at the University of Maine, and the student will be a member of the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Conservation Biology at the University of Maine. More information on the graduate program in our department can be found online at http://umaine.edu/wl...aduate-program/.  To apply please submit the following by email to Dr. Erik Blomberg (erik.blomberg@maine.edu): Cover letter describing your qualifications for the position, CV/Resume including GRE scores and undergraduate GPA, and contact information for at least three professional references. A single merged document is preferred. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Qualifications: Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree from a Wildlife Ecology, Biology, Natural Resource, or related program. A positive attitude and the ability to supervise a field crew in a remote setting is a must. The ability to tolerate less-than-pleasant field conditions, which include muggy buggy summers and cold snowy winters, is also mandatory. Must be physically fit and capable of hiking long distances in dense eastern forest habitat. Strong oral and written communication skills, experience with field work, and strong recommendations are required. Must possess a valid driver’s license. A strong academic record including undergraduate GPA (3.0 or better) and GRE scores (50% percentile or higher), plus relevant prior field experience, is desired. Desired qualifications: Preference will be given to applicants with experience working in in forest communities and with knowledge of forest ecology. Prior experience with the following field skills are desirable: radio telemetry, avian capture and handling, vegetation sampling and identification of eastern forest plants, use of 4x4 vehicles, snowmobile or ATV operation, supervision of field crews. Any relevant experience with data analysis and/or scientific writing is also a plus. Contact: Dr. Erik Blomberg, erik.blomberg@maine.edu

Michigan DNR seeks partners for grouse program

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources wants to team with volunteer groups to improve ruffed grouse habitat and hunting opportunities.

A program called the Grouse Enhanced Management System will create seven locations in the Upper Peninsula and the northern Lower Peninsula where forests will be logged to promote growth of young aspen, which is ideal for grouse and woodcock.

Aspen usually is harvested every 60 years, but within the grouse management areas it will be logged on 40-year rotations.

Each area will have a parking lot and gated roads so hunters can wander among aspen stands without worrying about vehicle traffic.

Community partners are being sought to help with tree management, signs and other tasks. Those interested can get more information by contacting the DNR’s Katie Keen at 231-775-9727.

From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140611/METRO06/306110041#ixzz34MPrsrak

WI 2014 Ruffed grouse survey indicates minor population decline

MADISON - Ruffed grouse populations in Wisconsin have shown another slight decline this spring, according to a recent roadside ruffed grouse survey. Results from this survey help DNR biologists monitor the cyclic population trends of ruffed grouse in the state.

"The index that Wisconsin uses to track ruffed grouse decreased 1 percent between 2013 and 2014," said Brian Dhuey, DNR wildlife surveys coordinator. "This decrease is quite minor, and isn't unexpected at this point in the population cycle. Ruffed grouse populations are known to rise and fall over a nine to 11 year cycle. The last peak in Wisconsin's cycle occurred in 2011. We are headed to the low point in the cycle, which usually occurs in years ending in a 4, 5, or 6, so we are either at the low point or getting close; only time will tell."

Roadside surveys to monitor the number of breeding grouse have been conducted by staff from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Forest Service, tribal groups and numerous grouse enthusiasts and volunteers since 1964. Surveyors begin 30 minutes before sunrise and drive along established routes, making 10 stops at assigned points and listening for four minutes for the distinctive "thump, thump, thump" sound made by drumming male grouse.

The number of drums heard per stop in 2014 was down 1 percent statewide from the previous year. One of the primary regions for grouse in the state, the central region, showed a 24 percent drop in the number of drums heard per stop. A second primary region in northern Wisconsin showed a 3 percent increase.

Read the rest of the WI DNR article

Complete survey results can be found by visiting dnr.wi.gov and searching for "wildlife reports." For more information on ruffed grouse in Wisconsin, search "ruffed grouse hunting."

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott Walter, upland wildlife ecologist, 608-267-7861 or Brian Dhuey, wildlife surveys coordinator, 608-221-6342

Ruffed Grouse Wildlife Leadership Academy for Teens - Spots Still Available

There are still spots available for teens at the Ruffed Grouse Field School + Where are the former students.

http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=42eca229875afc7ec6412fb63&id=bbf49a0b2e&e=05d6c150f6

Hiring - CT - Ruffed Grouse Resource Assistant

Employer:	Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Location:	Connecticut
Country:	United States
Last Date to Apply:
Details:	Website: http://www.ct.gov/de...eepNav_GID=1655 Salary: $10.00 - $12.00 (depending on experience) Description: Three seasonal resource assistants are needed from approximately August 8, 2014 - February 1, 2015 to study dispersal, home range, mortality and habitat use of ruffed grouse in Barkhamsted and Hartland Connecticut. Specific duties may include, but are not limited to: capturing and equipping grouse with radio transmitters, monitoring radioed grouse, vegetation sampling and data entry. A field vehicle will be provided but there is no housing available. Qualifications: The preferred candidate will have a Bachelors degree in a related field, the ability to work independently as well as part of a team, able to carry and setup trapping equipment in remote locations and possess a willingness to work long hours (i.e. early mornings and late nights) in variable weather conditions. Candidates should also have prior experience with avian capture and handling, radio telemetry, vegetation identification, Microsoft Office and a variety of field equipment (i.e., compasses, GPS Units, telemetry receivers, prisms and 4 wheel drive vehicles). Prospective candidates should send a cover letter, resume and 2 references to: Kelly Kubik Franklin Swamp WMA 391 Route 32 North Franklin, CT 06254 kelly.kubik@ct.gov (email applications preferred)