news
Plan on hunting in the Nulhegan River or Coaticook River watersheds? Hunters should be aware that there are two
species of grouse living in those areas--the common ruffed grouse and the endangered spruce grouse.
Similar in size and coloration, these species may be hard to tell apart in the woods. According to Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department biologist Cedric Alexander, "At this time
of year ruffed grouse may be feeding in aspen stands and alder flowages within the boreal forest. Spruce grouse are
feeding primarily on larch (tamarack) and fir needles."
Spruce grouse have no crest on the head, and males are generally darker in color than ruffed grouse. When flushed, the spruce grouse will usually stay nearby and alight on a tree
branch. Their lack of fear of people has earned them the nickname "fool hen."
Spruce grouse in Vermont are now limited to a comparatively small area of the boreal forest. Alexander notes,
"Based on the Fish and Wildlife Department^s periodic censuses, the spruce grouse population in Vermont is
considered stable with at least 150 individuals."
The endangered status of these birds in the state results
primarily from their small population size, which is isolated from
all other populations. Isolated
members of a species no longer have access to a larger gene
pool. Research has shown that this can reduce the chance that
such a population will survive.
Signs alerting hunters to the presence of spruce grouse
have been posted in most areas frequented by this species.
Some of these areas are on lands that were formerly owned by
Champion International Corporation and are now owned by the State of Vermont or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
These areas are open to hunting and are posted with regard to the spruce grouse, just as in the past. If you are hunting ruffed grouse in the Northeast Kingdom, be sure you know the difference between the two species.
Uploaded: 10/15/1999
Uploaded: 10/15/1999