wildirishman64
6 pointer
Hey folks,
I hunt in Jackson County KY, primarily in the Mill Creek WMA. I have a gsp who has moved 3 birds in the last four outings. Total mileage is about sixteen miles. I am mainly hunting clearcut dense areas, this is where I see most of the birds. I may be hunting the same bird lol as the land is within the 20-50 acre habitat a grouse will stay in. When I moved here in the early 90"s they (KDFW) were trapping and trading the grouse to missouri for turkeys, go figure. What is noteworthy is that in past years of bowhunting these areas were thick with turkeys too. Now I'm amazed when I find an area on a ridge top that has been cleared of food by turkeys. They are all competing for the same food and when turkeys are residing in this area it causes great alarm. I believe the requirement is (1) acorn bearing tree per acre so if we have a bad mast year it effects all the game in that particular area. Also, I have not heard of anyone through my friends or online that actively still hunt for the elusive bird. I am nearing 50 and it's getting difficult but I love the time in the woods and watching my girl find birds. As they say a bad day of hunting is still better than a work day
It does not seem to be a priority within the KDFR to bring the birds habitat back through selective logging. So to answer your question, I agree that birds are not what they use to be? Hope this helps
I hunt in Jackson County KY, primarily in the Mill Creek WMA. I have a gsp who has moved 3 birds in the last four outings. Total mileage is about sixteen miles. I am mainly hunting clearcut dense areas, this is where I see most of the birds. I may be hunting the same bird lol as the land is within the 20-50 acre habitat a grouse will stay in. When I moved here in the early 90"s they (KDFW) were trapping and trading the grouse to missouri for turkeys, go figure. What is noteworthy is that in past years of bowhunting these areas were thick with turkeys too. Now I'm amazed when I find an area on a ridge top that has been cleared of food by turkeys. They are all competing for the same food and when turkeys are residing in this area it causes great alarm. I believe the requirement is (1) acorn bearing tree per acre so if we have a bad mast year it effects all the game in that particular area. Also, I have not heard of anyone through my friends or online that actively still hunt for the elusive bird. I am nearing 50 and it's getting difficult but I love the time in the woods and watching my girl find birds. As they say a bad day of hunting is still better than a work day