Chris,
There exist numerous studies on Ruffed Grouse ecology, but, I doubt any one of them can take into account all methods of predation, including "road hunting". One particular study focused on a small stand of very tall Norway Pine, and the excellent grouse habitat surrounding it, concluding that the stand of pines gave avian predators enough of a leg up that there were no grouse for at least 6 miles surrounding the stand.
It is hard to get around the 90% number of grouse killed in a 12 month period, regardless of method.
"Road Hunting" as you have described, is illegal in MN, and the DNR has a number of mechanical birds that are put to good use every season, to discourage it. The success rate of the DNR stings in these operations dwarf my success at actual grouse hunting, but, otherwise intelligent people get taken in, every year. I don't think that restriction applies to Native lands in the northern part of the state, as I have seen mini vans driving slowly on those lands in northern MN, with the side doors open, and guns bristling from the opening. Non native people are not permitted to hunt those lands, so, I have no knowledge/comment as to how that effects the bird population in those areas. But, they did it last year, and, I am sure, will do it again, this year.
In good conditions, grouse are capable of producing large clutches of eggs in a nesting season. Thank goodness for that.
Dr. Sane, if you truly feel that way about the pursuit of game birds during the season, why would you comment on matters of ecology of same, especially when your thinking on the subject is so clearly misinformed? Is it asking too much that your opinion be based on some of the few known facts pertaining to it, instead of some odd home brewed, and flat out wrong notions of same?
Best,
Ted
