Perhaps I need to make a clarification. I’m not concerned with the often mentioned soul lifting benefits of a great day out with Dogs.
The question isn’t about us, but the Birds. In times of plenty we can kill many, however should we do the same in lesser years.
The peaks are great, however historically the peaks have shown to be a downward trend….while historically the daily limit has remained the same.
West Nile Virus is being said to be a problem with Bird survival, yet some they are saying have genetic resistance. Are the extra Birds we kill because of the legal limit, some which may be Birds that can pass on the same….and some for sure can….worth it during years of fewer Birds?
And especially late season winter Birds. They are survivors that made it thru a hunting season, predators and maybe even beat WNV.
And don’t be fooled by the old line of good year/bad year and they balance out. I had the chance to talk with some of guys who were old back in the 70’s. Their peaks were crazy higher than our best.
Habitat? We have a lot of it. The decline is not always because of it.
Taking a species down to numbers were it can’t repopulate a large area has happened more than once.
Wild Ruffed Grouse are the King….killing the King should be done with consideration of who replaces him.
Last edited by battue; 09/27/21.
