R. W. Dimmick

Published methods for aging and sexing ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) have not been tested on a large sample of birds from the Southeast. We evaluated several methods in a hunter-donated sample of 268 birds from eastern Tennessee. Age and sex determined by individual techniques were compared to necropsy findings. Results of aging techniques ranged from 3.3% to 39% error. Sexing error ranged from 1.3% to 24%. Results were generally not as accurate as those reported from the northern United States due largely to juveniles with adult traits and females with male traits. Use of most...

Thirty-six ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) trapped in eastern Tennessee were released in western Tennessee during fall and winter 1985-86. Birds were monitored by radio telemetry and/or observation through spring 1986. Drumming surveys were conducted in the spring of 1986 and 1987. Thirteen drumming logs were located. Two activity centers were delineated in 1986, and 4 in 1987. Characteristics of drumming logs and surrounding habitat are comparable with those reported in the literature.