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Ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) are a popular game bird and the management indicator species for quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) in the Black Hills National Forest (BHNF), which requires development of a robust monitoring protocol to evaluate trends in ruffed grouse populations. We used roadside drumming surveys in spring 2007 and 2008 to estimate ruffed grouse occupancy and detection probabilities in the BHNF while simultaneously assessing the influence of sampling and site covariates on these processes. Ruffed grouse occupancy estimates were constant between spring 2007 and 2008 (C ¼ 0.12, SE ¼ 0.03) and were positively influenced by the amount of aspen surrounding the site. Detection probability estimates were constant between spring 2007 and 2008 ( p ¼ 0.27, SE ¼ 0.06) and were influenced by survey date in a quadratic form and negatively influenced by wind speed and time of the survey. Collectively, our results demonstrated that ruffed grouse occupancy and detection probabilities in the BHNF were low. Occupancy could be increased by increasing the extent of aspen. To improve monitoring efficiency and maximize probability of detecting ruffed grouse, ruffed grouse monitoring should be conducted during the peak of drumming (mid-May), during favorable weather conditions such as low wind speeds and little precipitation, and during early morning, near sunrise. 2011 The Wildlife Society.

Conifer release reduces browse availability and moose (Alces alces) use of treated areas for up to 4 years posttreatment; however, it has been unclear how release affects forage quality. We determined percent digestible dry matter (DDM) and percent digestible protein (DP) of trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides), beaked hazel (Corylus cornuta), and red raspberry (Rubus idaeus) collected during mid-July, 2 growing seasons after the following operational conifer release treatments were applied: (1) Vision (r) herbicide (active ingredient: glyphosate), (2) Release (r) herbicide (active ingredient: triclopyr), (3) cutting (brush saw, Silvana Selective), and (4) no treatment (control). No differences (P > 0.05) in bovine serum albumin (BSA) precipitation were found among the forage species tested. Differences (P < 0.05) in DDM between hazel (low) and the other 2 species (higher) were common, but only trembling aspen, which had the highest DDM and DP, showed differences among treatments (P < 0.05). When compared with controls, aspen DDM was 5-11% and DP was 34-49% greater on released plots. Although not statistically significant, DP was consistently higher for hazel and raspberry on herbicide-released plots. The lack of differences in DDM and DP among treatments for 2 of the 3 species examined suggests that, through time, biomass availability of forage species known to be used by ungulates continues to be a realistic way to predict the effects of conifer-release treatments on ungulate forage.

In western North America, large concentrations of elk (Cervus elaphus) can have detrimental effects on aspen (Populus tremuloides) regeneration and clone survival. In some situations, management intervention to protect aspen sprouts is needed. We conducted an experiment to evaluate the effectiveness of Hot Sauce Animal Repellent (r) (HS) and Deer Away (r) (DA) in deterring elk from browsing aspen sprouts during summer. We examined the responses of elk browsing on aspen sprouts at 3 levels of HS (0.062%, 0.62%, 6.2%) and 1 level of DA at 2 time periods (2 and weeks postapplication). high concentration HS (6.2%) and DA were the most effective repellents; browsing on aspen sprouts was reduced by 45% with HS and 27% with DA compared to controls. Elk browsing on aspen sprouts decreased linearly (P < 0.001) with increased concentration of HS. Levels of elk browsing on aspen sprouts were similar (P = 0.249) for repellent treatments applied 2 and 5 weeks prior to exposure to elk. We conclude that HS (6.2%) and DA will provide protection of aspen sprouts from browsing by elk for at least 5 weeks during the growing season, but current economic costs limit the practicality of large-scale use of these repellents.

To further explore natural roost-site selection by temperate bats, we examined the use of tree roost sites by big brown bats ( Eptesicus fuscus ) in the West Block of Cypress Hills Provincial Park, Saskatchewan, an area where the number of human structures is limited. In this area, we found big brown bats roosted exclusively in cavities of trembling aspen trees ( Populus tremuloides ), despite the availability of cavities in snags of conifer trees. Most cavities had been excavated and previously used by yellow-bellied sapsuckers ( Sphyrapicus varius ). The use of aspens by sapsuckers relates to the relatively soft wood and susceptibility to heart rot of these trees, which provide ideal conditions for nesting: decayed heartwood with a firm sapwood shell. Orientation of cavity entrances was close to due south. The width of bats and the width of cavity entrances differed, suggesting that bats are not using roosts for protection from predators or exclusion of competitors. Bats showed fidelity to a particular group of roost trees because, despite roost switching, bats reunited in subsequent roost sites. During the day, temperatures in aspen cavities were approximately 50C cooler than in cavities of conifer snags. Microclimate differences, including temperature, may be why aspen cavities are selected over available cavities in conifer snags. All of the randomly selected cavities in aspen that we searched showed evidence of use by bats, which suggests roost sites for big brown bats in southwestern Saskatchewan may be a limiting resource.

Efforts to determine quality of ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) winter diets from food habit studies have been hampered by lack of knowledge of nutritional values for potential forages. We measured food preferences and digestive efficiencies of 8 grouse fed quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) staminate flower buds, willow (Salix discolor) buds, and American hazel (Corylus americana), paper birch (Betula papyrifera), and speckled alder (Alnus incana rugosa) catkins. We collected forages in winter condition and fed them to grouse that had acclimated to winter foods for 31-41 days prior to mass balance trials. We collected winter and spring aspen buds from trees used by grouse in the field. Grouse preferred spring aspen flower buds and avoided birch and alder catkins (P = 0.008). Apparent metabolizable energy coefficients (MEC N * ), corrected for nitrogen balance, were hazel (0.30), spring aspen (0.26), mixed browse (0.25), winter aspen (0.21), and willow (0.18). Plant secondary metabolites in birch and alder may have limited palatability of these forages to grouse. Aspen bud MEC N * increased (P < 0.001) in spring as buds began to swell and emerge. All winter browse tested had lower (P < 0.001) MEC N * than predicted by a nutritional model. Preferences of ruffed grouse for winter browse are influenced by palatability and digestible nutrient content of forage.

We summarized characteristics of micro-habitats selected by ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) in southeastern Idaho for all seasons. Ruffed grouse preferred stands dominated by quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides). Drumming sites selected by males were typified by high vegetation density. Brood hens selected relatively open areas with high cover of herbaceous vegetation. Drumming sites differed (P 2,130 m): quaking aspen, aspen/conifer mixed, dense conifer, and open conifer. A description of each of the vegetation types is in Stauffer and Peterson (1985). Size of stands in each cover type ranged from 23 cm dbh/ha 35 (17) 86 (31) 12 (8) 73 (38) Maple/ha 300 (82) 0 (-) 94 (76) 9 (9) a Sample size. b Standard error. >200 ha. Cover types generally were well interspersed throughout the study area. We spent 1,593 hours (spring, 322 hours; summer, 543 hours; autumn, 296 hours; winter, 432 hours) searching for grouse from May 1979 through May 1981. At these times, an area comprising one or a few vegetation types was selected and thoroughly searched. Searching effort was distributed among each vegetation type in approximate proportion to the type's occurrence on the study area. Locations of grouse flushes were used as the center of a 0.01-ha circular plot for which we recorded (Noon 1981): percent of area within 40 m of the plot center that was comprised of coniferous or deciduous cover or open; percent tree canopy and ground canopy cover; canopy height and average height of herbaceous vegetation; number of woody stems 69 cm); slope; aspect; and vegetation type. Counts of woody stems and trees were converted to number per ha. Additional data recorded at drumming sites included drumming log diameter and length and an ocular estimate of the percent of five strata (0-0.5 m, 0.51-1.5 m, 1.51-3.0 m, 3.01-6.0 m, >6.0 m) with vegetation. Means for data recorded in the 0.01-ha plots at grouse locations were calculated for various combinations of vegetation type and season to describe the characteristics of sites selected. We used Hotelling's T2 and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA, Morrison 1976) to test hypotheses of no difference in habitat use by groups of grouse as described in the objectives. We established 150 random plots to sample habitat characteristics assumed available to grouse in aspen and aspen/conifer stands, which were preferred vegetation types (Stauffer and Peterson 1985). Random plot data were subjected to a principal components analysis (Morrison 1976) to reduce the set of correlated variables to independent components that represented habitat gradients occurring within aspen and aspen/conifer stands. We then assigned observations of ruffed grouse in aspen and aspen/conifer vegetation scores on each of the habitat gradients to compare characteristics of microhabitats where we observed ruffed grouse to what was available. Appropriate transformations (log, square-root, or arc-sine) were applied to non-normal variables. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Ruffed grouse exhibited a preference for sites dominated by aspen (Stauffer and Peterson 1985), thus only data from grouse observations in aspen and aspen/conifer stands (N = 207) are presented here.

Radio telemetry was used to locate 31 wood duck (Aix sponsa) nest cavity sites in 16 forest stands. Stands were of 2 types: (1) mature (t = 107 years) northern hardwoods (10 nest sites), and (2) mature (i = 68 years) quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) (21 nest sites). Aspen was the most important cavity-producing tree used by wood ducks and accounted for 57 percent of 28 cavities inspected. In stands used by wood ducks, the average density of suitable cavities was about 4 per hectare. Trees containing nests were closer to water areas (P < 0.05) and the nearest forest canopy openings (P < 0.01) than was a random sample of trees from the same stands. A significant (P < 0.005) relationship existed between the orientation of the cavity entrance and the nearest canopy opening. Potential wood duck cavities usually were clustered within a stand rather than randomly distributed. Selection of trees by woodpeckers for nest hole construction probably influenced the availability of cavities used by wood ducks. A plan for managing forests to benefit wood ducks and other wildlife dependent on old-growth timber is discussed. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 42(2):288-298 McCabe (1966) and Aultfather (1966) pointed out the lack of information needed to guide foresters in multiple-use programs beneficial to wood ducks. There is little information on the use of natural cavities by wood ducks, particularly in the northern forested regions of the Lake States. Increases in wood duck populations in certain areas have been attributed to nest boxes (Bellrose et al. 1964, Grice and Rogers 1965), but, in some forested areas, large scale nest box programs may not be practical. Furthermore, timber resources that can provide a sustained source of cavity sites may be available. The primary objectives of this paper are to describe: (1) the home range of wood duck hens in relation to the nest site, (2) features of the habitat used by the nesting pair and characteristics of the forest stands containing cavity trees, (3) characteristics of the cavity tree and its immediate surroundings, and (4) guidelines for foresters managing northern forests to consider in formulating multiple use programs that would benefit wood ducks and other cavity-dwelling wildlife species. We thank H. A. Doty for critically reviewing the manuscript and W. A. Aultfather and G. W. Gullion for providing suggestions in manuscript preparation. E. Johnson provided assistance in photo interpretation and in the description of forest site conditions. T. S. Klodfelter and R. S. Stott assisted with data collection. We were assisted in statistical analyses by D. H. Johnson and in computer processing by D. A. Davenport. Telemetry equipment was constructed and maintained by the engineering staff, Cedar Creek Bioelectronics Lab, University of Minnesota. 1This research was supported by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, University of Minnesota, National Institute of Health Training Grant TO1-GM01779, and the U.S. Energy Research and Development Administration (C00-1332-126). 2 Present address: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, North Dakota 58401. 3 Present address: Department of Zoology, Washington State University, Pullman 99163. 4 Present address: R.R. #1, Valmeyer, Illinois 62295. 288 J. Wildl. Manage. 42(2):1978 This content downloaded from 157.55.39.104 on Sat, 18 Jun 2016 06:48:44 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms WOOD DUCK USE OF NATURAL CAVITIES .Gilmer et al. 289

The density of natural cavities suitable for wood duck (Aix sponsa) nesting, and the relative importance of cavity and potential cavity tree species were determined in a second growth hardwood forest in central Wisconsin. Suitable cavity density averaged 0.65/ha, with silver maple (Acer saccharinum), sugar maple (A. saccharum), quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides), and American basswood (Tilia americana) containing suitable cavities. These 4 species, which typically occur in Wisconsin's wet-mesic and mesic woodlands, were of highest importance in the forest's composition of large (-31 cm diameter breast ht (dbh)) trees. Although the density of suitable wood duck nest cavities was not high, cavities are nevertheless abundant because large areas of forest are available for wood duck nesting. Numbers of cavities should increase as Wisconsin's second growth forests continue to mature. Wildlife managers will have a greater impact on wood ducks by advising on forestry operations, rather than actively providing nest sites.

A 4-year study conducted at the Moose Research Center (MRC) on the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska evaluated the effect of different densities of moose (Alces alces) on paper birch (Betula papyrifera) production and use. Production and use of quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) and willow (Salix spp.) were also estimated and the impact of snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) on paper birch was evaluated. The study was conducted in 4 2.6-km2 enclosures at the MRC where moose densities ranged from 1,237 to 5,851 moose-days/pen/winter period. Paper birch produced an average of 102 kg/ha in the 4 enclosures whereas willow and aspen together produced only 3.7 kg/ha. During the 1st 3 years there was a significant difference in per-plant production among 5 important vegetative types. Use by moose at higher densities affected mean plant production the 3rd and 4th years. Birch use ranged from 31.8 to 83.3% of current annual production. During the 4 years, snowshoe hares browsed a greater percentage of tagged plants than did moose. Sixty-five percent of the birch plants browsed by hares were less than 1.5 m tall and 62% of those browsed by moose were taller than 1.5 m. Birch plants browsed in a given year were shorter on the average the following growing season. Seventy percent of the willow and 58.7% of the aspen plants were browsed during winter. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 47(2):486-496 I evaluated the effects of forage use by moose at the Moose Research Center (MRC) on the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge (KNWR), Alaska from October 1971 through May 1975. The primary objective was to evaluate the effect of different moose densities on production and use of paper birch. Although quaking aspen and willow occur at the MRC, paper birch was the most abundant forage species and LeResche and Davis (1973) found that it composed the bulk of the moose's year-round diet. Snowshoe hares were near a cycle high when the study began and were having an obvious effect on the vegetation. Secondary objectives were to estimate production of aspen and willow and their use by herbivores, and to evaluate the impact of snowshoe hares on paper birch. P. D. Arneson, A. W. Franzmann, and R. E. LeResche of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game; J. B. Hakala, J. B. Monnie, and R. K. Seemel of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge; and R. B. Finley, Denver Wildlife Research Center, provided logistic support and guidance for the study. I thank S. Blackhall, T. Corr, R. Pietron, D. Porter, and T. Spraker for field assistance. The manuscript was reviewed by C. P. Stone, National Park Service; A. W. Franzmann, Alaska Department of Fish and Game; T. Bailey and E. Bangs, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge; E. S. Telfe , Canadian Wildlife Service; J. 0. Wolff, University of Virginia; and W. L. Regelin, Denver Wildlife Research Center. The Moose Research Center is a cooperative research project between the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Habitat use by snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) of several montane forest types was studied at 2 locations in northern Utah from 1973 to 1978. Vegetation types studied were: quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) with sparse and dense understory conditions; dry, subalpine meadow; subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa); Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii); and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). During the study, portions of the aspen stands on 1 area were clear-cut in small (1-4 ha) blocks. Results of hare fecal pellet counts showed significant (P < 0.05) differences in pellet numbers among the vegetation types studied and a strong correlation between hare use and horizontal cover densities at heights of 1.0-2.5 m above ground in the understory vegetation profile. Vegetation types in which cover densities above the snow level (1.0-1.5 m) were at least 40% accounted for 85% of the winter use by the hares. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 46(3):662-670 Numerous investigators (Grange 1932, Boyle 1955, Fitzpatrick 1957, Behrend 1960, Bider 1961, Keith 1966) have noted the importance of suitable vegetative cover as a requisite habitat component for snowshoe hares. A few studies, notably Adams (1959), Brocke (1975), Conroy et al. (1979), and Wolff (1980) provide some quantification of this relationship. However, these studies were conducted in the more boreal portions of the species'

Twelve snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) were used in an experiment to evaluate the degree to which they are able to digest and metabolize three important winter browse species: quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides), white cedar (Thuja occidentalis), and red maple (Acer rubrum). These browse species had digestible energy values ranging from 18 percent (of gross energy) for maple to 42 percent for aspen. Metabolizable energy values ranged from 17 percent for maple to 25 percent for aspen. Cedar had intermediate digestible (32%) and metabolizable (23% ) energy values. Protein digestibilities were 0, 13 and 38 percent for cedar, maple, and aspen, respectively. There were no significant (P > 0.05) differences among consumption rates for the three browse rations, although all were significantly (P < 0.05) greater than the intake levels observed with 100 percent commercial chow.

Chemical composition of aspen (Populus tremuloides) leaves, collected on three sampling dates during the growing season of 1966, varied greatly. Content of calcium, magnesium, sodium, and fat increased as the season progressed, whereas total nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content decreased significantly. Browse quality therefore changed with season. Aspen leaves contain most calcium and magnesium late in the season; this would help to maintain desirable soil properties when leaves drop. Quaking aspen is a widely distributed and important tree species in North America. Smith (1952:151) indicates that aspen is one of the 10 most important summer browse species for mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in the West. However, Gastler et al. (1951), comparing the composition and palatability of 11 plant species browsed by deer during the winter in South Dakota, found aspen browse was low in importance as a deer food. Ullrey et al. (1964) compared the digestibility of white cedar (Thuja occidentalis) and large-toothed aspen (Populus grandidentata) browse being fed to white-tailed deer (0. virginianus). Cedar browse was more digestible than aspen browse and deer clearly preferred it. Short et al. (1966:223-224), in Colorado, determined seasonal changes in the chemical composition of nine plant species believed to be important food sources for mule deer. Protein content of aspen twigs varied from 6 to 7 percent in winter to a high of 17 percent in the spring. Phosphorus increased from 0.18 percent in winter to 0.49 percent in the spring. Crude fat reached a maximum of 15 to 19 percent in winter but declined in the spring. Important seasonal changes occur in the chemical composition of leaves as well as of twigs. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium decrease with the advance of the growing season whereas calcium and magnesium usually increase in many native This content downloaded from 157.55.39.92 on Wed, 22 Jun 2016 06:48:28 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms 476 Journal of Wildlife Management, Vol. 34, No. 2, April 1970 Table 1. Average and range for the chemical content (in percent dry weight) of leaves from eight aspen stands on three dates during 1966. JUNE 9 JULY 20 SEPT. 7 COMPONENT Average Range Average Range Average Range Ca 0.59 0.32-1.09 1.47 0.93-1.89 2.32 1.54-4.18 P 0.36 0.29-0.47 0.22 0.16-0.27 0.21 0.16-0.28 Ca/P 1.76 0.71-3.51 6.94 3.58-9.45 11.5 7.12-14.9 K 1.39 1.14-1.63 1.18 0.94-1.37 0.99 0.70-1.30 Mg 0.05 0.03-0.08 0.11 0.07-0.15 0.16 0.09-0.25 Na 0.04 0.03-0.05 0.05 0.04-0.07 0.08 0.06-0.13 Protein 17.0 13.4-20.9 13.2 11.9-14.6 11.8 10.1-14.6 Fat 7.28 6.34-8.06 7.79 7.20-8.43 9.92 7.50-12.3 Ash 5.08 4.23-6.27 6.24 5.12-8.30 7.53 5.85-11.7 H2Oa 66.3 59.7-74.1 a In percent of fresh weight. species (McHargue and Roy 1932). Until now, little information about seasonal changes in aspen leaf composition has been published. In Utah, adjacent stands of aspen vary greatly in date of leafing, leaf coloration, date of leaf fall, size and shape of leaves, tree morphology, and resistance to disease. This heterogeneity of characteristics may indicate a variation among aspen stands in their ability to extract various nutrients from the soil and to incorporate them in leaves. If so, the result would be a difference in browse quality during the growing season and in the quality of litter when leaves fall. Some stands may therefore be more desirable than others for retention as a source of browse and as a means of maintaining soil fertility in mixed stands. The research reported here determined the variation in chemical composition of aspen foliage during one growing season.

A study was conducted from June, 1965, through March, 1967, in the Bear Paw Mountains of north-central Montana to obtain quantitative data on range use and food habits of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and white-tailed deer (O. virginianus) on areas of cohabitation. Observations of 641 mule deer and 437 white-tailed deer were recorded on 134 vehicle and foot trips through the study area. Mule deer utilized the bunchgrass habitat type more consistently than other types. Use was less during summer when increased use was made of willow-meadow and alfalfa types. Alfalfa reached maximum importance during fall. White-tailed deer showed a more distinct preference than mule deer for alfalfa and woody, deciduous-leaved habitat types. They used principally bunchgrass, aspen, and alfalfa types during spring and willow-meadow and alfalfa types during summer. Use of the aspen type increased during fall; it received nearly ¾ of the recorded winter use. Rumen samples from 27 mule deer and 25 white-tailed deer were analyzed. Relative use of forage classes by season was comparable for the two species with some minor differences. Many species of browse, forbs, and to a lesser extent grass, were eaten by both whitetails and mule deer during spring, summer, and fall. During winter, when forage was least available, browse formed the largest portion of the diets. White-tailed deer fed mostly on western serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia) and quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides). Mule deer utilized these species plus creeping juniper (Juniperus horizontalis). Differences in range or forage use during most seasons precluded competition between the two deer species. There was potential competition for western serviceberry on the shrub type during mild winters and on the bunchgrass, pine-bunchgrass, and shrub types during more severe winters.

Moose (Alces alces shirasi) winter range use and food habits were studied on the north slope of the Gallatin mountain range, Montana, from September, 1965, to December, 1967. Aerial observation indicated a low density population winters primarily on quaking aspen (Populus trem?wloides) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) vegetation types. Migration from fall to winter range was gradual and lasted throughout the winter. Highest moose concentrations were found on the aspen and Douglas-fire types in March and April. Rumen sample analyses indicated that low red huckleberry (Vacctnium scoparium) subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa), and willow (Salix spp.) were the most important fall food items. Feeding site examinations indicated that willow, western serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifoluz ), chokecherry ( Prunus virginians ), and red dogwood ( Corn?>s stolonifera ) were the most important species in winter. Serviceberry, dogwood, and willow remained important into the spring, when increased use of currant (Ribes spp.) and some forbs was noted. Aquatic pIants and grasses were found to be unimportant in the moose diet. Condition and trend transects indicated that the rarlge was in poor condition and deteriorating further. Reproduction data indicated calf: cow ratios of 5S: 100 and 52:100, in 1965 and 1966, respectively. Aerial observation was effective in determining moose distribution but not for total census of the study area. Willow was not found as important to this moose population as has been reported for the Shiras moose on other areas. This paper describes the winter range use food habits, and certain population characteristics of moose on the north slope of the Gallatin mountain rangen Montana. Quantitative data were accumulated from September, 1965, to December 1967, to describe the habits of the Shiras moose on various range types. Other authors (Denniston 1956, Knowlton 1960, Smith 19612, Houston 1968) have studied the ecology of the Shiras moosen but primarily on ranges where willow was the major habitat type. When Montana moose hunting terminated in 1897, populations were apparently very low in the areas surrounding Yellowstone National Park, including the Gallatin study area. McDowell and Moy ( 1942 ) reported that populations within the park attained a peak density about 19124. Subsequently) moose populations increased rapidly outside the park. A report (U. S. 1 A contribution of the Montana Fish and Game Department, Research Section, under PittmanRobertson Projects W-98-R6, W-98-R7, and W-98R8. 2Present address: National Park Service, Estes Park, Colorado. Forest Service 1935:64 66) indicated that moose were present in almost every drainage of the Gallatin and that forage was still plentiful. The first hunting season was held in 19S6 after a closure of almost 68) years. The first seasons were restricted to a fesv bull-only permits but in recent years more liberal Erermits for either sex have

A study of winter use of the staminate flower buds of quaking and bigtooth aspen (Populus tremuloides and P. grandidentata) by ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) on an area in a northern Minnesota boreal forest shows a significant (P < 0.05) preference for the male flower buds of qualQing over bigtooth aspen for 4 out of the 8 years of the study. Preferences for quaking aspen over paper birch (Betula papyrifera) were highly significant (P < 0.01). Aspen utilization varied according to soil type; ratios of occurrence:use indicated that trees on peat soil were used most heavily. Based on their representation in the forest, trees in the 16to 25-year-age-class were used significantly less (P < 0.01 ) for feeding than was expected. Close agreement existed between observed mean feeding periods of 15.S minutes determined by radiotelemetry and our calculated value of 16.2 minutes based on crop volume, bud size, and observed feeding rates. During the winters of 196647 and l9S8 69, when snow accumulation was average or above, frequency of arboreal feeding observations ranged from none (March 1967) to 0.09 bird per mile (November-December 1968). During winters characterized by soft powdery snow, or below normal accumulations of snow, or poor production of hazel (Corylus cornuta) catkins, or a combination of these snow conditions and poor production of hazel catkins, arboreal feeding was more prevalent, with frequency values of 0.25 bird per mile (March 1968) to 0.30 bird per mile (January-February 1968). Aspen provides not only an abundant, reliable, and highly nutritious winter food resource for ruffed grouse, but it can be readily managed as an important wood fiber resource. cies of aspen, quaking and bigtooth, which are abundant in this area. The objective of the present paper is to examine the nature of winter feeding habits of ruffed grouse and to document preferential use of certain quaking aspen over offier available hardwoods. The exploitation of these preferences in derreloping a ruffed grouse management program has been described by Gullion (1972). Drs. A. C. Hodson, Head, and W. H. Marshall, Professor, respectively, Department of Entomology, Fisheries, and Wildlife, University of Minnesota, gave strong support to this program and Dr. B. A. Brown, Superintendent of the Cloquet Forestry Center, College of Forestry, University of Minnesota provided accommodations for this project. Botanical nomenclature is based on Gleason and Cronquist ( 1963 ) . In a recent paper, the significance of some studies of food habits of game birds was questioned, and observations concerning the feeding behavior of ruffed grouse in the vicinity of Cloquet, Minnesota, were cited as an example of selective or preferential feeding in certain tees by these biids (Gullion 1966a). The example cited is the use of staminate flower buds of the two spe1 Paper 7980 Scientific Journal Series, Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station, St. Paul. This paper reports progress on the Forest Wildlife Relations project of the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station, the Department of Entomology, Fisheries, and Wildlife, in cooperation with the College of Forestry, University of Minnesota, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Division of Game and Fish. Earlier phases of the study were supported by Federal Aid to Wildlife Restoration funds as Minnesota Project W-35-R; the radiotelemetry work cited was made possible by National Science Foundation Grants GS-8644, O17858, and GO1345.