Photo by Ron Sinfelt

"Partridge keep bankers' hours," is the old saw recited by upland bird hunters as they head out on frosty mornings at this time of year.

Waiting until grouse fly down from their roosts and begin foraging on the ground is still good advice, as it's nearly impossible to get a bead on birds flushed from trees in the early morning hours.

While some tactics remain the same, others have changed, namely, searching farther and wider for ever-smaller stands of prime bird cover. Modern farm operations and the reforestation of large areas of the state in recent decades have diminished grouse habitat, forcing hunters to travel more while searching for a few acres of brushy cover around the edges of wood lots and pastures.

Grouse hunting hits its peak in November after the colorful hardwood leaves have fallen and cooler temperatures make hunting more enjoyable for hunters and dogs.

The fun continues until the snow gets too deep or the season winds down in February. Keep in mind that the Southern Zone regular firearms deer season opens later this month and the woods fill with hunters.

Public hunting areas are good bets in the search for grouse covers, as many are specifically managed by the Department of Environmental Conservation for woodland wildlife, with grouse heading the list. State forests are also recommended, as periodic cuttings in stands of native hardwoods and conifer plantations create the brushy openings with leafy vegetation that are necessary for grouse habitat.

Western New York and the Finger Lakes region are loaded with public hunting opportunities, and the following are among the best.

CONNECTICUT HILL WMA
Hunters across the country heard about Connecticut Hill WMA many years ago, as this was the site of the first extensive study of ruffed grouse biology and behavior, a landmark project that set the standards for modern wildlife management practices.

Covering 11,045 acres, the "Hill" is the largest WMA in the state and remains a favorite of bird hunters today. Located in the Appalachian Highlands south of Ithaca, this steep hill country with infertile soil and harsh climate had been abandoned by farmers and was acquired by the state as an early game refuge. Diverse habitats maintained here are attractive to various wildlife species, but favor grouse, turkeys and deer. The most mature forests consist of beech, birch, maple and hemlock with areas of oak and pine comprising what is called a sub-climax forest. Open fields, brushy areas and conifers are maintained throughout the property. Connecticut Hill is well supplied with seasonal roads and trails (the Finger Lakes Trail crosses the property) providing access for hunters. Beating through grouse covers will require a lot of uphill and downhill hiking, however, over steep terrain. The WMA is west of state Route 13 in Tompkins and Schuyler counties, approximately 16 miles southwest of Ithaca, and about the same distance north of Elmira. Several local roads off Route 13 lead to Connecticut Hill, including Boylan Hill, Slovsky Hill and Carter Creek. Swan Hill Road from the hamlet of Alpine provides access from the south end of the property.

Grouse hunting is not permitted in the 300 acres around the archery courses. Motorized vehicles are restricted to roads, and camping is allowed with permits. For more information, write to the Regional Wildlife Manager, Box 1169, Cortland, NY 13045.

HAPPY VALLEY WMA
Happy Valley is another area that has attracted the attention of wildlife researchers, and several studies of grouse productivity and habitat requirements have been carried out in recent years by the State University College of Environmental Science and Forestry. The result has been a long-term grouse habitat improvement program on the property.