The ruffed grouse is truly a bird of sport in West Virginia. Unfortunately, a gradual decline in population has been noted over the past two decades. Possibly the largest wildlife study every done in the United States is the Appalachian Cooperative Grouse Research Project. The final project report was issued in August 2004, yet the grouse decline continues. It continues, not because there is a lack of information, but because there has been a remarkable lack of action to properly nourish the land by bringing diversity to it.

The most significant factor in the decline of ruffed grouse in West Virginia relates to a loss of quality habitat. There are other culprits, of course, like predation and chemical or environmental factors, but the main bane of the ruffed grouse population is poor woodland management, specifically where there is a predominance of mature, canopied trees. These mature forests are the rule, rather than the exception, in almost all of West Virginia. Where this is the situation, forest floors rarely see the light of day under the umbrella-like canopy.

It is this large umbrella that blocks out the sunlight necessary to promote a lush, green understory of grasses, smaller hardwoods, softwoods and evergreens, as well as various small, woody plants. This wide variety of plant life would provide essential nourishment and cover, not only for grouse, but also for many other desirable animal species. The berries, fruits and seeds so eagerly browsed by the ruffed grouse are known as "soft mast." It is the lack of soft mast production in the woodlands of West Virginia that is partly to blame for the grouse population decline here.

This is a good time to point out that hunting is in trouble. It is under pressure on a number of fronts, not the least of which is the declining grouse population.

It is my contention that the ability to enjoy the outdoor experience is the birthright of every American. It is our heritage, our family tradition and a big part of our lives.

Hunting rights -- no doubt they are essential to the American Experience. But let's face it. What good are hunting rights if there is nothing to hunt? We must have a strategy for nourishing the hunting land by restoring the habitat! What is at stake is the tradition of outdoor pursuits, of hunters, their dogs and these wonderful upland birds with drumming wings. We are the stakeholders, the stewards of tradition. It is up to us.

Hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts must do everything that we can to help build the resource. Land that has been developed for human use is habitat lost. There is nothing that can be done about people building homes, roads and infrastructure necessary for a high quality of life. What can be done is to show due concern through activism on behalf of the quality of habitat for grouse and other woodland creatures.