Reports from ME’s state biologists are that the grouse hunting is on the rebound. Bird populations are higher than last year. Woodcock seem off their migration schedule or maybe they are just less abundant this year. It’s the natural cycle of peaks and valleys in the bird population that either elate or infuriate upland hunters. Here’s a look at the bird action in a few of the regions.

• Central Region: The mast crop is abundant this year and so too does it look like the grouse numbers. Keel Kemper, Assistant Regional Wildlife Biologist, suggests that the quiet prayers of grouse hunters have been answered. On the other hand, Kemper, says the woodcock numbers are low and attributes it to the lack of rain. Can you ever image grouse becoming a nuisance like the wild turkey population? Something else to pray for, but turkey nuisance complaints continue in the Southwest and Central regions.
• Penobscot Valley Region: Mark Caron, Regional Wildlife Biologist, writes that it was a good grouse nesting year--for a change--this past spring. Caron says there’s plenty of early season action with reports of hunters getting into birds throughout the region are commonplace. Again the benefit of prayer and better weather.
• Aroostook County: Grouse are numerous this year, writes Rich Hoppe, Regional Wildlife Biologist. Hoppe says he hears success stories from the majority of hunters. There seems to be a direct correlation between bird abundance and the number of hunting violations. Game wardens have snagged some 10 game hogs within a 3-day period. There were 10 over-the-limit cases and in one case a party of 4 hunters had in possession 69 birds. I have no stomach for slob hunters. Shoot your limit and have the rest for next year. Hoppe mentions woodcock are in good numbers but have yet to arrive in the region. That extended season sure will come in handy this year.