Don Jacobs column

Friday, February 10, 2012

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Rufus and the Grouse Whisperer

Sunday February 05, 2012 | 12:00 AM

Don Jacobs

I must admit that I didn’t expect to see what I did. Bob Cragle of Huntington Mills e-mailed me with an invitation to meet his friend Rufus. Rufus as it turned out is a ruffed grouse who has taken up home on a piece of property owned by Bob. My invitation included a short ATV ride through a patch of pine trees. Half way down the trail Bob started calling for Rufus and the chase was on. It ran after the ATV until Bob came to a stop next to a log on the ground. What happens next is truly hysterical. Bob sat on the ground, called Rufus to the log and a bird versus man pecking battle began.

I have received reports of grouse acting this way before but this was the first time I have witnessed it myself. The Pennsylvania Game Commission biologists chalk it up to a territorial battle as the young males try and find an area of their own to call home. Why they choose humans to battle with still baffles the experts. It is sometimes called a fall shuffle. Bob’s neighbors are now calling him the “Grouse Whisperer” and I can see why. Bob has invited many people to enjoy his new found friend and he’s observed one thing. Rufus doesn’t like females of any age or size. He took his niece up and the bird actually went batty.

The ruffed grouse has been Pennsylvania’s state bird since 1931 and has a reputation of being afraid of humans. They typically don’t range more than one hundred yards or so after they claim a territory. They find mates in the spring by drumming their wings against their chest. This acts as both a sign of dominance and a display for mating. The mating season beings in late winter to early spring. Who knows, maybe Rufus is trying to find his own place to call home.

Whatever the reason for these antics, it is quite an experience to witness and take part in. After Bob and Rufus played around, they invited me to take part in the game. The mere thought of getting that close to a bird you rarely see while hunting really intrigued me. I sat next to the log and started poking my finger in the bird’s direction. He immediately started pecking at it before turning his attention to the brim of my hat. The battle of man versus bird went on for more than an hour, when Bob decided to give his feathered friend a rest. We got back on the ATV and left Rufus to fend for himself. I checked on Rufus this week and he was still living in Bob’s pines and is still attacking him when he calls his name. I hope Rufus comes to the realization that he’s a ruffed grouse and I hope he finds a mate soon. I’ll keep you posted.

The Big Show Starts Next Weekend

The 2012 Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show started yesterday at the PA Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg and runs through next Sunday. This event is now in its 56th year and has grown over the years to be recognized as the largest outdoor hunting and fishing event of its kind in North America. It’s hard to see everything in one day considering there are more than 1,200 exhibitors. You can find just about anything if you take your time and systematically walk the isles. Organizers have reported that hunting-related products are represented by nearly 300 exhibitors selling or displaying everything from clothing to bullets to the latest high-tech guns. Among the most notable new attendees is Smith & Wesson.

The ice fishing is iffy at best so anglers might consider walking around the 172,000-square-foot Fishing Hall. This year the angler’s haven includes 20 new exhibitors among its more than 150 fishing related exhibitors offering the latest in rods, reels, tackle and boats. I always think I have enough archery equipment until I walk around this section of the show. This year’s roster of archery-related products includes 30 new exhibitors in its lineup of 158 exhibitors spread out in two full archery halls, the Archery Hall and the Archery & Hunting Haven.

This expo has always been known for the number of outfitters it attracts from around the globe. If you’re looking for an opportunity to book a hunting or fishing trip anywhere in the world, there are 54 new guides, outfitters and charter boat captains out of the more than 500 coming to the Show. For more information on the Show, visit www.easternsportshow.com.