Managing grouse hunting grounds

Abstract

The core aim of this study has been to understand decision-making processes in conjunction with managing hunting grounds for grouse. The study has looked at when the decisions are made, which people make them, on what basis they are made and their consequences. For the period 2006 to 2010, we have investigated the actions taken and decisions made by the managers of a selection of hunting grounds. Over that same period there was a significant decline in the grouse population. We interviewed the managers of nine private hunting grounds and eleven state commons. These interviews, along with annual reports and land management plans, constitute our source material. In spite of the big difference between how landowners� associations and state commons are organised, and the fact that the state commons are run by qualified professionals, there was little difference in how they managed their hunting grounds. Both private landowners� associations and state commons implemented various measures over the studied period, although they varied in scope and duration. We believe that better reporting and improved cooperation between hunting grounds would improve the management of grouse populations.