Use of Mist-Nets for Recapturing Radio-Equipped Blue Grouse

Abstract

A mist-net was used as a mobile unit to recapture radio-instrumented blue grouse (Dendragapus obscurus). Two men positioned the net, while a third flushed grouse toward it. Five female blue grouse and their entire broods, chicks of six other broods, one incubating and one broodless female, and one adult male ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) were captured. The method enabled the recapture of specific, instrumented grouse. During 1966-67 forest grouse-pesticide studies in Montana, noose-poles (Zwickel and Bendell 1967) were effective to initially capture blue grouse for telemetry instrumentation. Additional methods became necessary to recapture specific, instrumented grouse for postspray examination and for transmitter retrieval or replacement. This paper describes the use of mist-nets to recapture instrumented grouse. R. Pillmore of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service provided valuable advice and K. Sumanik, R. Wallestad, and N. Martin provided field assistance. MATERIALS AND METHODS A 4-ply, 4-inch mesh, black nylon net designed for ducks and large shore birds was employed. It has four shelves, measures 10 x 60 ft and is quite visible. The net was stretched between two telescoping fiberglass fishing poles that were hand held. The top and bottom shelf strings were secured to the tip and bottom section of the pole with adhesive tape. The loops on the other three shelf strings were slipped onto the poles but not secured. One man located the instrumented bird 1A contribution from Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Project No. W-91-R, Montana, and Research Contract 14-16-0008-713, with the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, U. S. Department of the Interior. by telemetry and then directed the other two men to position the net. Since blue grouse normally flush downhill, the net was positioned 10-30 yards below the grouse. Grouse were then approached from uphill until flushed. Grouse that moved prior to flushing required re-positioning of the net. Although several multiple catches were made, grouse were usually captured singly. Only 3 to 5 minutes were required to set up or take down the net which was wrapped around the collapsed poles when not in use. The mist-net was purchased from the Bleitz Wildlife Foundation, Hollywood, California, at a cost of $10.00. Telescoping fiberglass poles of 12-ft length are available at sporting goods and hardware stores at a cost of about $5.00 each.