Using Google Earth To Identify Grouse Cover

[njp158]

I know a lot of people are now using google earth to do some prescouting when looking for grouse coverts. I was wondering if someone can explain to me how you do this. I did a search and found a lot of people saying things like "use google earth to identify clearcuts in your area," and other general things like that, but i can't figure out how to actually do this. I've messed around in google earth, and I can't tell how to figure out what a clear cut is. I've even tried plugging in some of my grouse hot spots and seeing in which ways they look different than the surrounding area's and am not getting much luck. I can get a general idea of the lay of the land, water sources, roads, etc., but not much more in greater detail. I feel like I'm missing out on something big. Ultimately, I'd like to learn how to identify clearcuts, and different types of tree's through google earth. For example...how can I tell an clear cust aspen thicket? Is this even possible? Looking at some folks posts I think it is, I just dont' know how to do it.

Also, if any of you guys from Michigan use the Michigan DNR interactive map to help you locate grouse coverts I'd love to hear how you go about this. I know they represent different tree's in different colors, I'm just interested to hear how you are using it.

[nj gsp]

I use Google Earth and other satellite tools to recon grouse coverts all the time. If you want a crash course from experts, take the Northwind grouse seminar or get their DVD: http://www.northwindenterprises.us/ Of course, you can also just get their maps. You can do all the sleuthing you want using the internet, maps, and satellite images but in the end you have to "ground truth" your findings. But once you do that, you can apply what you've learned to finding other areas.

I've found some great coverts using Google earth, but found many more that looked good from space but weren't what I expected on the ground and held few or no birds. There are lots of great tools available for free that will help you find grouse spots and make maps you can load into your GPS. It does save time when exploring new areas, but again there is no substitute for feet on the ground.

[Hookadooka BirdDogs]

When using Google Earth, figure what county and state you will be hunting in. If you know the roads or a town in the county you choose that will help also. On the bottom left you will find a time stamp of the map. If it says say 1992 in the box, click on it. A time line will open on the top left of your map. It will go from 1992 to say 2009. Pick the area your interested in, then slide the time indicator to the left to maybe 2004/2005. This way you can tell if an area has been cut and how far back the cutting was. You will be able to see skidder roads, trails, streams, bogs, etc. It takes a little practice to figure out what you are looking at. They are coming out with maps down the road where you will be able to get a ground view and identify tree types, but that is aways off.
After doing your research, it's boots on the ground time with printed maps. I use them for writing notes as to ages of cuts, birds found, food types,etc. Have fun!

If you are still having trouble, pm me and I will talk you through it. We can choose a random county anywhere and I can point out gas wells, strip mines, clear cuts and their logging dates. And the maps are only going to get better in the future.