photo courtesy of NPS
Update 2016: Grouse 2016 Wisconsin Outlook; Ruffed Grouse Drumming Survey
June 25, 2013, Wisconsin DNR Ruffed grouse survey indicates slight population decline in the recently completed roadside survey of ruffed grouse.
WDNR Press Release, MADISON, WI –
“The index that Wisconsin uses to track ruffed grouse decreased 9 percent between 2012 and 2013,” said Brian Dhuey, Department of Natural Resources wildlife surveys coordinator. “This decrease isn’t unexpected at this point in the population cycle. Ruffed grouse populations are known to boom and bust over a nine- to 11-year cycle. Grouse populations in Wisconsin tend to be at their peak in years ending in a nine or zero.”
This survey has been conducted by staff from the DNR, U.S. Forest Service, tribal employees, numerous grouse enthusiasts and volunteers since 1964. Surveyors begin 30 minutes before sunrise and drive along established routes, making ten stops at assigned points and listening for four minutes for the distinctive “thump, thump, thump” sounds made by drumming male grouse. Results from this survey help DNR biologists monitor the cyclic population dynamics of ruffed grouse in the state.
- The number of drums heard per stop in 2013 was down 9 percent statewide from the previous year. One of the primary regions for grouse in the state, the central region, showed an 18 percent drop in the number of drums heard per stop, yet the other primary region in the north showed a 2 percent increase.
According to Scott Walter, the DNR upland wildlife ecologist
“Ruffed grouse are closely linked to young forest habitats that develop following large disturbances, notably logging activities,” Walter said. “While we often focus as hunters on grouse numbers in a single year, it’s important to remember that the long-term health of grouse and other early-successional wildlife is dependent upon our ability to create the dense young cover they require. Lacking significant, broad-scale forms of natural disturbance such as fire, we need to ensure that intensive timber harvests remain a component of our forest management activities.”
Regarding the slight increase in northern Wisconsin, Gary Zimmer, coordinating biologist for the Ruffed Grouse Society, points to the weather.
“Weather, especially during the brood rearing period in late May and early June, plays an important role in ruffed grouse numbers,” said Zimmer. “The slight increase shown in this spring’s northern region drumming counts, even in a downward cycle, can definitely be tied to 2012’s excellent brood rearing conditions with its lengthy dry, warm period in June.
“Unfortunately, this spring’s weather is not following the same pattern and it is doubtful fall grouse numbers will be comparable to last year in the north woods. However, even with lower populations, Wisconsin still has some of the best grouse hunting in the country,” Zimmer said.
Complete survey results can be found by searching the DNR website for “ wildlife reports.”
photo courtesy Son of the late Don L Johnson
For more information, search the DNR website for “ruffed grouse hunting.”
Press release from WDNR edited by charlie
Scott H says
One thing I’ve alway wondered, is why you hear only a few birds drumming in the spring? I turkey hunt so I’m in the woods a lot during the spring, but you only hear 2-3 birds drumming. I know that area has a good bird population, but why don’t we hear more drumming, there has to be more than just a couple males in that area. Do grouse have a dominant factor that only a dominant male gets to drum?