Surveys conducted this spring show that the ruffed grouse population cycle is beginning to trend upwards. DNR Upland Wildlife Ecologist, Mark Witecha says the population of grouse in our area has grown more than the rest of the state.
“Statewide we saw an increase of about 1% in the number of drumming males that were observed. Specifically though, in the northern and the central forest areas of the state which are traditionally our best grouse hunting areas. We saw 8% increase in the central forest and 4% in the northern forest.”
Witecha says the grouse population cycles every 10 years. He says this is the low point in the cycle, and we are just starting to come out of it.
Weather conditions as well as forest cover affect drumming activity by male grouse. Witecha says young, dense forest cover makes a good habitat for them.
He says as long as nesting conditions stay good through the season hunters can expect good grouse hunting this fall.
For survey results go to the DNR website
