Survey indicates slight drop
in ruffed grouse numbers: DNR

Wisconsin’s ruffed grouse population appears to have deviated from its four-year rise, according to data that state wildlife managers collected during the 2010 spring drumming counts.

“Statewide, the ruffed grouse population decreased about 5% between 2009 and 2010,” said Sharon Fandel, acting upland wildlife ecologist with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

“The central and northern regions showed a slight decrease of 4% and 6%, respectively, whereas the southeast region experienced a large increase of 60% more drums than in 2009,” Fandel said. “The southwest showed the greatest decrease in drumming activity over the last year with a 21% decrease.”

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