Showing posts with label Wisconsin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wisconsin. Show all posts

WI 2013 Ruffed grouse survey indicates slight population decline

MADISON – Ruffed grouse populations in Wisconsin have shown another slight decline this spring, according to results of the recently completed roadside ruffed grouse survey.

“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.”

The roadside survey to monitor the number of breeding grouse has been conducted by staff from the DNR, U.S. Forest Service, tribal employees, and numerous grouse enthusiasts and volunteers since 1964. Surveyors begin 30 minutes before sunrise and drive along established routes, making 10 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.
Intensive surveys were also run on two research areas. The Sandhill Wildlife Area in Wood County showed a decline of 5 percent. The Stone Lake Experimental Area in Oneida County showed an increase of 2 percent.

According to Scott Walter, DNR upland wildlife ecologist, maturation of southern Wisconsin’s forest community in recent decades, and the resulting loss of dense, brushy areas that grouse need for cover, has contributed to lower numbers of grouse.

“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.”

In regard to 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.”
For more information, search the DNR website for “ruffed grouse hunting."


FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott Walter, upland wildlife ecologist, 608-267-7861 or Brian Dhuey, wildlife surveys coordinator, 608-221-6342

Ruffed Grouse Society Annual outdoor youth event set in Marshfield WI


The West Central Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society will host its annual Youth Education Day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 27 at the Les & Melody Bergdahl property, 11192 Bluff Drive, Marshfield.
Registration begins at 8 a.m. Each youth participating will receive a free hat.

Supervised activities will include hunter safety, archery, rifle range, BB gun shooting, laser shoot and fly fishing. Equipment will be provided to those who need it.

In addition, there will be dog demonstrations. A round of sporting clays is available to all youths ages 12 to 18 with parent or guardian (guns and ammo provided), and an introductory archery lesson (bows provided) is being offered.

The free rain-or-shine event, which includes lunch, is open to youngsters ages 18 and younger. Advance registration is not required. Participants are advised to bring tick repellent and wear waterproof footwear.

For more information and directions, call Rich Chronquist at 715-387-1163 (days), 715-387-3875 (evenings) or email rchronquist@hotmail.com.

Original Marshfield Herald Article

Ruffed Grouse Society Announces 2013 Wisconsin Drummer Fund Projects

Record  15 Projects Approved For Funding
Coraopolis, PA – The Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) has selected 15 projects to receive over $58,000 during 2013 through its Wisconsin Drummer Fund program.  The projects are designed to benefit habitat for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and other wildlife species that rely upon young forests for survival.  Partners receiving RGS funding for projects in Wisconsin in 2013 include county forestry departments in Douglas, Florence, Marathon, Oconto, Washburn, Wood, and Vilas Counties, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).  Other partners providing support for these projects include the American Bird Conservancy and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

According to John Eichinger, RGS President and CEO, “2013 is a record year for the Wisconsin Drummer Fund with the most funds being distributed to the highest number of projects that RGS has ever supported in Wisconsin. Our ability to fund these important projects is highly dependent on the dedicated efforts of the volunteer members of our local RGS chapters in Wisconsin.”

The Wisconsin Drummer Fund was initiated in 2010 and is the direct result of funds being raised specifically at Wisconsin RGS chapter fund raising events and through direct member donations.  Since its inception, nearly $157,000 has been made available through the Wisconsin Drummer Fund to support 40 Wisconsin grouse and woodcock projects.  These funds have been matched by other agencies and organizations and have resulted in over $350,000 worth of projects being funded in Wisconsin since 2010.

Wisconsin Drummer Fund Projects approved for 2013 include:
  • Big Roche A Cri Alder Regeneration/Adams and Waushara Counties – Wisconsin DNR
  • Clam Lake Wildlife Area Alder Regeneration/Burnett County – Wisconsin DNR
  • Colburn Wildlife Area Alder Regeneration/Adams County– Wisconsin DNR
  • Douglas County Alder Regeneration – Wisconsin DNR and Douglas County Forestry Department
  • Hall’s Creek Hunting Trail Expansion/Florence County – Florence County Forestry Department
  • Kubisiak Ruffed Grouse Management Area Aspen Regeneration/Wood County – Wisconsin DNR and Wood County Forestry Department
  • Marathon County Alder Regeneration – Wisconsin DNR and Marathon County Forestry Department
  • Oconto County Grouse Hunting Trail Development – Wisconsin DNR and Oconto County Forestry Department
  • Parker Creek Alder Regeneration/Polk County – Wisconsin DNR
  • Peshtigo Harbor Woodcock Habitat Restoration/Marinette County – Wisconsin DNR
  • Vilas County Hunting Trail Rehabilitation - Vilas County Forestry Department
  • Washburn County Wildlife Openings – Washburn County Forestry Department
  • Woodcock Management Video Development – Wisconsin DNR
  • Wood County Buckthorn Treatment – Wisconsin DNR and Wood County Forestry Department
  • Young Forest Private Landowner Outreach – Wisconsin DNR

Three Wisconsin Counties with Great Grouse Hunting


Wisconsin is arguably the best place in the country for ruffed grouse hunting.  The mix of older forests and newly cut over parcels gives birds the full array of foods they need to thrive. Ruffed grouse are found throughout the Badger State, but northern Wisconsin has the highest concentration. A trip into the northern forests in the fall can be quite rewarding for the grouse hunter.  Here are three of Wisconsin’s top grouse hunting counties.

Vilas County
With 240,000 acres of public forest land, Vilas County is a fantastic place to hunt. Ruffed grouse hunting in the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest can be spectacular in the fall. The forest’s diverse, high-quality habitat provides everything grouse need to flourish. The hundreds of miles of old logging roads that run through the forest are the best place to start. When planning your hunt, look for sections of the forest that have areas that have recently been logged. These sections offer the greatest diversity of food sources and attract the most birds.
Oneida County
Oneida County also has a high concentration of ruffed grouse. The Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest dips down into northern Oneida County, offering outstanding hunting opportunities. But the best bet for a grouse hunter in Oneida County is hunting county land. Large tracts are located near the communities of Enterprise, Woodboro and Tripoli. These county lands have forests in various states of growth. Look for the best hunting along logging roads and the edges of large clearings.

County #3 and Complete Wisconsin Travel Best Bets Article