The ruffed grouse is a native Wisconsin species and popular upland hunting bird. Those of us in Forest County are familiar with them. We often see them on gravel roads in the fall and hear the thumping of their wings when walking in the woods. Their population is dependent on young forest habitat typically created through logging or wildfire. 2024 survey numbers show that the population of this bird has increased since last year. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) does an annual Roadside Ruffed Grouse Drumming Survey. The survey measures ruffed grouse drumming activity heard along roadside throughout Wisconsin and is conducted in the spring time. It is tracked by counts of drumming males as they attempt to attract a mate in spring. The sound of the male rapidly beating its wings can be heard over long distances. This year the results showed a 57% increase statewide, compared to drumming activity in 2023. “The late spring and summer of 2023 were abnormally dry, which resulted in prime nesting and brooding conditions for ruffed grouse. This is likely the most influential factor explaining the increase in the number of drumming grouse this year,” said Alaina Roth, DNR ruffed grouse specialist. “We are also likely entering the ‘up’ phase of our 10-year population cycle, which may be an influencing factor, too.” Ruffed grouse typically follow a 10-year population cycle, with peaks occurring in years that end in 0, 1 or 9. Due to aging forests and changing land use patterns, a general downward trend in the species has been documented over the decades. The birds are scarce or no longer present in some areas of the state, like the south eastern region, that they occupied just 30 years ago. The 2024 survey results show a 41% increase in drumming in the Central priority area. A 60% increase in drumming in the Northern priority area, which includes Forest County. And a 56% decrease in the Driftless priority area. We are fortunate to see an increase in population in our county and if you spend some time in the woods this fall, you may notice an increase in numbers compared to previous years.
