Upswing in ruffed grouse counts

Results from this spring’s ruffed grouse drumming count survey indicated the increase for which hunters and others have been waiting.

The annual count was the highest since 2001, with increases observed in all survey regions except the southeast, where counts were stable. Counts had been at the low end of the 10-year cycle for the past four years.

"It's always tough to predict when the upswing will start," said Mike Larson, DNR grouse research biologist. "I'll be more confident that we're in the cyclical increase when the counts go up again next year."

Ruffed grouse populations are surveyed by counting the number of male ruffed grouse heard drumming on established routes throughout the state’s ruffed grouse range.

This year, observers recorded an average of 1.0 drum per stop statewide. Last year’s average was 0.8 drums per stop. During years of high grouse abundance counts of at least 1.8 drums per stop are typical.

The ruffed grouse is one of Minnesota's most popular game birds. Minnesota, which consistently ranks within the top three states for harvest, is frequently the nation's top ruffed grouse producer. At the peak, Minnesota's annual harvest often exceeds 1.2 million birds. The average annual harvest is more than 500,000 birds.

For the past 57 years, DNR biologists have monitored ruffed grouse populations. This year, DNR staff and cooperators from 14 organizations surveyed 128 routes across the state.

SHARP-TAILED GROUSE AND PRAIRIE CHICKENS DECLINE

Sharp-tailed grouse counts in the northwestern survey region declined each of the last two years, but counts in the east-central region remained unchanged, Larson said. Observers look for male sharptails displaying on traditional mating areas, called leks or dancing grounds. During the last 20 years, the sharp-tailed grouse index has been approximately seven to 11 birds counted per dancing ground. This year’s statewide mean of 9.2 birds counted per dancing ground was well below last year’s average of 11.3.

Sharptail populations appear to have declined over the long term as a result of habitat deterioration. In recent years, the DNR has increased prescribed burning and shearing that keeps trees from overtaking the open brush lands that sharp-tailed grouse need to thrive.

Counts of prairie chickens at their leks, or booming grounds, in western Minnesota were lower in 2006 than 2004 and 2005, but still higher than average over the last 15 years.

In survey blocks representing relatively good prairie chicken habitat, observers counted 11.8 males per booming ground and one booming ground per 3.7 square miles.