Science & Outdoors
Exploding grouse populations: Something hunters will have to get used to
The Pointer
jtowl695@uwsp.edu
Though many trees have already lost their leaves, the gold tamaracks signal prime ruffed grouse hunting in Wisconsin.
While first-time hunters of ruffed grouse may be more likely to wet themselves from the exploding drumming noise during the bird’s take-off than actually use their shotgun, grouse hunting is an adrenaline pumping sport in full-swing.
The ruffed grouse is perhaps most frustratingly known for the drumming noise that the male produces during the spring breeding season. The male rapidly beats its wings to attract the female, an action that does not have the same effect on the hunter. The noise made before the bird takes flight is the essence of the love-hate relationship that drives hunters to scour the woods during grouse season.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, “Ruffed grouse are one of the most popular upland birds to hunt.”
Grouse and woodcock are often hunted at the same time, but the DNR cautions hunters who do so, as stricter regulations are involved in hunting the latter.
When hunting woodcock, a hunter is restricted to a shotgun that holds no more than three shells. Although the same federal regulations are not imposed on grouse hunters, this rule must be upheld if hunting both. A small game license is required for all game birds and migratory birds, not including waterfowl. Grouse hunting has been underway in Portage County since the second week in September and continues until Jan. 31 of next year. The season began more recently for zone B, the eastern half of the state, on Oct. 17, and will end on Dec. 8 of this year.
The state is divided into two zones by U.S. Highway 41. The daily bag limit for zone A is five birds, while the daily bag limit in zone B is two.
The DNR Web site indicates that “grouse populations are cyclical and follow an 8-10 year cycle.” Various factors are presumed to affect the population including food, weather and predation.
Good news came for grouse hunters throughout the state this year with a 10-week brood survey conducted by the DNR. According to the survey, ruffed grouse broods were up 31 percent statewide, compared to 2008.
During the study, DNR personnel observed the number and size of bird broods from June 14 to Aug. 22. The wildlife surveys program then summarized the reports. Though budget cuts reduced the amount of field time allotted for the project, the calculations give hunters an accurate account of brood rearing conditions.
The northern and northeastern regions of the state witnessed an increase in grouse population based on the study. Along with these regions, the west central part of the state also makes up the primary range of ruffed grouse. However, the survey revealed no change in this region from last year.
The survey concludes that “ruffed grouse numbers this fall will be better than the previous three to four years and are well on their way to a cyclic high.”
With such a great forecast, hunters across Wisconsin are sure to be taking advantage of the population upswing, while working on their reflexes and remembering to fire their shotgun.
