State of Wisconsin approves first ever Ruffed Grouse Management Plan Earlier this month, the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board (NRB) voted to approve the states very first ruffed grouse management plan. The impetuous and need for this plan was set forward after the NRB voted on an emergency rule to shorten the 2018 ruffed grouse season. Support for this plan was extensive with 15 members from 13 different government and non-government organizations making up the planning committee. Including two familiar faces: Current RGS Regional Wildlife Biologist Jon Steigerwaldt and past RGS Wildlife Biologist Gary Zimmer. [Read more…] about Wisconsin Approves Ruffed Grouse Management Plan –...
Grouse Ecology
The Special Relationship Between Grouse and Aspen – RGS
Why Well-Managed Aspen is the Best Grouse Habitat If you hunt ruffed grouse on the southern fringe of its range, aspen forest may not be all that relevant to you. But if you’re an upland hunter in the Great Lakes states or Northeast, it’s almost guaranteed that one of your favorite hunting spots includes an aspen stand. Throughout its lifecycle, it provides everything a grouse needs: dense cover and food. Managed properly, aspen stands are excellent habitat for ruffed grouse. If you’re unfamiliar, here’s some more information about aspen and its importance for upland birds and other early successional species alike. ...
Winter Ruffed Grouse Survival – RGS
Examining food and cover necessary for winter grouse survival.
In northern Wisconsin, winter regrouping of ruffed grouse starts to take place toward the end of October and the first part of November. The grouse group together this time of the year, not for security or for a social gathering, but because there is good food and cover in a single location. When in a group, grouse remain individualists. Each will flush on their own accord when pressured. It is the availability of high quality habitat and food that has brought them together.
[Read more…] about Winter Ruffed Grouse Survival – RGSReversing Ruffed Grouse Declines in Indiana
Photo Credit | Steve Oehlenschlager Up against an endangered listing, how can we help ruffed grouse in Indiana? Ruffed grouse used to be present across the Indiana landscape, but now they could be joining the ranks of endangered species listed under the Indiana Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act. In October 2018, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Division of Fish & Wildlife sought input from Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) to add ruffed grouse to the list of endangered species of birds in Indiana. After reviewing the evidence, biologists at RGS agreed with the proposal and submitted a petition...
The Importance of Alders for Grouse and Woodcock
Exploring Our Love (and Hatred) of Alder Thickets
Maybe in your grouse hunting career, you’ve explored the edges of a tangled alder swamp while looking for birds. You’ve quite possibly shot at a grouse that flew into one, requiring you to trudge in after it. Perhaps you have even willingly adventured into one to see what secrets it keeps. No matter which of these is true, if you’ve ever had to navigate through an alder swamp or thicket, you know the misery that they can be.
[Read more…] about The Importance of Alders for Grouse and WoodcockMinnesota DNR Reports Findings of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Ruffed Grouse
On Monday, November 18th, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) reported results that confirmed three ruffed grouse submitted for testing were infected with Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE).
The grouse were taken in Itasca county and submitted to the DNR for testing by hunters. The hunters noted the birds seemed unable to escape or fly. They also appeared emaciated, having significant muscle and tissue loss. Like West Nile Virus, ruffed grouse become infected with EEE when bitten by mosquitoes carrying the disease.
[Read more…] about Minnesota DNR Reports Findings of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Ruffed Grouse