Recent surveys completed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources have shown positive signs for some bird populations.
The DNR has released the results from its spring surveys regarding the state’s ruffed grouse and pheasant numbers, with both showing improvements compared to the past five years.
For the second consecutive year, pheasant observations were above the five-year average, and while down from 2024, the ruffed grouse numbers are significantly higher than that five-year average.
This spring, pheasant observations were up 24% from last year and up an impressive 36% compared to the five-year average.
As for the ruffed grouse, drumming activity was down 6% this year compared to 2024; however, Alaina Roth, a DNR ruffed grouse specialist, said, “In 2024, we saw a large, unexpected 57% increase in drumming activity, so a slight 6% decrease from 2024 is still good news overall and should mean good hunting prospects this fall.”
With these numbers in mind, the DNR believes that not only will the hunting seasons for both birds be positive, but it is also encouraging for Wisconsin’s overall ecosystem.
More information on the DNR’s pheasant and ruffed grouse surveys can be found online at dnr.wisconsin.gov.
