Survey shows mixed results with grouse and waterfowl

Data is now available from annual spring surveys of Wisconsin ruffed grouse, pheasant and waterfowl. The spring waterfowl breeding survey indicated stable population numbers and habitat conditions for migratory birds.

In contrast, the spring surveys showed ruffed grouse and pheasant counts below the five-year average, including an 11 percent decrease statewide, in ruffed grouse drumming activity from 2022. The decreases observed in the ruffed grouse and pheasant populations in this year’s surveys, were not unexpected.

“We are entering the down phase of the 10-year abundance cycle,” said Brian Dhuey, DNR wildlife surveys specialist. “While the number of birds detected is down overall, there will still be pockets of good ruffed grouse abundance, although these areas will be fewer and harder to find this fall.”

Pheasant populations are also down relative to historic averages. The department reported the 2023 average pheasant observations at 0.46 pheasants, per stop, similar to 2022’s average of 0.47 pheasants, per stop. The count remains below the most recent five-year average, of 0.55 pheasants, per stop.

While pheasant numbers are down statewide, abundance was markedly higher in the northwestern part of Wisconsin’s pheasant range, than in the central or southeastern portions.

Similarly, wood duck populations decreased from 2022, although populations remain above the long-term average. The survey team also reported average to above-average wetland conditions across the state, during the survey period.

Surveyors estimated the state’s breeding duck population at 545,065 birds, a 3.5 percent decrease from the 2022 estimate, yet 23.4 percent over the long-term average. Canada goose numbers are also slightly lower than 2022, yet remain 58.4 percent higher than the long-term average.

Conversely, the DNR’s annual breeding waterfowl survey showed stable numbers for mallards and blue-winged teal, two of the state’s primary breeding waterfowl. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has not shown any measurable impacts this year, on waterfowl populations, at a statewide or continental scale, and there were excellent nesting conditions immediately after the survey.

The dry conditions during the brood rearing period have not seemed to negatively impact brood success, based on staff feedback.