Spring surveys show mixed results for ruffed grouse, pheasants, waterfowl

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Monday announced the annual spring surveys of Wisconsin ruffed grouse and pheasant showed below average counts. By contrast, the results of the spring waterfowl breeding survey indicate good numbers and excellent habitat conditions for migratory birds.

DNR wildlife biologists reported a 5% decrease statewide in ruffed grouse drumming activity from 2021.

“These results are not surprising. Ruffed grouse typically follow a 10-year population cycle,” said Brian Dhuey, DNR wildlife surveys specialist. “While we don’t have data for 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions, we know that cycles usually peak in years ending in 9, 0 or 1. We’re likely going to see that abundance begin to wane in the coming years as we enter the ‘down phase’ of the cycle.”

Drumming is a practice performed by male ruffed grouse, typically during mating season. During the ritual, males first beat their wings slowly and then more rapidly to create a deep, thumping sound. The display usually lasts 5-10 seconds, during which the wings can beat approximately 50 times. Surveyors listen to this sound to identify and count male ruffed grouse each spring during the mating season.

In the Northern priority area, which includes counties like Taylor, Rusk, Price, Marathon and Lincoln, 1.6 drums per stop were heard on 52 routes, down slightly from 1.64 in 2021 (-2%). Sixteen routes had no change, 19 routes had decreased drumming activity and 17 had increased drumming activity.

In the Central priority area, which includes counties like Clark, Chippewa, Eau Claire and Wood, 0.39 drums per stop were heard on 24 routes, down from 0.53 per stop in 2021 (-26%). Eleven routes had no change, nine routes had decreased activity and four had increased drumming activity.

The Driftless area has 15 survey routes and drums per stop went up to 0.07 from 0.04.

The department reported a slight increase in pheasant observations compared to 2021 in its annual spring ring-necked pheasant survey. However, the count remained below the most recent five-year average. DNR wildlife managers use a measurement known as an abundance index to assess the state’s wild pheasant population each year. This assessment is a roadside count of crowing males that accounts for the number of breeding males in the area and indicates the abundance of pheasants going into the breeding and nesting season. The abundance index was the highest in the northwestern part of the state, but all three areas had an increase in their abundance index in 2022.

The DNR’s annual breeding waterfowl survey also took place this spring. The survey showed stable to increasing numbers for two of the state’s primary breeding waterfowl –– mallards and blue-winged teal. The third primary species, wood ducks, showed a slight decline. The survey team also reported above-average wetland conditions.

More specifically, the mallard estimate was 181,686 ducks, which was 3.3% higher than last year and 1.5% higher than the 49-year mean. The blue-winged teal estimate of 81,359 was up 9.0% over 2021 but remained 22.1% lower thatn the long-term mean. The wood duck estimate was 174,526 birds, down 8.4% from the previous year but 102.2% higher than the long-term mean.

All other species are grouped into an “other ducks” category, which estimated 156,330 birds in the state, up 26.4% over last year and 138.8% over the logn-team mean.

Survey results point to a promising season this fall for Wisconsin waterfowl hunters. Surveyors estimate the state’s breeding duck population at 591,762 birds, a 6% increase over the 2021 estimate and 34% over the long-term average.

Canada goose numbers are up as well compared to 2021, consistent with the stable to increasing population seen over the past 10-15 years. The 2022 population estimate for Canada geese was 180,340 bird, 3.3% higher than last year’s estimate and 68.2% higher than the long-term, 36-year average.

Find these and other wildlife survey reports on the DNR’s wildlife reports webpage, https://dnr.wisconsin. gov/topic/WildlifeHabitat/reports.html.