Grouse populations enjoy resurgence in the West

For bird enthusiasts and conservationists, the grouse populations in the Western U.S. are good news. After years of population decline, many species of grouse are rebounding, according to the latest population survey results from the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA).

"Grouse populations have been in steady decline for many years throughout the West due to a variety of factors including loss of habitat, drought, predation and hunting pressure," said Duane Shramik, WAFWA Grouse Coordinator. "The good news is that many of these populations appear to be stabilizing or increasing thanks to conservation efforts on the part of state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations and private landowners."

Grouse are members of the pheasant family and include such species as sage grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, ruffed grouse and spruce grouse. They are ground-dwelling birds that typically live in open country such as sagebrush flats, meadows, ponderosa pine forests and piñon-juniper woodlands.

Sharp-tailed grouse populations increased 1 percent from last year to 2.7 million birds this year, according to the survey. Ruffed grouse populations increased 11 percent from last year to 4.6 million birds this year. Sage grouse numbers were stable at about 200,000 birds statewide.

The spruce grouse is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in Colorado and threatened in Wyoming. The population trend for this bird is unknown due to poor sampling coverage; however, recent information suggests that populations may be stable or slightly increasing in some areas.

The resurgence in grouse populations is good news for those who enjoy watching these unique birds and also for those who work to conserve them. It provides hope that some of these species may be able to withstand the various threats they face into the future.

Watch grouse chicks hatch LIVE online

This summer, tune in to watch live grouse chicks hatch online!

Grouse are a unique species of bird that can be found in North America and parts of Europe. In the springtime, female grouse build nests and lay eggs. Around 10-12 days after the eggs are laid, the chicks will hatch!

This year, you can watch grouse chicks hatch online. Several websites will be streaming live footage of grouse nests, so you can see the chicks as they hatch and grow.

Be sure to tune in soon – the hatching season only lasts a few weeks!

Grouse a favorite game bird for many hunters

Grouse hunting is a popular pastime for many hunters across the United States. The four species of grouse that are hunted in the country are the ruffed grouse, spruce grouse, sharp-tailed grouse and sage grouse.

Each of these birds exhibit different behaviors and present different challenges to hunters. Ruffed grouse are widespread in the eastern US and can be found in a variety of habitats including hardwood forests and pine plantations. These birds are typically hunted using dogs, which pursue them through the forest until they are flushed out into the open where they can be shot.

Spruce grouse are found in forested areas across the northern US and Canada. They are typically hunted by waiting along forest edges and shooting them as they fly by. Sharp-tailed grouse live in open prairies and agricultural areas and are typically hunted by calling them in to within close range before shooting them.

Sage grouse inhabit sagebrush flats and other areas with dense cover in the western US. These birds can be difficult to hunt as they often remain hidden until they are approached very closely. Many hunters prefer to use decoys when hunting sage grouse as this often results in more successful kills.

Forestry practices help grouse populations rebound

Forestry practices are helping grouse populations rebound in some parts of the United States. According to a study recently published in the journal "Forest Ecology and Management," forestry practices that include more tree cutting and prescribed burning have helped grouse populations rebound in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin's North Woods.

The study's authors say that increasing the amount of early successional habitats, which are areas where trees are shorter and have not had a chance to grow tall, has benefitted grouse populations. In addition, prescribed burning has helped create open areas where grouse can feed.

Grouse are a game bird that is hunted for sport in many parts of the United States. The birds live in dense forests, where they feed on seeds, insects, and other small animals. Grouse populations have declined in recent years due to loss of habitat.

The study's authors say that their findings could help inform management decisions about how to best manage forests for grouse populations. They suggest that increased tree cutting and prescribed burning could help boost grouse populations in other parts of the country where they have declined.

Grouse hunting season opens with optimism for a good season

As the leaves turn color and the days grow shorter, Minnesotans know that the grouse hunting season is just around the corner. Grouse are a popular game bird, and there's always optimism among hunters that this will be the year for a great season.

The grouse population seems to be healthy this year, with plenty of birds in many parts of the state. That should translate into good hunting opportunities for those who head afield looking for these elusive birds.

There are several ways to hunt grouse, and each offers its own set of challenges and rewards. Some hunters prefer to walk the woods looking for evidence of activity like tracks or droppings, then set up to ambush the birds as they come by. Others like to use dogs to help find and flush the birds out of hiding.

Of course, there's always the option to simply go out and enjoy a nice fall walk through the woods while keeping an eye out for grouse. This can be a great way to get some exercise while spending time outdoors in nature.

No matter how you choose to do it, grouse hunting is a fun and challenging pursuit that can provide you with plenty of enjoyment during Minnesota's fall months. Get out there and give it a try!