REGIONAL— Spring drumming counts for ruffed grouse were down slightly across the state this year, but even with the decline, the numbers are still near traditional peaks here in the North Country. In northeastern Minnesota, surveyors reported an average of 2.0 drums per stop during the annual survey, conducted from roughly mid-April to mid-May.
Male grouse make a low frequency drumming sound by flapping their wings rapidly, a behavior that helps to attract mates. By listening for drumming males at regular stops along established survey routes, wildlife officials can monitor trends in the ruffed grouse population. The DNR has been using the annual drum count surveys to monitor ruffed grouse populations since 1949.
Some decline was expected this year, given that the ruffed grouse population has been at traditionally peak levels the past two years. Even so, drumming counts during previous grouse population peaks in 2009 and 2017 topped out at 2.1 drums per stop, just barely above the counts reported this year.
“Drumming counts alone are not an accurate way to predict the birds that will be present during the fall hunting season,” said Charlotte Roy, DNR grouse project leader. “Nesting success and chick survival during the spring and summer are contributing factors that influence the number of birds present in the fall. These factors can be reduced by heavy rain during June when nests hatch and chicks are young.”
While this summer has brought several bouts of intense rainfall to the region, Jessica Holmes, DNR Tower area wildlife manager, believes the heaviest rainfall came late enough that young birds likely weren’t harmed.
While wildlife managers worried the June 2024 flood event that hit the region would negatively impact grouse reproduction, most hunters experienced another successful season last fall. “The last two years have been really, really good,” said Holmes.
She said field sightings point to decent survival of young birds. “We’re definitely seeing broods while driving around,” she said. “I’m not concerned about numbers for this year at all.”
Hunting opportunities
Holmes said the DNR was set to begin mowing hunter walking trails this week. The Tower DNR maintains over 90 miles of hunter walking trails in the work area. Watch for more information about those hunting opportunities in the Timberjay’s Sept. 12 edition. The 2025 ruffed grouse season opens on Saturday, Sept. 13.