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Wednesday, September 16th, 2026

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Minnesota’s spring count of ruffed grouse dips, expectedly

While the drums per stop were down during this spring’s Minnesota DNR ruffed grouse survey, last year’s count, officials point out, was exceptional and likely the peak of the mostly predictable 10-year population cycle of the species. (Stock photo)

The 2025 statewide population index of Minnesota’s most iconic game bird – the ruffed grouse – is lower than last year, according to the results of the Minnesota DNR’s annual spring survey.
Ruffed grouse drumming counts were 1.8 statewide, down from 2.3 drums per stop last year. The drop was not unexpected, DNR officials say, because 2024 was the highest 10-year cycle population peak for ruffed grouse since 1972.

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