What do higher drum counts in 2023 survey tell us about the future of Minnesota’s ruffed grouse?

One of the biggest findings in the 2023 Minnesota ruffed grouse survey was that drums per stop continued to rise from 2022, which means 2021 was the low point of the population cycle. The 2021 low point also isn’t as low as previous low points in recent decades.
Charlotte Roy, grouse research scientist and grouse project leader for the DNR, said there are multiple reasons behind the higher low point, but it’s too early to tell what it means for the future of grouse populations in Minnesota. Concerns also remain for Minnesota’s east-central sharp-tailed grouse.

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