Report Nr. 3282 Ruffed Grouse and American Woodcock Status in Michigan, 1998

Several surveys are conducted each year to monitor ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) and American woodcock (Scolopax minor) populations, including hunter cooperator surveys and spring breeding surveys. Hunter records concerning ruffed grouse were available from 133 cooperators whose accumulated hunting effort in 1997 exceeded 5000 hours. The number of ruffed grouse flushed per hour in Zones 1 (Upper Peninsula) and 2 (Northern Lower Peninsula) was higher in 1997 than in 1996. Grouse flushed per hour in Zone 3 (Southern Lower Peninsula) was nearly the same in 1996 and 1997. Grouse flush rates were highest in Zone 1, followed by Zones 2 and 3. Ruffed grouse flush rates in Zones 1 and 2 were slightly below the flush rates observed during the last peak year (1988) in the population cycle. Rush rates in Zone 3 have been relatively stable since 1994. The number of woodcock flushed per hour was lower in 1997 than in 1996. Woodcock flush rates were highest in Zone 2, followed by Zones 1 and 3. Woodcock flush rates have declined since 1988 in Zones I and 2, but have been relatively stable in Zone 3.