Report Nr. 3425 Ruffed Grouse and American Woodcock Status in Michigan, 2004

Ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) and American woodcock (Scolopax minor) are popular forest game birds that are pursued by about 103,000 Michigan hunters annually. Hunters spend an average of seven to eight days hunting grouse and woodcock each year, adding up to almost a million days of recreation in Michigan annually. The number of ruffed grouse flushed per hour by cooperators in 2003 (1.63) increased 13.2% statewide compared to flush rates from 2002 (1.44); an estimated 358,000 grouse were harvested in Michigan during 2003. The number of woodcock flushed per hour by cooperators in 2003 (1.51) increased 8.6% statewide compared to flush rates from 2002 (1.39). Approximately 43,000 hunters harvested about 139,000 woodcock while spending 301,000 days afield in 2003.