Minnesota is home to three species of grouse: the ruffed grouse, the sharp-tailed grouse, and the spruce grouse. Grouse are a popular game bird for hunters in Minnesota and are an important part of the state’s forests and grasslands.
Ruffed Grouse
The ruffed grouse is the most common and widespread grouse species found in Minnesota. Here are some key facts about ruffed grouse in Minnesota:
- Scientific name: Bonasa umbellus
- Also known as “partridge”
- Found throughout the state in aspen and birch forests
- Estimated population of 500,000-1 million birds
- Brown and gray plumage with black ruffs (neck feathers)
- Omnivorous; eats buds, leaves, fruits, seeds, and insects
- Make a distinct “drumming” sound by beating wings rapidly
- Nest on the ground under brush or logs
- Most hunted grouse species in Minnesota
The ruffed grouse is well-adapted to live in Minnesota’s boreal forests. They thrive in areas with a mix of aspens, birches, and conifers. The varied age of trees in these forests provides ideal cover and food sources for ruffed grouse.
Ruffed grouse numbers fluctuate in approximate 10-year cycles. Populations peak around years ending in 5 or 6 in Minnesota. During peak years, counts of drumming grouse can surpass 35 birds per 100 stops. In years of decline, fewer than 10 drums may be heard per 100 stops.
The ruffed grouse is a popular game bird for hunters in Minnesota. Approximately 300,000-500,000 grouse are harvested each year in the state. The primary grouse hunting range includes central, north-central, and northern Minnesota. The peak of ruffed grouse hunting season in Minnesota is mid-October.
Sharp-tailed Grouse
The sharp-tailed grouse is less common than the ruffed grouse but is still found throughout many regions of Minnesota. Here are overview facts about sharp-tailed grouse:
- Scientific name: Tympanuchus phasianellus
- Larger than ruffed grouse
- Found in northwest and central Minnesota
- Estimated population of 100,000-500,000
- Live in grasslands and brushy areas
- Males gather and dance on communal leks in spring
- Nest on the ground in grassy cover
- Hunted species but lower harvest numbers than ruffed grouse
Sharp-tailed grouse rely on a mix of grassland habitats, including brushlands, marshes, and fields. They are found wherever there are stands of willows or aspen. Lek sites for mating displays also need open areas with good visibility.
The northwest region of Minnesota, including Roseau and Karlstad, provides excellent sharp-tailed grouse habitat. However, loss of grasslands has reduced their range. Conservation efforts focus on preserving grassland acreage to maintain sharp-tailed populations.
Sharp-tailed grouse are hunted in the northwest and west-central hunting zones of Minnesota. The harvest numbers between 10,000-30,000 birds annually. Hunters pursue sharp-tails using similar tactics as for ruffed grouse.
Spruce Grouse
The spruce grouse is the least common grouse species in Minnesota. Here are overview details about the spruce grouse:
- Scientific name: Falcipennis canadensis
- Also known as “fool hen”
- Found in coniferous forests of northeastern Minnesota
- Estimated population of 50,000-100,000
- Males are gray-brown, females reddish-brown
- Eat conifer needles year-round
- Nest on ground near tree base
- Rarely hunted due to low populations
Spruce grouse inhabit boreal forests dominated by black spruce and balsam fir. They are found throughout the Arrowhead region of Minnesota. Their range extends as far west as Itasca County.
Spruce grouse are well-camouflaged to live in mature conifer forests. They rely almost solely on conifer needles for food. Males make a soft hooting sound in display. Nests are woven into the base of conifers.
Spruce grouse are rarely hunted in Minnesota due to their low numbers and remote habitat. Conservation efforts focus on preserving boreal forest acreage to maintain spruce grouse populations.
Comparison of Grouse Species
Here is a comparison of the three grouse species found in Minnesota:
Species | Population | Habitat | Behavior |
---|---|---|---|
Ruffed Grouse | 500,000-1 million | Aspen/birch forests | Drums to display |
Sharp-tailed Grouse | 100,000-500,000 | Grasslands | Dances on leks |
Spruce Grouse | 50,000-100,000 | Coniferous forests | Hoots to display |
This comparison shows the differences in population size, habitat preferences, and mating behaviors between Minnesota’s three grouse species.
Grouse Hunting in Minnesota
Grouse are a popular game bird for hunters in Minnesota. Here are some key facts about grouse hunting in the state:
- Ruffed grouse are the primary grouse hunting target
- 300,000-500,000 ruffed grouse harvested annually
- Peak of ruffed grouse season is mid-October
- Sharp-tailed grouse also hunted, 10,000-30,000 harvested annually
- Spruce grouse rarely hunted due to low populations
- Most grouse hunting on public forest lands in central and northern Minnesota
- Shotguns used, often with dogs to help flush grouse
- Limits of 5 grouse per day and 10 grouse in possession
Grouse hunting provides recreation for thousands of Minnesotans each fall. It also contributes economically through license sales, guide services, sporting equipment, and other businesses. Conservation efforts benefit grouse hunters by maintaining healthy habitat for ruffed, sharp-tailed, and spruce grouse populations.
Tips for Hunting Ruffed Grouse
Here are some tips for having a successful ruffed grouse hunt in Minnesota:
- Focus on areas of prime habitat with a mix of aspens and birches
- Listen for drumming sounds which give away the presence of male grouse
- Use a trained bird dog to help find and flush grouse
- Still hunt by walking slowly and stopping frequently to scan and listen
- Pinpoint the roost tree at dusk and return at dawn to find grouse
- Aim shotguns slightly ahead of flushing birds
- Pack extra shells and shooting gloves for quick reloading
- Wear blaze orange for safety during firearms deer season
With some scouting and proper preparation, Minnesota offers excellent opportunities to harvest ruffed grouse each fall. A successful hunt requires knowledge of grouse behavior and favored habitats.
Grouse Research in Minnesota
Wildlife managers rely on research to track grouse populations, understand their habitat needs, and set appropriate hunting regulations. Here are some examples of grouse research projects in Minnesota:
- Drumming counts – Annual counts of drumming ruffed grouse in spring to estimate populations
- Brood surveys – Track chick production and survival each summer
- Banding studies – Monitor survival rates and movement patterns
- Habitat use – Study diet, cover needs, responses to forest management
- Population genetics – Assess genetic diversity and population structure
- Disease monitoring – Test for West Nile virus, avian flu, parasites
This research is conducted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, University of Minnesota, and other partners. The data guides habitat management efforts to maintain healthy grouse populations for future generations.
Ruffed Grouse Drumming Surveys
A key piece of grouse research in Minnesota focuses on spring drumming counts of male ruffed grouse. This annual survey has occurred since 1962 and provides an index of the breeding population.
Each April and May, DNR wildlife managers drive established routes across the state. They stop periodically and listen for the distinctive drumming sound of displaying male ruffed grouse. The number of drums heard per stop provides an estimate of the breeding population.
Data from drumming counts allow tracking of the typical 10-year population cycle for ruffed grouse. When combined with harvest statistics and habitat measurements, drumming surveys enable effective management of Minnesota’s most popular grouse species.
Conclusion
Ruffed, sharp-tailed, and spruce grouse are a treasured natural resource in Minnesota. These hardy birds thrive across the state’s forests and grasslands. While populations fluctuate, proactive habitat management and conservation ensures abundant grouse for future generations. Responsible harvest and ethical hunting practices also maintain grouse populations for all to enjoy.