Species · Michigan · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024
Ruffed Grouse Population Trend in Michigan
Ruffed Grouse in Michigan has surged: up 377% on the route-weighted index since 1970.
+377%Since 1970
68Routes In State
56Years
Notable Ruffed Grouse Trends in Michigan
long arc increasecomputed index
Ruffed Grouse has surged in Michigan: up 377% on the route-weighted index since 1970.
Ruffed Grouse Population Forecast in Michigan
If the recent trend holds, Ruffed Grouse in Michigan is projected to rise about 44% by 2029 — from 0.57 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.83 (95% range 0.31–1.3). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±33.8%, with 60% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.
+44%Change by 2029
0.83Projected 2029 index
0.31–1.395% range
±33.8%Backtest error
| Year | Projected index | 95% low | 95% high |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 0.78 | 0.25 | 1.3 |
| 2026 | 0.79 | 0.27 | 1.3 |
| 2027 | 0.80 | 0.28 | 1.3 |
| 2028 | 0.81 | 0.29 | 1.3 |
| 2029 | 0.83 | 0.31 | 1.3 |
Ruffed Grouse Survey Routes in Michigan
| Marenisco | 35 | 2019 | 1981 |
| Ontonagon | 11 | 2019 | 1967 |
| Raco | 11 | 2024 | 1971 |
| Frederic | 10 | 1997 | 1997 |
| Scott'S Marsh | 8 | 2009 | 2006 |
| Hiawatha Nf | 7 | 2024 | 1992 |
| Ensign | 7 | 2009 | 2006 |
| Creighton | 4 | 2023 | 1978 |
| Isabella | 4 | 1998 | 1979 |
| Imp Lake | 4 | 2019 | 1996 |
| Maple Grove | 3 | 2023 | 1969 |
| Hungerford | 3 | 2018 | 2012 |
| Big Island Lake | 3 | 2009 | 2008 |
| Brush Creek | 3 | 2016 | 1979 |
| Betchler Lks | 3 | 2019 | 2009 |
| Ned Lake | 2 | 2024 | 1996 |
| Crystal Fls | 2 | 2024 | 1982 |
| Bear Lake | 2 | 2022 | 1971 |
| Bravo | 2 | 1994 | 1993 |
| Gilchrist | 2 | 1985 | 1976 |
| Hubbard Lake | 2 | 1996 | 1986 |
| Seney Nwr | 2 | 2019 | 1992 |
| Harrietta | 1 | 2016 | 1993 |
| Bergland | 1 | 2022 | 1990 |
| Bootjack | 1 | 2009 | 1993 |
Ruffed Grouse Population Trend in Other States
Source: USGS North American Breeding Bird Survey, retrieved 2026-05-22.