Species · Vermont · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Ruffed Grouse Population Trend in Vermont

Ruffed Grouse in Vermont has edged down: down 19% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

-19%Since 1968
24Routes In State
54Years

Notable Ruffed Grouse Trends in Vermont

No notable trend signals for Ruffed Grouse in Vermont. See the full index history below.

Ruffed Grouse Population Forecast in Vermont

If the recent trend holds, Ruffed Grouse in Vermont is projected to fall about 83% by 2028 — from 0.17 in 2023 to a central estimate of 0.03 (95% range 0.00–0.34). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±80.7%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-83%Change by 2028
0.03Projected 2028 index
0.000.3495% range
±80.7%Backtest error
19662028
Projection of the recent trend (dashed) with 80/95% bands — a projection, not a prediction. Habitat, climate, and land use are not modeled.
YearProjected index95% low95% high
20240.050.000.36
20250.040.000.35
20260.040.000.35
20270.030.000.34
20280.030.000.34

Ruffed Grouse Survey Routes in Vermont

Routes recording Ruffed Grouse in Vermont.
W Rutland420181972
Newbury 2320232012
Hardwick220051967
Marlboro119891966
North Pownal119801973
Stratton120221968
Landgrove119991972
S Reading119801977
Gaysville120181966
Post Mills119861985
Shaftsbury119891978
S Wallingfrd119881969
St Johnsbury120221972
East Haven119851967
Northfld Fls120171980
Middlesex120171975
East Calais120101966
Newbury119931993
Greensboro120221970
Fletcher120151971
Waterville119741970
Hinesburg119741974
Colchester119991999
Stowe119971991

Ruffed Grouse Population Trend in Other States

Source: USGS North American Breeding Bird Survey, retrieved 2026-05-22.