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Species · Wisconsin · BBS 2026 Release · 1966–2025

Ruffed Grouse Population Trend in Wisconsin

All statesGame birds

Ruffed Grouse in Wisconsin has increased: up 49% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

+49%Since 1968TrendPercent change in the route-weighted abundance index between a smoothed baseline window and the most recent one. It tracks direction, not absolute population.Full methodology →
71Routes In StateSurvey routesHow many standard-protocol BBS routes contributed counts. More routes means a steadier, better-sampled index; very thin coverage is suppressed.Full methodology →
59YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

Notable Ruffed Grouse Trends in WisconsinNotable signalsLong-arc shifts the engine flags automatically — sustained declines or increases large enough to stand out from year-to-year noise.Full methodology →

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

Ruffed Grouse Population Forecast in Wisconsin

If the recent trend holds, Ruffed Grouse in Wisconsin is projected to rise about 70% by 2030 — from 0.21 in 2025 to a central estimate of 0.37 (95% range 0.00–0.80). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±58.5%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+70%Change by 2030TrendPercent change in the route-weighted abundance index between a smoothed baseline window and the most recent one. It tracks direction, not absolute population.Full methodology →
0.37Projected 2030 indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →
0.00–0.8095% range95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →
±58.5%Backtest errorBacktest errorTypical error when we hold out the most recent years, forecast them, and compare to what actually happened. Lower means a more trustworthy projection.Full methodology →
If the recent trend holds, Ruffed Grouse in Wisconsin is projected to rise about 70% by 2030 — from 0.21 in 2025 to a central estimate of 0.37 (95% range 0.00–0.80). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±58.5%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19662030
Projection of the recent trend (dashed) with 80/95% bands — a projection, not a prediction. Habitat, climate, and land use are not modeled.
YearProjected indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →95% low95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →95% high95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →
20260.360.000.80
20270.360.000.80
20280.360.000.80
20290.370.000.80
20300.370.000.80

Ruffed Grouse Survey Routes in Wisconsin

Routes recording Ruffed Grouse in Wisconsin.
Recent countThe raw number of individuals recorded on this route in its most recent survey year. A single-route tally, not a trend.Full methodology →
Merrill1120021970
Cavour1020252003
N Freedom819711971
Elderon419791979
Chaffey319981967
Grand View320241971
Montreal320181985
Weyerhauser220071967
Holway219881974
Eagle River220221968
Popple River220251966
Wausaukee220181994
Stevens Pt219901989
Amnicon Falls220232023
Viroqua219931979
Rolling Grnd219881988
Kiel220071998
Mellen220232006
Stetsonville220241991
Weirgor Springs220232004
Iron River120251974
Minong120231969
Bayfield120071967
Shanagolden120251982
Land O Lakes120121967

Ruffed Grouse Population Trend in Other States

alaskaarkansascaliforniaconnecticutgeorgiaidahoindianaiowakentuckymainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamontananevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-dakotatennesseeutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawyoming

Source: USGS North American Breeding Bird Survey, retrieved 2026-08-14.