BirdAnalyst
Species · Wisconsin · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Ruffed Grouse Population Trend in Wisconsin

All statesGeneralists

Ruffed Grouse in Wisconsin has surged: up 99% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

+99%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 →
58YearsYears 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 →

long arc increasecomputed indexTrend sourceWhether the figure is our own computed route-weighted index or an official USGS modeled estimate. The current build labels every trend as computed.Full methodology →

Ruffed Grouse has surged in Wisconsin: up 99% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Ruffed Grouse Population Forecast in Wisconsin

If the recent trend holds, Ruffed Grouse in Wisconsin is projected to rise about 91% by 2029 — from 0.20 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.38 (95% range 0.00–0.82). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±64.5%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+91%Change by 2029TrendPercent 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 →
0.38Projected 2029 indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →
0.00–0.8295% 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 →
±64.5%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 91% by 2029 — from 0.20 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.38 (95% range 0.00–0.82). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±64.5%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19662029
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 →
20250.380.000.81
20260.380.000.81
20270.380.000.81
20280.380.000.82
20290.380.000.82

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
N Freedom819711971
Cavour620242003
Elderon419791979
Chaffey319981967
Grand View320241971
Montreal320181985
Weyerhauser220071967
Holway219881974
Eagle River220221968
Wausaukee220181994
Stevens Pt219901989
Amnicon Falls220232023
Viroqua219931979
Rolling Grnd219881988
Kiel220071998
Mellen220232006
Stetsonville220241991
Weirgor Springs220232004
Iron River120211974
Minong120231969
Bayfield120071967
Shanagolden120241982
Land O Lakes120121967
Hudson120171970

Ruffed Grouse Population Trend in Other States

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

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