Species · Wisconsin · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024
Ruffed Grouse Population Trend in Wisconsin
Ruffed Grouse in Wisconsin has surged: up 99% on the route-weighted index since 1968.
+99%Since 1968
71Routes In State
58Years
Notable Ruffed Grouse Trends in Wisconsin
long arc increasecomputed index
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 2029
0.38Projected 2029 index
0.00–0.8295% range
±64.5%Backtest error
| Year | Projected index | 95% low | 95% high |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 0.38 | 0.00 | 0.81 |
| 2026 | 0.38 | 0.00 | 0.81 |
| 2027 | 0.38 | 0.00 | 0.81 |
| 2028 | 0.38 | 0.00 | 0.82 |
| 2029 | 0.38 | 0.00 | 0.82 |
Ruffed Grouse Survey Routes in Wisconsin
| Merrill | 11 | 2002 | 1970 |
| N Freedom | 8 | 1971 | 1971 |
| Cavour | 6 | 2024 | 2003 |
| Elderon | 4 | 1979 | 1979 |
| Chaffey | 3 | 1998 | 1967 |
| Grand View | 3 | 2024 | 1971 |
| Montreal | 3 | 2018 | 1985 |
| Weyerhauser | 2 | 2007 | 1967 |
| Holway | 2 | 1988 | 1974 |
| Eagle River | 2 | 2022 | 1968 |
| Wausaukee | 2 | 2018 | 1994 |
| Stevens Pt | 2 | 1990 | 1989 |
| Amnicon Falls | 2 | 2023 | 2023 |
| Viroqua | 2 | 1993 | 1979 |
| Rolling Grnd | 2 | 1988 | 1988 |
| Kiel | 2 | 2007 | 1998 |
| Mellen | 2 | 2023 | 2006 |
| Stetsonville | 2 | 2024 | 1991 |
| Weirgor Springs | 2 | 2023 | 2004 |
| Iron River | 1 | 2021 | 1974 |
| Minong | 1 | 2023 | 1969 |
| Bayfield | 1 | 2007 | 1967 |
| Shanagolden | 1 | 2024 | 1982 |
| Land O Lakes | 1 | 2012 | 1967 |
| Hudson | 1 | 2017 | 1970 |
Ruffed Grouse Population Trend in Other States
Source: USGS North American Breeding Bird Survey, retrieved 2026-05-22.