“Between 1956 and 2004, 2,795 wild trapped birds were released at 185 sites around the state. Wild turkeys now exist across the state and now several generations of citizens throughout the state can now see or hunt wild turkeys for the first time in their lives in a state where a little over a generation ago wild turkeys did not exist. Spring density over most of the turkey range in Indiana is one to six birds per square mile with some estimates as high as 25 birds per square mile.”
And so in 2018 Indiana puts Ruffed Grouse on their endangered species list. Similarly, Ruffed Grouse are virtually eliminated from the southern half of WI.
Changes in habitat and climate are said to be the main driver of the wild turkey success and decline of Ruffed Grouse – but is something going on here? Ruffed Grouse once flourished in Missouri and Indiana. Even with climate change we can presume southern WI today is at least no warmer than Missouri and Indiana when the birds flourished 50 years ago, right?
There’s considerably less trapping these days with skunk, raccoon, opossum, and fox populations flourishing due to furs being virtually worthless. I’m told raptors were shot without hesitation 50 years ago. Marginal habitat and high predator populations have certainly put extreme pressure on Ruffed Grouse. It seems almost certain the downward trend will continue, with lower peaks and even lower valleys in grouse cycles.
I for one like wild turkeys (and Wild Turkey once in a while for that matter) and enjoy hunting them. Their reintroduction is an amazing story and I’ve spent countless hours pursuing them. with great family memories. I hope to never have to choose between these two supreme game birds. I also hope to not see Ruffed Grouse on the endangered list in any more states.