Sharp-tailed grouse hunting season to remain closed in Wisconsin
Data shows that the sharp-tailed grouse population is up slightly, but concerns remain about its long-term viability. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
The sharp-tailed grouse hunting season will remain closed in Wisconsin for 2024, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR.) The DNR said Tuesday that permits and applications will not be available or accepted.
According to a newsletter, the Wisconsin DNR said the population survey results done this spring does indicate a slight increase, however there are concerns about the long-term viability of the sharp-tailed grouse population. Officials say the sharp-tailed grouse advisory committee goes out each year to evaluate the spring dancing ground surveys to estimate the population’s size and recommend a hunting season.
According to the Wisconsin DNR:
The recommendation to keep the sharp-tailed grouse hunting season closed follows the spring 2024 survey data review, historical data trends and scientific models. 2024 will be the sixth year the season has been closed. Although fall permits will not be issued this year, sharp-tailed grouse will retain their status as a game species, per state law.
Due to the significant habitat restoration practices occurring in the core habitat areas of northwest Wisconsin, grouse populations have grown in recent years, recovering from an all-time low in 2021. The DNR and a wide array of partners continue to focus on habitat management efforts that will increase population levels across their primary range.
More information on sharp-tailed grouse hunting and management in Wisconsin is available on the DNR’s Sharp-tailed Grouse Hunting and Management webpage.