Midwest Fish & Wildlife Conference 2018

AUTHORS: Benjamin Tjepkes, University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point; Jeffrey Williams, University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point; Heidi Putnam, University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point; Joseph Quehl, University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point; Dr. Jason Riddle, University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point

ABSTRACT: Ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) are an important game bird in the upper Midwest. Males perform a unique drumming display atop fallen logs to attract females and maintain their territory. We evaluated drumming logs in northern Wisconsin to determine criteria used by male grouse when selecting these drumming sites. We conducted auditory drumming surveys to locate used logs, then we selected random logs within 90 feet of each log to determine availability. We then compared the diameter and decay class between used (n=34) and unused logs (n=39).  We found no difference in either of the characteristics between selected and available logs (p>0.05). Our findings will be used to inform habitat managers of drumming log characteristics to better manage for ruffed grouse at our study site.  Future studies will focus on the spatial position and orientation of drumming logs to gain a better understanding of the broad scale selection by male ruffed grouse.