https://www.wxpr.org/outdoors-...-sharp-tailed-grouse


Wisconsin to again allow hunting for sharp-tailed grouse

WXPR | By John Burton, Wisconsin DNR
Published July 7, 2025 at 6:48 AM CDT

Wisconsin will hold a sharp-tailed grouse hunt this fall for the first time since 2018.

The season will run from October 18th to November 9th.

An application period is in progress until August 1st for entry into a limited-drawing lottery.

State biologists noticed a steady decline in sharp-tailed grouse numbers beginning in the 1990’s.

Habitat fragmentation and a decline of the pine barrens the birds prefer were believed to be the reason.

Efforts have been underway since that time to restore and reconnect sharp tailed grouse habitat, and the population has been growing.

Bob Hanson, DNR wildlife biologist, has been working with the sharp-tailed grouse population for years and has been a key member of the advisory committee.

“The Sharp-tailed Grouse Advisory Committee used several criteria to evaluate whether the population could support a hunt. We looked at lek survey numbers, winter survivability, nesting and brood rearing success, weather forecasts and habitat metrics,” said Hanson.

“Based on the population response we’ve been seeing, the metrics considered were all satisfied and suggested the population was large enough again for a limited hunt.”

The reopening of the season is a win for conservation. It culminates years of intensive habitat work in the Northwest Sands region.

“I hope to see the population numbers continue to climb,” said Hanson. “As we continue creating new barrens habitat and connecting habitat segments within a fragmented landscape, we should continue to see the population increase.”

For information on sharp-tailed grouse management efforts and where to watch for public involvement opportunities, visit the DNR’s Sharp-tailed Grouse Management webpage.

My Dad said he shot a lot of sharp tails in the 1930's most of the ground in northern wis was burnt open areas. From the big pine logging of the late 1880s and early 1900.

As our forest grew back the sharp tails decline.

My son and I drew permits in the late 90's for 1 grouse each for a couple of years we filled our tags.

In area about 30 miles away.

Tough hunting not many birds