Preliminary results of upland game bird brood production present mixed picture for 2009
Source: http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/
Published: Sep. 15, 2009
MADISON - Upland game bird brood success was mixed in 2009 due to variable spring weather and habitat conditions, according to state wildlife managers.
Each year, Department of Natural Resources wildlife staff report the number and size of game bird broods they observe in the field from mid-June through late August. At the end of the survey period, these reports, known as the 10-Week Brood Survey, are complied and summarized by the wildlife research program.
“This year’s brood rearing conditions were slightly cooler and significantly dryer compared to last year,” said Scott Hull, DNR upland wildlife ecologist. “Statewide this year’s brood rearing season was on the whole better than 2008, but 2008 was a fairly poor year because of significant spring rain events.
“These surveys provide a rough estimate of game bird brood production. Combined with other spring surveys and harvest information it can help us determine the overall status of game birds in the state.”
The following are preliminary survey results for the turkey, ring-necked pheasant and ruffed grouse brood surveys.
Pheasant broods observed per hour were up 25 percent compared to 2008 but remain below the long-term average. Average size of a brood was also up in 2009 with 5.3 young per brood in 2009 compared to 4.6 in 2008.
“Pheasant hunters should expect similar numbers on the landscape as in 2009. While brood production was up this year, overall pheasant numbers are down according to spring survey results”, according to Hull.
• More Wisconsin News • More Uncategorized News • Wisconsin Forum BoardReader Comments
0 Comments on Preliminary results of upland game bird brood production present mixed picture for 2009
