August 1 deadline to apply for sharp-tailed grouse harvest permits
MADISON – Hunters have until August 1 to apply for one of 875 sharp-tailed grouse hunting permits available for the 2008 season.
Four sharp-tailed grouse management units (pdf; 35kb) have grouse permits available in 2008. The number of permits available by unit are: 700 permits for Unit 2; 50 permits for Unit 8; 100 permits for Unit 9; and 25 permits for Unit 10. Sharp-tailed grouse units use the same boundaries and designations as deer management units (DMU). The 2008 sharp-tailed grouse season runs Oct. 18 – Nov. 9.
Photo courtesy of Robert & Linda Scarth
“This is an increase from 2007 when 695 permits were available,” said Scott Hull, upland wildlife ecologist for the Department of Natural Resources. “There was an increase in observations of sharp-tailed grouse this season in some areas that were surveyed. The increase is likely a combination of cyclical grouse population dynamics and an increased effort to survey additional areas within the units. Although there were a few more males observed this spring, traditional sharp-tailed grouse dancing grounds are still less stable than in past years, warranting a continued conservative approach in our harvest framework.”
Last fall, 417 applicants applied for 695 permits. Hunters harvested 40 birds during the 2007 season.
“Because sharp-tailed grouse numbers are generally low, it’s a challenge to locate these birds,” said Sharon Fandel, DNR assistant upland game ecologist. “Anticipating and allowing yourself to enjoy the experience of the hunt is highly encouraged and likely more realistic than the prospect of finding and harvesting a sharp-tail.”
Applications for a permit can be purchased: over the Internet through the Online Licensing Center; at DNR service centers during their regular business hours (check service center link for hours of operation, which vary by service center; service centers are closed Saturdays); at license sales locations; or by calling toll-free 1-877-WI LICENSE (1-877-945-4236). Applications cost $3. Hunters are encouraged to carefully review the zone map and apply only for units that are open. Applying for closed units will result in an invalid application.
The sharp-tailed grouse is native to Wisconsin and historically occupied suitable habitat throughout the state. Long-term population declines across North America, including Wisconsin, have occurred since the early 1900s. Sharp-tailed grouse management began in northern Wisconsin during the late 1940s and early 1950s in response to concerns of habitat loss. Sharp-tailed grouse require specific habitat for courtship, nesting, brood-rearing, and wintering sites.
Suitable habitat currently exists in patches separated by large tracts of unsuitable habitat. Today, sharp-tailed grouse in Wisconsin are primarily found in the early successional pine barrens and savannas of the northwestern portion of the state. Some of the larger state-owned areas that focus on sharp-tailed grouse management include Crex Meadows and Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Areas in Burnett County.
Sharp-tailed grouse resemble its close relative, the greater prairie chicken, and are also sometimes mistaken for the female ring-necked pheasant. Sharp-tails have a distinctive pointed tail edged with white, and produce a “chuck, chuck, chuck” call when flushed. They are largely known for their spring courtship display on clearings called "dancing grounds." During this display, the male uses a stiff-bodied stepping motion, with tail and head feathers pointed up, wings spread, and head held low. This is followed by a vigorous “dance” (feet stamping) in small circles. While dancing, the male vibrates his tail feathers, which produces a clicking or rattling noise. Males also inflate and deflate lavender-colored air sacs in their breasts, creating soft cooing sounds.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott Hull (608) 267-7861; Sharon Fandel (608) 261-8458
