Wisconsin DNR asking bird hunters for help...

[dan]

HELP WITH GAME BIRD BROOD SURVEYS THIS SUMMER!

Upland bird hunters and outdoor enthusiasts:

The Wisconsin DNR is asking for your help in measuring the brood production of the state’s upland game bird species. We are looking for observations of broods of pheasant, wild turkey, ruffed grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, prairie chicken, gray partridge, and bobwhite quail. Wisconsinites spend many days outdoors during the summer months, and while doing so see a variety of our state’s abundant wildlife. This makes you a good source of information on the reproductive status of some of our wildlife species. No special effort is required! Just go about your normal summertime activities, and when you see a brood of young pheasants, turkey, ruffed grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, prairie chicken, gray partridge, or bobwhite quail, please report your sightings. Instructions on how to perform the survey and a tally sheet for your use can be found here (http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/harvest/brood.htm). Also report any sightings of turkey and pheasant hens that do not have broods. Results from your observations will be used to monitor the reproductive status of these birds and to help make fall hunting forecasts. If you have any questions about the survey, or if you have any issues accessing the survey website please contact Brian Dhuey (Brian.Dhuey@wisconsin.gov).

Thank you for your interest in Wisconsin’s wildlife!

[solocam88]

Nice that they are asking for our input, why dont they try the same with deer? The pheasant numbers around my area have decreased dramatically in the past few years.

[dan]

Remember to send in your Game Bird Brood Observations over the 4th of July holiday weekend!
Outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife watchers from across the state have reported 190 game bird brood observations during the first two weeks of the survey period. Observations have been reported from 57 of 72 counties in the state. Most brood observations occurred in Dane county, followed by Waukesha. The most frequently observed game bird species is turkeys. Ruffed grouse are the next most frequently seen game bird.

Please continue to report your observations throughout the months of July and August.

You can record your observations on the game bird brood survey page, or for times when you will not have access to a computer and the web and would like to keep track of your observations, please print out this tally sheet and record your sightings. Then periodically return to the survey page, using the tally sheet to help you fill out the survey.

Thank you to all the anonymous outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife watchers across the state that are taking the time and interest in Wisconsin’s wildlife to fill out the online game bird brood observation survey.

If you have any trouble accessing the survey or if you have questions about the survey, please contact Brian Dhuey, 608-221-6342.