Grouse of Wisconsin

Sharp-tailed Grouse

Sharp-tailed grouse management began in northern Wisconsin during the late 1940's and early 1950's in response to concerns of diminishing habitat. Today the state's sharp-tail habitat exists in patches separated by large areas of unsuitable habitat. Sharp-tailed grouse require specific habitat for dancing grounds, nesting areas, brood areas, and wintering sites. This habitat ranges from prairie with grasses and forbs; to brush prairie with small, low shrubs and open woodland; to woodlands with young forests containing coniferous trees like jack pine and deciduous hardwoods like aspen.

2009 Season Dates and Information

• 2009 Sharp-tailed Grouse hunting season dates are October 17 - November 8
• Sharp-tailed Grouse Hunting Information & Map [PDF 35KB]
• To hunt sharp-tailed grouse in Wisconsin, you must have a valid permit and a small game license. To receive a permit to hunt sharp-tailed grouse in Wisconsin, you must submit an application. The application deadline is August 1, 2009, for the 2009 sharp-tailed grouse hunting season. Applications cost $3 and are available at any DNR Service Center, Licensing Agent, or by applying online.
• Small Game Hunting Regulations

Surveys

• Sharp-tailed Grouse Status and Harvest Reports

For more information on this topic, send mail to: Assistant Upland Ecologist

Questions for Wildlife Management