Donald R. Thompson

An Evaluation of Ruffed Grouse Drumming Counts

Wisconsin has about 16,000,000 acres of woodland inhabited by ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus). To establish intelligent hunting regulations, it is necessary to know the status of the grouse population on this large wooded area. With this objective in mind, the Wisconsin Conservation Department has used a state-wide winter flushcount index since 1950, and state-wide spring drumming counts since 1951, to estimate changes in grouse numbers. This paper describes the winter flush-count index and compares the results obtained with the drumming counts. Also described are detailed studies to determine the accuracy of drumming counts on smaller land areas.

Evaluation of a Fox Population Index

State Crop Reporting Service statisticians. It was intended to provide an annual index to fox population levels. Our purpose is to analyze the results and to point out the applicability of this general technique as an inexpensive wildlife population index. The Wisconsin Crop Reporting Service cooperates with the Conservation Department on several mailed questionnaire surveys concerning wildlife populations. Crop Reporting Service statisticians feel that an occasional wildlife questionnaire is of interest to their cooperators. We are deeply indebted to the Service for assisting in preparation and distribution of the questionnaires. We edit replies and sometimes help in summarizing the data. We wish especially to acknowledge the cooperation of C. D. Caparoon and 0. E. Krause of the Wisconsin Crop Reporting Service, and of J. H. Torrie of the University of Wisconsin for statistical advice.