History of the Missouri Grouse

Status of the Missouri Rough Grouse


1930’s – Rough Grouse Missouri reported having approximately 100 birds

1940 – Efforts to bring back rough grouse failed.

1959 - Rough Grouse released in Missouri

1978 - Missouri’s grouse restoration was expanded in 1978

1980’s - Ruffed grouse numbers still in decline.

1983 - Missouri’s first contemporary grouse hunting season began only 3,000 permits issued. 2,917 permits were sold. Hunters took 151 ruffed grouse.

1986 and 1987 – Additional Rough Grouse released.

1990’s – Rough Grouse more than 5,300 have now been released into Missouri

2000 - Private Land Conservationist - 82 employees are spread around the state in Conservation Department offices or USDA Service Centers to improve landowners’ property to benefit wildlife.

2010 / 2011 - Missouri ruffed grouse hunting ceased.

2019 and 2020 – 300 Rough Grouse released

2022 - Restocking of the wild ruffed grouse on some 110,000 acres of highly prepared and the best habitat that money can buy, upland habitat in partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), phase 2 began.

2022 - Called drumming counts, specific sites are determined as listening posts with trained biologists and professionals monitoring the routes to check for active vocal calling and or actual sightings of the majestic native bird. All sightings either visual or vocally are then recorded over many days as an indicator and data compiled.

2023 - MDC Wild Turkey Email Survey - Did you see or hear a Rough Grouse?

2024 - Missouri has lost 1.2 million farm acres in 12 years.

2024 - MDC Wild Turkey Email Survey - Did you see or hear a Rough Grouse?

2024 – Missouri Rough Grouse a species of conservation concern in Missouri.

2024 – Missouri Rough Grouse hunting ban still implemented.