Grouse Numbers Look Strong

Most of the birds that will migrate back to the Brainerd area have already done so, according to DNR Area Wildlife Supervisor Gary Drotts. He tells KLKS News, these are excellent nesting conditions. The problem is the nesting has not begun yet, and wet weather at the time of the hatch, the end of May, can pose problems. Drotts says he is most concerned about the ruffed grouse populations.

Drotts says the spring drumming counts appear to be up over last year. But, he says bird counts always vary from region to region.

Drotts also says the spring turkey hunt in the area has been good.