Sharptail grouse hunting was once as much a mark of autumn as the family hunting camp in the North Woods. Men, women, children and dogs would take to the pine barrens in pursuit of "Wisconsin's other grouse". In recent years however the grouse hunting permits have not been issued by the State DNR citing declining populations and habitat. However overall population numbers observed during spring lek counting have shown a 38% increase in population.   Please make your opinion known on Wisconsin's historic tradition of upland hunting and increased health of the Sharptail Grouse flock in Wisconsin through the public comment period for the draft sharptail managment plan.   The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the draft 2023-2033 Sharp-Tailed Grouse Management Plan, which outlines objectives and strategies to guide sharp-tailed grouse management in Wisconsin. The draft plan is open to public comment until Nov. 17 at 11:59 p.m. Additionally, the public can provide verbal comments during a public meeting on Nov. 8, being held in-person and via Zoom. The draft Sharp-Tailed Grouse Management Plan sets a course for how the DNR intends to manage sharp-tailed grouse and the habitat they use. Highlights include: Focusing management on the existing core range of sharp-tailed grouse in northern Wisconsin. Developing cooperative partnerships between public and private organizations. Implementing landscape-level habitat strategies to sustain long-term populations of sharp-tailed grouse. Comments can be sent via email to Bob Hanson, DNR Wildlife Biologist, at [email protected] or through the mail until 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 17. Please mail comments to: Sharp-Tailed Grouse Management Plan Comments Crex Visitor Center 102 E. Crex Ave. Grantsburg, WI 54840   Sharp-tailed grouse are a native resident game bird of Wisconsin. These grouse depend on young, open pine, oak barren and savanna ecosystems. Historically, sharp-tailed grouse were found throughout the state. Due to habitat loss and fragmentation, most sharp-tailed grouse in Wisconsin are now found in the northwest. Learn more about sharp-tailed grouse on the DNR's website. EVENT DETAILS What: Public meeting on the draft Sharp-Tailed Grouse Management Plan When: Nov. 8 at 7 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m. Where: DNR Spooner Service Center Large Conference Room 810 W Maple St. Spooner, WI 54801 Join online via Zoom