Minnesota’s ruffed grouse spring drumming counts were up 57 percent statewide this year compared to last year, according to a survey conducted by the Department of Natural Resources.

Ruffed grouse are found in forests from southeastern to northwestern Minnesota. Young to middle-aged aspen forests provide the best habitat.

According to a DNR news release, for grouse hunters, the large increase in drumming counts this year is sure to be a signal of good times ahead during the fall hunting season.

The grouse population is nearing its 10-year peak.

Drumming is a low sound produced by males as they beat their wings rapidly and in increasing frequency to signal the location of their territory. Drumming displays also attract females that are ready to begin nesting. Ruffed grouse populations are surveyed by counting the number of male ruffed grouse heard drumming on established routes throughout the state’s forested regions.

UPCOMING SEASONS

These are some of the hunting seasons coming up in Minnesota. For more, go the state’s DNR website.

• Sept. 1-Oct. 31 — Crow Hunting (3rd season)

•Sept. 1-Nov. 9  — Mourning Dove season

• Sept. 1-Oct. 15 — Bear season

Sept. 2-18 — Early Canada Goose season