The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced that the sharp-tailed grouse hunting season will be closed for 2026. Permits and applications will not be available or accepted this year.

Population Metrics

Each year, the Sharp-tailed Grouse Advisory Committee uses a variety of population metrics to make a recommendation about a potential hunting season. These metrics include spring lek surveys, nesting success, winter survivability, and habitat data.

Although the sharp-tailed grouse population has shown an increase over the past four years, the committee evaluated the 2026 data and recommended forgoing a hunting season this year. The 22% decline in lek survey indices is within the range of natural variability, but the committee decided to err on the side of caution.

Sharp-tailed grouse will retain their status as a game species, per state law. A limited hunting season was held in 2025, with 12 permits awarded for state hunters in Zone 10 (the Crex Meadows Wildlife Area). The hunt resulted in five sharp-tailed grouse harvested from this zone.

Habitat Restoration Efforts

Sharp-tailed grouse populations have grown in recent years thanks to significant habitat restoration efforts in core areas of northwest Wisconsin. DNR managers and conservation partners expect the dip in the 2026 population estimate to be short-lived and continue to focus on long-term recovery and habitat management efforts.

Those passionate about Wisconsin’s historical tradition of sharp-tailed grouse hunting should be encouraged by the significant partnerships in the northwestern part of the state and the positive impact those partnerships have on the barrens habitat critical to sharp-tailed grouse populations.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.