The DNR has proposed changes to the rule governing the hunting of ruffed grouse on public lands to a period of 6 weeks only. The season length on private lands would remain unchanged. Currently, grouse hunting occurs across all or portions of 25 counties from October 1 to December 31 (13 weeks) with a 2 bird bag limit. However, extremely low grouse population levels and deteriorating habitat conditions with uncertain prospects for improvement raise concerns about hunting mortality on grouse…