Hunters encouraged to submit spruce grouse feathers for genetics study

Late-season spruce grouse hunters in northern Minnesota’s boreal forests are asked to voluntarily submit feather samples for the final year of a genetics research project being conducted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in partnership with the University of Minnesota.

Hunters who would like to assist with the project should collect three to five large wing or tail feathers along with the GPS coordinates of the harvest location. The feathers, GPS coordinates and the hunter’s name and telephone number should be mailed to: Grouse Research, DNR Regional Headquarters, 1201 East Highway 2, Grand Rapids, MN 55744. Hunters are asked to mail samples from each bird in a separate envelope and not mix feather samples from multiple birds.

This research project is funded by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources with money from the Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund. More information about spruce grouse management can be found on the DNR website.