LANSING, MI (AP)-- Michigan wildlife officials are using their ears and eyes to monitor the number of state game birds.
The Department of Natural Resources taps staff members and volunteers to conduct the spring roadside surveys. The population counts focus on ruffed grouse and woodcock around the state and sharp-tailed grouse in the Eastern Upper Peninsula. And although mourning doves aren't game birds in Michigan, they're monitored in the southern part of the state to help in national management efforts.
The surveys are conducted by traveling the same routes on about the same day each year to allow annual monitoring. Organizations such as the Ruffed Grouse Society often pitch in.
Also assisting are the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, college students, and other volunteers.
