Park Falls Area...
Ruffed Grouse Capital of the World
Each of the small towns dotting the great forests in the North has claimed itself capital of one of the Northwood's many facets. Boulder boasts the mighty Musky, Mercer the haunting Loon and Rhinelander the mysterious Hodag. Park Fall's claim to capital fame is the Ruffed Grouse, probably the most important game bird in Wisconsin and the most abundant of four native grouse species.

In the past generations it was commonly known as a "partridge", but in recent years has regained its proper name "Ruffed Grouse." This brown chicken-like bird has a prominent, fan-shaped, black banded tail measuring 5 to 7 inches long, and iridescent black "ruffs" on the sides of the neck, hence the name "ruffed."

One of the most interesting facts about the Ruffed Grouse is its mating rituals. Walking in the woods anytime from late March to late May, it's likely you will hear the distinctive drumming sound. This is the male's calling card to female grouse in the area that it's spring and time for their annual courtship. The drumming sound is usually performed on a fallen log or a rock. While drumming, the male spreads his tail and presses it against the
log, then begins with a series of strong wing flaps, compressing the air, creating a vacuum which produces the thumping sound. Starting slowly and increasing to a rapid drum roll that can be heard up to 1/4 mile or more away. This drumming occurs at 3-4 minute intervals just before dawn and becomes sporadic throughout the day and night.

Once a female is attracted the male begins his strutting performance which is used to intimidate other intruding males. During strutting the male grouse walks slowly forward with tail erect and fanned, followed by flaring of the ruffs on the neck, hissing, head shaking and finally a run forward with wings dragging. Mating usually occurs after this performance and one male commonly mates with several females. This is truly a unique wildlife experience and those that witness this should consider themselves very fortunate.

Park Falls has the most extensively managed ruffed grouse habitat in the world consisting of many miles of mowed and clovered roads and numerous wildlife openings also benefiting deer, bear, rabbits and songbirds. Presently over 5,000 acres in this area are being intensively managed as habitat by the U.S. Forest Service, Price County Forestry Commission, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin Extension,
National Ruffed Grouse Society and the local Flambeau River Chapter.

As of May 29, 1985, Park Falls became the "Ruffed Grouse Capital of the World."