Massachusetts recently published findings by Division of Fisheries and Game biologists in their publication "Massachusetts Wildlife" the results were that WNV has definitely had a negative impact on ruffed grouse populations in MA... however, through the course of their studies, not all infected birds succumbed to the disease... some birds had a natural resistance to it and survived. In blood tests on samples sent in by hunters they found antibody markers for fighting WNV. Lets hope they build up an immunity and begin to show a strong comeback. It will take years or decades for a resistant strain of ruffed grouse to begin to populate our favorite covers but there is hope.

Last edited by DAM16SXS; 02/23/20 08:36 PM.