Ruffed grouse hunters in Minnesota are being asked to help with a study of the West Nile virus in the state.
The Department of Natural Resources has joined with their counterparts in Wisconsin and Michigan to determine the impact of the virus on the birds.
The population right now is stable but ther is concern about its future.
The DNR asking hunters to provide blood samples of their harvest as well as the birds’ hearts and feathers to aid in their research.
Collection kits will be available at DNR area wildlife offices after Labour Day on a first-come, first-serve basis.
