 Rough grouse counts in Minnesota are the highest since 1972. MNN's Ashley Walker with more. The DNR says the warm temperatures and dry conditions we've seen the past few years favor high nest success and chick survival, possibly explaining the quicker-than-expected rise to peak levels in the 10-year population cycle of the bird. Snow conditions were also favorable for roosting from 2021 to 2022 and 2022 to 2023, followed by an unusually warm winter this year. Ashley Walker, MNN.