ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking public input on its proposed ruffed grouse long-range management plan.

Citizens interested in grouse and the habitat that supports them can file comments online only through Monday, Dec. 19.

Minnesota is one of the nation’s top three ruffed grouse states, with an average annual harvest of 519,000. The average hunter harvests five birds each year in Minnesota.

The draft plan’s long-range vision includes sufficient quantity, quality and distribution of habitat to support robust grouse populations throughout the species’ range in the state. The plan also seeks to maintain grouse hunter numbers.

The DNR said the public input will be reviewed and considered in January. The final plan, to be completed in February, will help guide ruffed grouse management during the next 10 years.