Where to Hunt Ruffed Grouse
Upland Bird Hunting Returns and Public Land Offers Good Hunting
Sep 10, 2009
Grouse like cover, and this makes them difficult game. Unlike ducks and geese, which congregate around water, grouse blend into the landscape. In the middle of the twentieth century, when large tracts of farmland were reverting to woods, there was an abundance of good grouse habitat. Recent years have seen much of this land developed, doing away with the young trees and brush that grouse prefer. However, some public land management programs are creating areas where grouse can flourish.
States with Good Grouse Hunting
Michigan and Wisconsin are among the best grouse states in the US. These states offer large stands of aspen, which is a favorite habitat of the elusive game birds. Mid-October, when the leaves are falling from the aspen trees, is the ideal time for the hunt. Cool weather at this time of year is another plus, since the protective clothing worn by upland bird hunters gets uncomfortable in warm temperatures. Bird dogs also appreciate the cooler temperatures as they work. Grouse have been scarce in Ohio for the past several years, but thanks to land management practices now in place, the outlook is improving.
Michigan’s grouse hunting outlook for 2009-2010 is very good. Ruffed grouse populations increase and decrease in 10-year cycles, due to factors believed to include habitat, food sources, and predation. In Michigan, the peak of the 10-year cycle is approaching. The highest flush rates have been reported in the northern lower peninsula.
Wisconsin has two designated Ruffed Grouse management zones. When hunting both grouse and woodcock in Wisconsin, hunters must meet HIP registration and requirements, hunt with a shotgun limited to holding three shells, and have the appropriate state license. The additional requirements do not apply when hunting grouse only.
Grouse Hunting in Ohio
Grouse numbers have declined in Ohio, but public land managers are optimistic about the future. The years 2007 through 2008 saw record lows in both drumming counts and flush rates. As a result, grouse hunting in 2009–2010 will be limited to the autumn season, October 10 through January 31. There will be no February grouse hunt.
However, public areas where there is active timber management will yield some good hunting, and it is expected to improve in coming years. Timber cutting returns acreage to the young trees and brushy margins grouse love. Harvesting selected stands of timber in 10-year cycles yields income for the state as well as creates good hunting.
Hawthorne, sumac, and honeysuckle are good southern Ohio grouse cover, but this type of thick cover makes for more difficult hunting than the aspen stands in northern states. Add hilly terrain to the thick, often thorny cover, and it becomes nearly impossible to flush the birds successfully without dogs. Dogs will need to wear protection from the rough vegetation, too. Protective garments for both hunters and dogs make it hard to hunt comfortably until temperatures have cooled significantly. In Ohio, this usually happens around the end of October or first of November. From Halloween through the first two weeks of November, hunters will be permitted mixed bags of grouse and woodcock, making this one of the best times for an Ohio grouse hunt.
Scout for Best Grouse Hunting
The next few weeks, before Ruffed Grouse seasons open, is a crucial time to scout some hunting grounds. By checking out birdy-looking management zones ahead of time, hunters can zero in on areas most likely to hold these elusive upland game birds.
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