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Related links

• Ruffed grouse management
• Hunting regulations
• Where to hunt
• Small game hunting

Ruffed grouse hunting

Ruffed grouse are one of the most popular upland game birds to hunt. Ruffed grouse are most commonly known for their distinctive "drumming" noise produced by males during the spring breeding season. Male grouse will display on drumming logs, rapidly beating their wings with the intention of attracting a female grouse.

Many hunters hunt ruffed grouse and woodcock at the same time. Hunters doing so should be aware that there are federal requirements that must be met to hunt woodcock. To harvest woodcock, in addition to having the appropriate license hunters must also meet HIP registration requirements and are restricted to hunting with a shotgun limited to holding 3 shells. These federal requirements are not required for ruffed grouse. However, these regulations must be followed if hunting both species at the same time. To learn more about HIP, visit the Harvest Information Program page.

Ruffed grouse use a variety of habitat types, but young, early successional forest types are most important when trying to find a good grouse hunting location. Seeking out the densest woody cover available is usually the quickest way to locate grouse in a new hunting area.

• Ruffed grouse season dates
• Ruffed grouse management zone map [PDF]
• Small game hunting regulations
• Ruffed grouse management

Contact information

For information on ruffed grouse hunting, contact:

Krista McGinley
Assistant upland ecologist
Bureau of Wildlife Management
608-261-8458