PA Ruffed Grouse Society needs volunteers for planting, fencing

Want to help wildlife? Members of the Upland Bird Hunt Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) are seeking volunteers for planting and fencing for wildlife from 9 a.m. to approximately 1 p.m. April 19 in McKean County.

The volunteer work site is on lands open for public recreation use, locally called Bunker Hill, near Clermont. All volunteers will meet at 9 a.m. at Clermont Park, which is on North Street in Clermont, across from Clermont Volunteer Fire Department Station 14. Volunteers will follow each other to the work site.

Reach Clermont by driving from Wilcox on Route 219 northeast on Wilcox-Clermont Road, or from Route 6 west of Smethport by driving south on State Route 146, Clermont Road.

All volunteers should register with Jed Hamberger at jedhamberger@gmail.com, so we can arrange enough tools for volunteers. All volunteers should wear boots and gloves, and bring safety glasses if you have them. Dress for the weather. This project will take place rain or shine.

The work is part of the society’s ongoing efforts to improve habitat for ruffed grouse, woodcock and other wildlife species. It will include creating early successional forest critical for young forest wildlife, including tree planting and fence repair.

“This is a great opportunity for anyone passionate about conservation and upland bird hunting to get involved and make a real impact,” said Hamberger, chapter president. “By improving habitat at Bunker Hill, we’re ensuring a better future for grouse, woodcock and a variety of other wildlife that depend on young forests. Not everyone is fiscally capable of making contributions at banquets and fundraising events but, they still want to contribute to the conservation mission of the Ruffed Grouse Society. Habitat projects like this are important for local chapters because they enable members and non-members to be involved and contribute.”

No special skills are needed.

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Best Places to Hunt Ruffed Grouse in New Hampshire

 

By RuffedGrouse.com staff

New Hampshire offers excellent opportunities for Ruffed Grouse hunting, particularly in the northern and central regions where forests provide ideal habitat. Here are some of the top spots:

 

1. Great North Woods (Coös County)

• The best grouse hunting in New Hampshire is often found in Coös County, which includes Pittsburg, Dixville Notch, and the Connecticut Lakes Region.
• Look for young aspen stands, alder thickets, and overgrown logging roads.

2. White Mountain National Forest

• Covering over 750,000 acres, this vast public land offers diverse terrain, from regenerating timber cuts to mixed hardwood forests.
• Focus on areas with thick understory, particularly near river bottoms and logging roads.

3. Connecticut River Valley

• This area offers a mix of farmland and young forest, creating ideal grouse habitat.
• Check Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) such as the Mascoma River WMA and Pondicherry WMA.

4. Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region

• WMAs and state forests like Pillsbury State Park provide excellent public land opportunities.
• Focus on edges of clear cuts and old orchards.

5. Lakes Region (Belknap & Carroll Counties)

• While more developed, pockets of young forests in conservation areas and state parks hold grouse.
• Look at areas near Squam Lake and the Ossipee Mountain region.

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Tips for Successful Ruffed Grouse Hunting

1. Focus on Habitat

• Ruffed Grouse thrive in young forests, especially areas with aspen, birch, and mixed hardwoods.
• Look for overgrown logging roads, alder swamps, and abandoned farms with thick cover.

2. Hunt the Edges

• Grouse are often found along habitat transitions—where hardwoods meet conifers or young cuts meet mature forest.
• Walk along edges of logging cuts, streambeds, and old stone walls.

3. Go Slow & Listen

• Walk at a slow pace, pausing frequently. Grouse often flush when you stop.
• Listen for drumming males or the rustling of birds moving in the underbrush.

4. Use a Well-Trained Dog

• A pointing or flushing dog can greatly improve your success rate by locating birds in thick cover.
• Springer Spaniels, English Setters, and German Shorthaired Pointers are excellent choices.

5. Time Your Hunts

• Early morning and late afternoon are prime times when birds are feeding.
• Midseason hunts (late October through November) offer great action as birds transition to winter cover.

6. Be Ready for Fast Flushes

• Grouse flush unpredictably and fast, often in thick cover.
• Keep your shotgun at the ready and be prepared to snap-shoot.
• A 20-gauge or 16-gauge with improved cylinder or modified choke works well.

7. Use the Right Ammunition

• No. 7.5 or No. 6 shot is ideal for grouse hunting, providing enough power without excessive meat damage.

8. Adjust for Weather Conditions

• On warm days, birds stick to shaded, moist cover.
• On cold, clear days, they may be found near sunlit openings feeding on buds.

By targeting prime habitats, moving methodically, and adjusting to conditions, you’ll improve your chances of bagging Ruffed Grouse in New Hampshire. Good luck and happy hunting!

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Best Places to Hunt Ruffed Grouse in Maine

By RuffedGrouse.com staff 

Maine is one of the top destinations for ruffed grouse hunting in the U.S., thanks to its vast forests, well-managed timberlands, and low hunting pressure in many areas. Here are some of the best places to target these birds:

1. North Maine Woods

• Covers over 3.5 million acres of privately owned but publicly accessible land.
• Consists of a mix of young and mature forests, perfect for grouse habitat.
• Features extensive logging roads, making access easier for hunters.

2. Rangeley Lakes Region

• Known for excellent bird numbers due to abundant early successional forests.
• Plenty of old logging trails and clear cuts that attract grouse.
• Offers beautiful scenery along with productive hunting.

3. Jackman Region

• Dense woodlands mixed with new growth create a prime grouse habitat.
• A remote area with lower hunting pressure compared to southern Maine.
• Near the Canadian border, offering an authentic wilderness experience.

4. Katahdin Region

• Surrounding Baxter State Park and the Katahdin Iron Works area.
• Ideal mix of young aspen and birch stands, prime for grouse hunting.
• Access via dirt roads and trails makes it easier to cover ground.

5. Western Mountains (Bethel, Andover, and Upton)

• This region features rolling hills and regenerating forests from past logging.
• Plenty of old farm roads and trails create ideal spots for flushing birds.
• Offers great cover for both ruffed grouse and woodcock.

6. Allagash Wilderness Waterway

• A remote, wild hunting experience with large populations of grouse.
• Requires more effort to access but rewards hunters with excellent opportunities.
• Limited road access keeps hunting pressure low.

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Tips for Successful Ruffed Grouse Hunting in Maine

1. Focus on Edge Habitat

• Grouse prefer transitional zones where young forest meets mature timber.
• Look for areas with aspen, birch, and alder stands, especially near logging cuts.

2. Hunt Old Logging Roads and Trails

• Grouse often feed and loaf along logging roads, especially in early morning and late afternoon.
• Walk quietly and be prepared for quick flushes from the brush along the sides.

3. Go After the Right Weather

• Overcast, slightly damp days are best for hunting as grouse tend to hold tighter.
• Windy days can be more challenging since birds are more nervous and flush earlier.

4. Use a Good Bird Dog (Optional)

• Flushers like spaniels and retrievers work well to push birds from thick cover.
• Pointers can be highly effective at locating and holding grouse in dense woods.

5. Shoot Quickly but Accurately

• Ruffed grouse are known for their explosive flushes and erratic flight patterns.
• Keep your shotgun at the ready and use an open choke (improved cylinder or modified) for quick, close shots.

6. Be Stealthy and Patient

• Move slowly, stopping frequently to mimic natural predator movement.
• Grouse often hold tight until they detect movement, so pausing can make them flush.

7. Wear the Right Gear

• A blaze orange hat or vest for safety.
• Waterproof boots for navigating wet terrain.
• Light gloves to protect hands from thorns and brush.

8. Scout Before You Hunt

• Check satellite maps or forestry service reports to find young forest growth.
• Drive back roads before hunting to look for likely spots with good cover.

9. Consider Maine's Grouse Season and Limits

• The season typically runs from late September through December.
• Daily bag limit is 4 birds, with a possession limit of 8.

By targeting these prime areas and following the best hunting strategies, you can greatly increase your success while enjoying the beauty of Maine’s wilderness. Happy hunting!