Best Places to Hunt Ruffed Grouse in Alaska and Tips To Be Successful

Hunting Ruffed Grouse in Alaska can be a rewarding experience, as these birds are abundant in certain areas and provide excellent table fare. Here are some of the best places and tips for a successful hunt:


Best Places to Hunt Roused Grouse in Alaska

  1. Southeast Alaska (Tongass National Forest)

    • The dense forests and mild climate of Southeast Alaska make it a prime habitat for Ruffed Grouse.

    • Areas around Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka are particularly productive.

  2. Southcentral Alaska

    • The Kenai Peninsula, Mat-Su Valley, and areas around Anchorage offer good grouse habitat.

    • Look for mixed birch and spruce forests with dense underbrush.

  3. Interior Alaska

    • Fairbanks and surrounding areas, including the Tanana Valley, have healthy grouse populations.

    • Focus on river corridors and edges of boreal forests.

  4. Road-Accessible Areas

    • Many Alaskan highways, such as the Glenn Highway, Parks Highway, and Richardson Highway, provide access to grouse habitat.

    • Walk logging roads, trails, or old forest service roads for success.


Tips for Successful Ruffed Grouse Hunting

  1. Know the Habitat

    • Ruffed Grouse thrive in young forests, especially those with a mix of birch, aspen, and alder. Look for areas with dense underbrush and nearby water sources.

  2. Hunt Early Morning or Late Afternoon

    • Grouse are most active during these times, feeding on berries, buds, and insects.

  3. Use a Shotgun with Small Shot

    • A 20-gauge or 12-gauge shotgun with #6 or #7.5 shot is ideal for grouse hunting.

    • Consider using a modified or improved cylinder choke for better pattern spread.

  4. Bring a Dog

    • A well-trained bird dog, such as an English Setter, Brittany, or Labrador Retriever, can greatly increase your chances of finding grouse.

  5. Walk Slowly and Quietly

    • Grouse often hold tight in cover, so move slowly and pause frequently to listen for their distinctive drumming or flushing sounds.

  6. Look for Sign

    • Search for grouse droppings, dusting areas, and feeding sites (e.g., stripped birch buds or scratched-up ground).

  7. Hunt in September and October

    • Fall is the best time to hunt Ruffed Grouse in Alaska, as the birds are more concentrated and easier to locate.

  8. Be Prepared for Weather

    • Alaska's weather can change quickly. Dress in layers, bring rain gear, and wear sturdy boots for walking through rough terrain.

  9. Practice Stealth

    • Grouse have excellent hearing and will flush if they sense danger. Move quietly and avoid sudden movements.

  10. Know the Regulations

    • Check the Alaska Department of Fish and Game regulations for bag limits, hunting seasons, and any area-specific rules.


Additional Notes

  • Ruffed Grouse are often found in the same areas as Spruce Grouse, so be sure to identify your target before shooting.

  • Always carry a map, compass, or GPS, as it’s easy to get turned around in Alaska’s vast wilderness.

By focusing on the right habitats and using these tips, you’ll increase your chances of a successful Ruffed Grouse hunt in Alaska. Good luck!

by RuffedGrouse.com staff

 

States With Ruffed Grouse Hunting Seasons And The Top 10 Ranked

States with Ruffed Grouse Hunting Seasons:

As of recent data, the following states have ruffed grouse hunting seasons:

  1. Alaska

  2. Maine

  3. New Hampshire

  4. Vermont

  5. New York

  6. Pennsylvania

  7. Michigan

  8. Wisconsin

  9. Minnesota

  10. Ohio

  11. Indiana

  12. Illinois

  13. Iowa

  14. West Virginia

  15. Virginia

  16. Kentucky

  17. Tennessee

  18. North Carolina

  19. Georgia

  20. Alabama

Ranking by Popularity or Harvest:

While exact rankings can vary based on harvest data and hunter participation, the following states are generally considered the top destinations for ruffed grouse hunting due to their abundant populations and extensive forested habitats:

  1. Minnesota – Often considered the top state for ruffed grouse hunting, with a large population and extensive public lands.

  2. Wisconsin – Another top destination, with a strong grouse population and excellent hunting opportunities.

  3. Michigan – Known for its ruffed grouse hunting, particularly in the Upper Peninsula.

  4. Maine – Offers vast forested areas and a healthy grouse population.

  5. Pennsylvania – A popular state for grouse hunting in the Appalachian region.

  6. New York – Provides good grouse hunting opportunities, especially in the northern and western parts of the state.

  7. New Hampshire – Known for its grouse hunting in the northern forests.

  8. Vermont – Offers good grouse hunting, particularly in the Green Mountains.

  9. Alaska – While remote, Alaska has a healthy ruffed grouse population in certain areas.

  10. West Virginia – Provides good grouse hunting in the Appalachian region.

Notes:

  • The rankings are based on factors such as grouse population density, hunter participation, and availability of public hunting lands.

  • States like Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois have smaller grouse populations and less extensive hunting opportunities compared to the top-ranked states.

  • Southern states like Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama have limited ruffed grouse populations, and hunting opportunities are more restricted.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, hunters should consult their state’s wildlife agency or hunting regulations.

 

by RuffedGrouse.com staff

Winter Woodcock Hunting in Louisiana

Winter in Louisiana brings with it a unique opportunity for hunters: the pursuit of the elusive American woodcock. Known for its erratic flight patterns and remarkable camouflage, the woodcock offers a challenging yet rewarding experience for hunters looking to enjoy the colder months in the Bayou State. Whether you’re a seasoned upland hunter or a curious newcomer, here’s a guide to winter woodcock hunting in Louisiana.

Understanding the Woodcock

The American woodcock (Scolopax minor), also known as the "timberdoodle," is a migratory bird that winters in Louisiana’s dense forests, swamps, and thickets. With their long bills and rotund bodies, woodcocks are well-adapted for probing soft soil in search of earthworms, their primary food source. Their mottled brown plumage blends seamlessly with the forest floor, making them challenging to spot.

Woodcocks are known for their unpredictable, zigzagging flight when flushed, which adds to the excitement and difficulty of hunting them. These birds typically inhabit areas with moist soil and plenty of cover, such as young forests, river bottoms, and overgrown fields.

When and Where to Hunt

Woodcock season in Louisiana usually runs from mid-December to late January, coinciding with the bird’s migration and peak wintering period. Always check the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) website for specific season dates, bag limits, and regulations.

Prime woodcock hunting locations in Louisiana include:

  • Kisatchie National Forest: With its diverse habitat, this forest offers excellent opportunities for woodcock hunting. Focus on areas with young pine stands and mixed hardwoods.

  • Atchafalaya Basin: The swampy, dense cover of this region is ideal for woodcocks.

  • Private Lands: Managed lands with early successional growth can provide prime woodcock habitat. Be sure to obtain proper permissions before hunting on private property.

Essential Gear

Hunting woodcock requires some specialized gear to make your experience more enjoyable and successful. Here’s what you’ll need:

  1. Shotgun: A lightweight 20 or 28-gauge shotgun is ideal for quick handling in tight cover. Use #7.5 or #8 shot for better spread on these small birds.

  2. Comfortable Clothing: Wear durable, water-resistant upland hunting gear to protect against thorns, briars, and damp conditions. Blaze orange is recommended for safety.

  3. Good Footwear: Invest in waterproof boots with good traction to navigate muddy and uneven terrain.

  4. Bird Dog: A well-trained pointing or flushing dog can greatly enhance your woodcock hunting experience. Breeds like English pointers, setters, and spaniels excel at finding and retrieving these elusive birds.

Tips for Success

  1. Scout Ahead: Look for moist, shady areas with plenty of leaf litter where woodcocks feed and roost. Fresh probing holes in the soil are a good sign of their presence.

  2. Hunt Early or Late: Woodcocks are most active during dawn and dusk. Plan your hunts around these times for better chances of success.

  3. Move Slowly: Woodcocks rely on their camouflage and will often hold tight until they are nearly stepped on. Move deliberately to increase your chances of flushing a bird.

  4. Follow the Flight: When a woodcock flushes, watch its flight path carefully. They often land within a short distance, giving you another opportunity to flush them.

Conservation Matters

Woodcocks are a migratory species, and their population is influenced by habitat availability and environmental factors. Hunters play a crucial role in conservation efforts by following bag limits, reporting banded birds, and supporting organizations like the Ruffed Grouse Society and the Louisiana Wildlife Federation.

By respecting the resource and promoting habitat preservation, we can ensure that future generations of hunters enjoy the thrill of woodcock hunting in Louisiana’s wild landscapes.

Closing Thoughts

Winter woodcock hunting in Louisiana combines the beauty of the state’s natural habitats with the challenge of pursuing one of North America’s most fascinating game birds. Whether you’re trekking through Kisatchie’s forests or wading into the Atchafalaya Basin, the experience is about more than the hunt — it’s about embracing the adventure, camaraderie, and connection to the outdoors that make this pursuit so special.

 

Hiring Regional Engagement Coordinator | WI & W UP | RGS AWS

Job Type: Regional Engagement Coordinator
Location: Remote or home office centrally within ~130-mile radius of Stevens Point, WI
Region: Western Great Lakes (WI, Western UP MI)
Posting Open Date: Oct. 14, 2024
Posting Closing Date: Nov. 15, 2024 (Or until filled by an exceptional candidate)


Background:
At RGS & AWS, we believe forests are essential, not just for wildlife, but for all life. For more than 60 years, our foundation has been embedded in the tenets of sound science and the belief that sustainable forest management is integral to wildlife conservation. We create landscapes of diverse, healthy forests that provide homes for wildlife and opportunities for people to experience them. These same forests clean the air, filter water and support local communities.


We’re seeking an outstanding individual to increase member engagement. This position will includeorganizing fundraising banquets and events, along with engagement and education events for local chapters in your region, as well as helping develop and drive policy advocacy. The Regional Engagement Coordinator will empower volunteers to become conservation leaders, working with chapters that engage a larger network across the region for conservation delivery, advocacy and fundraising.


Qualifications:
• Experience planning, executing and evaluating fundraising events with more than three years of experience collaborating with and leading community members, volunteers, staff and board members in project/event management.
• More than three years of experience with public speaking, email communications and other means of communicating with the public and community groups.
• Ability to lead and motivate with a passion for forest and wildlife conservation.
• Well-organized with experience managing multiple projects under deadlines.
• Ability to establish a home office centrally within the regional service area.
• Willingness to work hours that sometimes extend beyond the typical workday and workweek, including travel throughout the region (valid driver’s license required).
• A degree in communications, marketing, public affairs, social or environmental sciences or similar field is preferred.


Position Summary:
The Regional Engagement Coordinator will work directly with RGS & AWS volunteers to engage various stakeholders to increase advocacy, membership and fundraising opportunities at the local, state and regional levels. Specifically, the coordinator will:
• Work directly with chapter volunteers to help them organize and orchestrate fundraising events and activities such as banquets, shoots and online events. Responsible for a fundraising budget in the region.
• Effectively communicate with members, donors and supporters, including in-person, email and social media outreach, keeping them advised of relevant news and success stories.
• Support, encourage and empower current chapter leadership and cultivate new leaders.
• Host regular "meet and greet" events (in-person and virtual) with RGS & AWS staff and other professionals, offering presentations that engage donors, members and volunteers.
• In collaboration with the Vice President of Communications & Marketing, build relationships with local media (print and electronic) to publicize RGS & AWS activities and accomplishments.
• Support the RGS & AWS Membership Department on promotional drives and campaigns.
• Work directly with the RGS & AWS regional staff, the Development Director and Conservation Team to create on-the-ground positive involvement with local communities and businesses.
• Identify potential relationships with companies, foundations and donors capable of magnifying the RGS & AWS mission through their philanthropic vision.
• Notice opportunities to increase mission impact and convey them to colleagues across RGS & AWS program areas.
• Make independent decisions based on analysis, experience and judgment with appropriate oversight from supervisor. Work with supervisor to manage priorities, especially during busy seasons. 

Compensation | Application Instructions and full job posting

Grouse & Woodcock Hunting at the Hungry Trout Resort | Video

 

Bird Dogs Afield visits Hungry Trout Resort in Wilmington, NY for early season grouse and woodcock hunting. This is Episode 1 of 2 episodes.

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