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.

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.

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!

A Guide to Ruffed Grouse Hunting in Wisconsin | Top Places To Hunt and Tips For Successful Hunting

by RuffedGrouse.com staff

A Guide to Ruffed Grouse Hunting in Wisconsin

Wisconsin's vast forests and diverse terrain make it a premier destination for Ruffed Grouse hunting. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or new to the sport, understanding where to hunt and how to approach it can significantly improve your success in the field.

Prime Hunting Locations

The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest stands out as the crown jewel of Wisconsin grouse hunting, offering over 1.5 million acres of prime habitat. Its extensive stands of young aspen, birch, and alder provide ideal conditions for grouse populations to thrive.

Several other regions offer exceptional hunting opportunities. The Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, spanning Vilas, Oneida, and Iron counties, consistently produces excellent results due to its mixed hardwood and conifer landscape. Florence County has earned its reputation as a top grouse hunting destination, while Bayfield and Ashland counties offer a compelling mix of public and private lands, particularly in areas with recent logging activity.

For hunters seeking additional options, Wisconsin maintains numerous public hunting grounds and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), all of which are detailed on the Wisconsin DNR website.

Essential Hunting Strategies

Success in grouse hunting begins with understanding habitat preferences. These birds show a strong affinity for young forests, particularly aspen stands between 5 and 20 years old. Areas with recent logging activity or prescribed burns often attract grouse due to the resulting new growth and dense cover.

Timing plays a crucial role in hunting success. Grouse are most active during dawn and dusk when they feed, making these ideal times to hunt. The season typically runs from mid-September through early January, with October offering optimal conditions as falling leaves improve visibility.

A well-trained bird dog can dramatically enhance your hunting experience. Breeds such as English Setters, Brittanys, and German Shorthaired Pointers excel at locating grouse, which often hold tight in dense cover. Their keen sense of smell and pointing instincts help hunters locate birds that might otherwise go undetected.

Field Tactics and Equipment

Movement technique significantly impacts hunting success. Adopt a slow, deliberate pace with frequent pauses to listen for the distinctive sound of flushing grouse or male drumming. Given the birds' tendency to flush suddenly and fly rapidly through dense cover, hunters should be prepared for quick shots. An open choke (Improved Cylinder or Modified) typically works best for these challenging conditions.

Proper attire is essential for both safety and comfort. Always wear blaze orange for visibility, especially in areas with other hunters. Layer your clothing appropriately and invest in sturdy boots suitable for navigating rough terrain and thick undergrowth.

Pre-season scouting can dramatically improve your chances of success. Look for telltale signs of grouse activity, including droppings, dusting areas, and feeding sites where birds might seek clover, berries, or buds.

Additional Information

For current regulations, maps, and population reports, consult the Wisconsin DNR Grouse Hunting Guide. The Ruffed Grouse Society also provides valuable resources on habitat conservation and hunting techniques.

Remember that successful grouse hunting often requires patience and persistence. While challenging, the experience of pursuing these remarkable game birds through Wisconsin's beautiful forests makes every outing worthwhile, regardless of the day's harvest.

States With Woodcock Hunting Seasons And The Top 20 Ranked

by RuffedGrouse.com staff

The American woodcock, also known as the timberdoodle, is a prized migratory game bird found in forested areas across the eastern and central United States. Woodcock hunting is a favorite pastime for upland bird hunters, requiring sharp shooting and a good bird dog to navigate dense cover.

With woodcock populations thriving in specific habitats, some states stand out as prime locations for hunters. Below, we list all states with woodcock hunting seasons and rank the top 20 states based on bird populations, habitat quality, public land access, and hunter success rates.

States With Woodcock Hunting Seasons

Woodcock hunting is regulated under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, with federal frameworks guiding state-specific season dates and bag limits. The following states have open woodcock seasons:

Northeastern U.S.: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey
Midwestern U.S.: Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa
Southern U.S.: Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee
Central U.S.: Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas

Top 20 States for Woodcock Hunting

These states are ranked based on woodcock abundance, habitat quality, public hunting land, and overall hunter success rates.

1. Minnesota

Minnesota’s northern forests, with abundant young aspen stands and river-bottom cover, provide ideal woodcock habitat. The state leads in bird numbers and hunting success.

2. Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s managed forests and alder thickets make it one of the most productive woodcock states. The state also boasts excellent public land opportunities.

3. Michigan

Both the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula hold excellent woodcock populations, with vast amounts of accessible land. Michigan is a key state for migratory woodcock during their seasonal flights.

4. Maine

Maine’s thick forests provide top-tier habitat with minimal hunting pressure, making it a go-to destination for serious woodcock hunters.

5. New Hampshire

Early successional forests in New Hampshire support strong woodcock numbers. The White Mountain region is a particularly good spot.

6. Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers solid woodcock hunting in the northern and central parts of the state, with plenty of public game lands.

7. Louisiana

One of the best southern states for woodcock hunting, Louisiana’s pine savannas and bottomlands attract large numbers of migrating birds. Kisatchie National Forest is a hotspot.

8. Vermont

Vermont’s regenerating forests create excellent woodcock cover, and the state provides great access to public lands.

9. North Carolina

Woodcock migrate to eastern North Carolina in good numbers, with prime habitat found in lowland swamps and pine forests.

10. West Virginia

West Virginia offers excellent woodcock hunting in its national forests, particularly in areas with young timber growth.

11. Ohio

Ohio’s river corridors and managed early successional forests provide strong woodcock habitat, especially in the northern and central regions.

12. Indiana

Indiana may not be the first state that comes to mind for woodcock hunting, but it has solid numbers in areas with well-managed forest lands.

13. Tennessee

The Volunteer State offers woodcock hunting in the Cumberland Plateau and other regions with ample bottomland cover.

14. Kentucky

Kentucky’s early successional habitats and streamside corridors provide a great mix of resident and migrating woodcock.

15. Mississippi

With good wintering habitat in pine forests and river bottoms, Mississippi attracts woodcock during migration season.

16. South Carolina

Eastern South Carolina provides solid woodcock hunting opportunities, particularly in well-managed timberlands.

17. New York

The Adirondacks and northern regions of New York hold steady woodcock populations, though hunting pressure can be higher than in some other states.

18. Arkansas

Arkansas is an underrated state for woodcock hunting, with good wintering habitat in bottomland forests.

19. North Dakota

Woodcock hunting in North Dakota is overshadowed by upland species like pheasants, but the state’s river corridors provide opportunities for those willing to search.

20. Missouri

Missouri’s river-bottom forests and managed habitat areas provide fair woodcock hunting opportunities, particularly in the northern part of the state.

Final Thoughts

Woodcock hunting is a rewarding challenge for wingshooters, requiring patience, knowledge of habitat, and quick reflexes. Whether you’re hunting the thick forests of the Northwoods or the wintering grounds in the South, these 20 states offer some of the best opportunities for a successful and enjoyable hunt.

Before heading out, always check state regulations for season dates and bag limits, as they can vary from year to year. Good luck, and happy hunting!