These are the best Wisconsin late season Ruffed Grouse hunting areas, according to AI

Here are the best late-season ruffed grouse spots in Wisconsin:

1. Northern Forest Region:

• Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, particularly:
  • Around Park Falls
  • Hayward area
  • Florence County sections
• Brule River State Forest

2. Central Wisconsin:

• Black River State Forest
• Jackson County Forest
• Clark County Forest These areas have excellent mixed hardwood/conifer habitat that holds birds late

3. Northwest Wisconsin:

• Douglas County Forest
• Bayfield County Forest
• Washburn County Forest Especially good in areas with young aspen and alder thickets

Late season tips for Wisconsin:

• Focus on spruce/balsam fir edges near aspen
• Look for grape vines and ironwood trees
• South-facing slopes are prime after first snow
• Areas with tag alder near creek bottoms
• Forest roads and trails in county forests often hold birds

The northern third of Wisconsin generally offers the best late-season hunting, but birds can be found in good numbers in central counties too.

According to AI these are the best spots in MN for a late season Ruffed Grouse hunt

Here are the best spots for late-season ruffed grouse in Minnesota, focusing on areas that tend to hold birds even after the leaves drop:

1. Northern St. Louis County:

• Superior National Forest around Ely
• Kabetogama State Forest These areas have good mix of young aspen and dense conifer cover where grouse concentrate in late season

2. Itasca County:

• Chippewa National Forest
• George Washington State Forest Birds often move to areas with mountain maple and hazel understory

3. Aitkin/Crow Wing Counties:

• Hill River State Forest
• Savanna State Forest Good mix of lowland alder and mature aspen

Late season tips:

• Focus on dense conifer stands near food sources
• Look for areas with highbush cranberry and winterberry
• Hunt the warmer parts of the day when birds are more active
• South-facing slopes tend to hold more birds late season
• Areas with standing catkins (birch/alder) are prime spots