Showing posts with label MN. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MN. Show all posts

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

Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) are a popular game bird in Minnesota, known for their explosive flushes and challenging hunting experience. Minnesota is one of the best states in the U.S. for Ruffed Grouse hunting due to its extensive forests and ideal habitat. Here are some of the best places to hunt Ruffed Grouse in Minnesota, along with tips to increase your success:


Best Places to Hunt Ruffed Grouse in Minnesota

  1. Chippewa National Forest

    • Located in north-central Minnesota, this forest offers excellent grouse habitat with a mix of aspen, birch, and conifers.

    • Focus on areas with young aspen stands (5-20 years old), as these are prime grouse habitats.

  2. Superior National Forest

    • This vast forest in northeastern Minnesota is a grouse hunter's paradise.

    • Look for areas near the Gunflint Trail and around the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) for dense cover and abundant grouse.

  3. George Washington State Forest

    • Located near the town of Remer, this forest is known for its productive grouse habitat.

    • The mix of aspen, alder, and wetlands makes it a hotspot for grouse.

  4. Paul Bunyan State Forest

    • Situated in north-central Minnesota, this forest offers a mix of young aspen and dense cover, ideal for grouse.

    • Explore logging roads and trails for the best opportunities.

  5. Scandinavian and Two Inlets State Forests

    • These forests in northwestern Minnesota are less crowded and offer excellent grouse hunting.

    • Focus on areas with recent logging activity, as these create ideal young forest habitats.

  6. Public Hunting Lands (Walk-In Access, Wildlife Management Areas)

    • Minnesota has numerous Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and Walk-In Access sites that provide excellent grouse hunting opportunities.

    • Check the Minnesota DNR website for maps and locations.


Tips for Successful Ruffed Grouse Hunting

  1. Hunt Early in the Season

    • Grouse are more active, less wary, and more plentiful in early fall.

  2. Focus on Edge Habitats

    • Grouse thrive in edge habitats where different types of vegetation meet, such as where aspen stands border wetlands or conifer forests.

  3. Look for Young Aspen Stands

    • Ruffed Grouse rely heavily on young aspen (5-20 years old) for food (buds, catkins) and cover. Areas with recent logging or forest management are often productive.

  4. Hunt During the Right Time of Day

    • Grouse are most active in the early morning and late afternoon when they feed. Midday hunts can be less productive.

  5. Use a Well-Trained Dog

    • A good bird dog (such as an English Setter, Brittany, or German Shorthaired Pointer) can greatly increase your success by locating and flushing grouse.

  6. Walk Slowly and Quietly

    • Grouse are easily spooked, so move slowly and pause frequently to listen for their drumming or scratching in the leaves.

  7. Hunt Along Trails and Logging Roads

    • Grouse often use these open corridors for feeding and dusting. Walking these areas can increase your chances of flushing birds.

  8. Be Prepared for Quick Shots

    • Ruffed Grouse flush suddenly and fly fast through dense cover. Practice quick, instinctive shooting to improve your chances.

  9. Dress for the Terrain

    • Wear blaze orange for safety and choose clothing that protects against thorns, brush, and cold weather. Waterproof boots are also essential for wet areas.

  10. Scout Ahead of Time

    • Spend time scouting areas before the season to identify grouse sign (droppings, tracks, and feeding areas).

  11. Be Patient and Persistent

    • Grouse hunting can be challenging, and some days may be slow. Persistence and adaptability are key to success.


Additional Resources

  • Minnesota DNR Grouse Hunting Guide: Check the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website for regulations, maps, and habitat information.

  • Ruffed Grouse Society: This organization provides valuable resources and habitat conservation efforts for grouse hunters.

By focusing on the right habitats, using proper techniques, and being prepared for the challenges of grouse hunting, you can have a successful and enjoyable experience in Minnesota's forests. Good luck!

by RuffedGrouse.com staff


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
  1. Itasca County:
  • Chippewa National Forest
  • George Washington State Forest Birds often move to areas with mountain maple and hazel understory
  1. 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

2024 Minnesota Ruffed grouse counts remain high in core of ruffed grouse range

Ruffed grouse counts remain high in core of ruffed grouse range

July 8, 2024


Sharp-tailed grouse population up in the northwest, but remains low in east-central Minnesota

Minnesota’s ruffed grouse spring population counts are similar to last year and to other recent peaks in the 10-year population cycle of grouse — a pattern recorded for 73 years, according to a study from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

The Minnesota DNR and its partners use spring drumming counts to help monitor the ruffed grouse breeding population through time.

The recent grouse population trend includes a low point in the cycle in 2021 that was not as low as previous lows, followed by the highest peak this year since 1972.

Warm temperatures and dry conditions that favor high nest success and chick survival the last few years may partly explain the quicker than expected rise to peak levels in the 10-year cycle. Snow conditions also were favorable for roosting throughout much of the core of grouse range during the winters 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, followed by an unusually warm winter during 2023-2024. Minnesota’s climate is getting warmer and wetter with more heavy, intense rainfalls occurring.

“While ruffed grouse drumming counts are high in the core of ruffed grouse range, indicating a strong breeding population this spring, drumming counts are not an accurate way to predict the birds that will be present during the fall hunting season,” said Charlotte Roy, DNR grouse project leader. “Nesting success and chick survival during the spring and summer are among the factors that influence the number of birds present in the fall. These factors can be reduced by heavy rain during June when nests are hatching and chicks are young.”

Drumming is a low sound produced by males as they beat their wings rapidly and in increasing frequency to signal the location of their territory. Drumming displays also attract females that are ready to begin nesting. Ruffed grouse populations are surveyed by counting the number of male ruffed grouse drums on established routes throughout the state’s forested regions.

“In a typical year, we have 13 cooperating organizations providing folks to help us count grouse drumming,” Roy said. “We are grateful to our federal and tribal partners for their assistance in completing routes.”

The ruffed grouse survey report can be found on the grouse management webpage of the DNR website.

Sharp-tailed grouse population up in the northwest, but remains low in east-central region

Minnesota’s northwest sharp-tailed grouse population is higher this year than last year and the highest it’s been since 2009, according to spring population counts conducted by the Minnesota DNR and cooperating organizations.

The population level remains low in east-central Minnesota. The Minnesota DNR closed the hunting season in the east-central zone in 2021. Low population levels in this area are thought to be driven largely by changing habitat conditions. The birds require areas of 1 to 3 square miles of grassland and brushland, so managing their habitats often requires cooperation between multiple landowners.

The Minnesota Sharp-tailed Grouse Society, Pheasants Forever and others have collaborated with the Minnesota DNR on targeted habitat management — specifically on prescribed burns, and mowing and tree shearing projects — for sharp-tailed grouse in the east-central range and remain committed to enhancing open-land habitats.

The sharp-tailed grouse survey report can be found on the grouse management webpage of the Minnesota DNR website.

Read the full DNR report


 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Lake Superior Ruffed Grouse | The Flush: Season 13, Episode 2 Video

 

Bill Sherck joins two buddies to hunt for Ruffed Grouse and Woodcock along Minnesota's North Shore of Lake Superior. 


 

 

 

 

 

 


Ruffed Grouse Single Wall Decal

 

Ruffed Grouse Management Areas - MN

Ruffed Grouse Management Areas

Ruffed Grouse Management Areas (RGMAs) are a great destination for the hunter looking to experience grouse and woodcock hunting. RGMAs are located in areas that have good potential for producing grouse and woodcock and are managed to promote suitable habitat conditions for these species.

Ruffed Grouse Management Areas:

  • range in size from 400 to 4,800 acres.
  • occupy over 100,000 acres in total, in 49 designated locations.
  • contain 184 miles of hunter walking trails.
  • allow dogs.

Find an RGMA

Visit the MN DNR site for mapping

Hunter Information

Respect private property and verify public hunting areas by observing boundary signs.

RGMAs are good places for upland forest bird hunting, yet they do receive considerable hunting pressure from bird hunters. RGMAs are also open to other types of hunting and recreation.

Note: There are thousands of acres of state forest and WMA land that, although not designated as RGMAs, have ongoing timber management that provides excellent ruffed grouse habitat.
Hunting in State Forests »

RGMA Management

RGMAs are maintained in partnership with government land owners, The Ruffed Grouse Society, volunteers, and by DNR wildlife managers. Because of the variety of ownerships and funding for maintenance, amenities and conditions can vary among locations. RGMAs may be managed by these various agencies through cooperative agreements or by a single agency.

Trail Information

Enhancements on the trails vary. Some feature clover planted along the trail; others have forest openings that tend to attract wildlife. Some are mowed annually. Many of the trails follow the courses of old logging roads. Forests change over time as the succession of forest growth progresses. Because of this natural cycle, the forest along the trails and the wildlife that inhabit the area change with time.

Thanks! Many RGMAs and this online resource were developed with funding from Ruffed Grouse Society opens in a new browser tab.


Attend Game Fair MN for Free. Volunteer with RGS

Game Fair Volunteers Needed

The Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society will be at Game Fair on August 11-13 & 18-20, and we need your help staffing our booth!

All volunteers receive free admission to Game Fair.

 
Anyone can volunteer, and you'll meet local RGS & AWS members, spread the message of forest habitat, hang out with bird dogs and learn more about what our partners are doing.
 
 
Never been to Game Fair? Check it out! It's like the state fair for outdoors folk - with activities for all ages.

MN Twin Cities Ruffed Grouse Society Chapter Fun Shoot August 30 @ 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Minnesota Horse and Gun Club
2920 220th Street E, Prior Lake, MN 55372
2 P.M.
REGISTRATION
2:30 P.M.
SHOTGUN START
4 P.M.
POST-SHOOT
APPETIZERS
CASH BAR
4 P.M. - 6 P.M.
SILENT AUCTION
& GUN RAFFLES
Wednesday, August 30, 2023
Proceeds benefit the
Ruffed Grouse Society’s
conservation efforts.
Pricing and Registration

2023 MN Ruffed grouse counts remain high in core of ruffed grouse range

Minnesota’s ruffed grouse spring population counts are up again from last year and are similar to other recent peaks in the 10-year population cycle of grouse — a pattern recorded for 72 years, according to a study from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

The DNR and its partners use spring drumming counts to help monitor the ruffed grouse breeding population through time.

The recent grouse population trend includes a low point in the cycle in 2021 that was not as low as previous lows, followed by unexpectedly higher counts in 2022 and again this year.

Warm temperatures and dry conditions that favor high nest success and chick survival the past two years may partly explain the quicker than expected rise to levels like recent peaks in the 10-year cycle. Snow conditions also were favorable for roosting throughout much of the core of grouse range during the past two winters.

“While ruffed grouse drumming counts are up in the core of ruffed grouse range, they are not an accurate way to predict the birds that will be present during the fall hunting season,” said Charlotte Roy, DNR grouse project leader. “Nesting success and chick survival during the spring and summer are among the factors that influence the number of birds present in the fall.”

Drumming is a low sound produced by males as they beat their wings rapidly and in increasing frequency to signal the location of their territory. Drumming displays also attract females that are ready to begin nesting. Ruffed grouse populations are surveyed by counting the number of male ruffed grouse drums on established routes throughout the state’s forested regions.

“In a typical year, we have 13 cooperating organizations providing folks to help us count grouse drumming,” Roy said. “We are grateful to our federal and tribal partners for their assistance in completing routes.”

The ruffed grouse survey report can be found on the grouse management webpage of the DNR website.

Original DNR post 

 

 


Twin Cities MN Chapter Birds & Brew Monday, June 19, 2023 6 - 8 p.m.

 


 

Birds & Brew

Monday, June 19, 2023
6 - 8 p.m.

Boom Island Brewing
5959 Baker Road #320
Minnetonka, MN 55345

 

Join the Twin Cities Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society
for a fun meet-and-greet event at Boom Island Brewing.

The Twin Cities Chapter is looking for passionate individuals to
volunteer on the committee and help with events.

RGS & AWS welcomes any and all members and non-members to attend this event, learn about RGS & AWS and talk about all things upland hunting!



For questions, please contact:
Gordon Wright
or
Sam Tillman, RGS & AWS Regional Engagement Coordinator
412-742-5144

Grouse hunting notebook: Favorable northwest Minnesota outlook

 

Grouse and partridge seasons opened Saturday, Sept. 10, in North Dakota, and they get underway Saturday, Sept. 17, in Minnesota. Here are some notes about hunting seasons and prospects in the two states.

Favorable northwest outlook

Ruffed grouse hunters in northwest Minnesota have cause for optimism this fall, it seems, based on brood sightings at Red Lake and Thief Lake wildlife management areas, and Beltrami Island State Forest.

Spring drumming counts were up statewide at 1.9 drums per stop, compared with a statewide average of 1.3 drums per stop in 2021, the DNR reported in July. The Northwest region had the highest spring counts, at 2.9 drums per stop – up from 1.1 drums per stop last year – and the Northeast region tallied 2.0 drums per stop, up from 1.4 in 2021.

Drumming counts at Red Lake and Thief Lake saw similar increases.

“I think we are on track for a decent season – or at least I am personally optimistic,” said Charlie Tucker, manager of Red Lake Wildlife Management Area at Norris Camp, south of Roosevelt, Minn.

Staff at Thief Lake Wildlife Management Area in Marshall County echoed that optimism in a newsletter posted Friday, Sept. 9. Drumming counts on both of the WMA’s two survey routes around Thief Lake and Randen Ridge were up from 2021.

“We had a wet spring, with a record amount of precipitation in May, but we began to dry out and warm up after that,” the newsletter indicated. “Staff have been observing broods while working in the field so that is a good sign for this fall.”

Barring heavy rains, access conditions should be good.

“We are relatively dry around here, so that bodes well for walking on forest trails,” said Tucker, the Red Lake WMA manager. “Folks shouldn’t have any extra worries about getting vehicles stuck or anything like that.”

Walking trails within Red Lake WMA and adjacent Beltrami Island State Forest should be accessible, but because of staffing issues, maintenance on some of those trails could be “either behind schedule or nonexistent,” Tucker said.

Read the full DL-Online article for more projections and the full article

 

MN 2022 Ruffed grouse counts up unexpectedly from last year


 

 

Minnesota’s ruffed grouse spring population counts are up from last year, which was not expected during the current declining phase of the 10-year cycle — a pattern recorded for 72 years.

“While ruffed grouse drumming counts are up, they are not a reliable way to predict the fall hunting season,” said Charlotte Roy, grouse project leader with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. “We also recorded an increase in sharp-tailed grouse in east-central Minnesota, which is positive this year but could be short-lived.”

Unexpectedly high ruffed grouse counts this year may have resulted from the warm temperatures and dry conditions last year during May and June, which favors high nest success and chick survival. Snow conditions also were favorable during winter for roosting throughout much of the core of grouse range.

The DNR and its partners use spring drumming counts to help monitor the ruffed grouse breeding population through time. Drumming is a low sound produced by males as they beat their wings rapidly and in increasing frequency to signal the location of their territory. Drumming displays also attract females that are ready to begin nesting. Ruffed grouse populations are surveyed by counting the number of male ruffed grouse heard drumming on established routes throughout the state’s forested regions.

“In a typical year, we have 16 cooperating organizations providing folks to help us count grouse drumming,” Roy said. “We are grateful to our federal and tribal partners for their assistance in completing routes.”

Historically, these spring counts were related to the fall population; however, in recent years, drumming counts have not reliably predicted the fall hunting season.

The number of birds present during the fall hunting season also depends upon nesting success and chick survival during the spring and summer. Nesting success and chick survival are influenced by many factors, including weather during May and June, which has been more extreme in recent years, and other factors, including disease and predators. This year in May and June, heavy rainfall and flooding affected much of the core of ruffed grouse range.

The ruffed grouse survey report can be found on the grouse management page of the DNR website.

MN 2021 Ruffed grouse counts down from last year

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minnesota’s ruffed grouse spring population counts are down from last year as expected during the declining phase of the species’ 10-year cycle — a predictable pattern recorded for 72 years. Although peaks vary from eight to 11 years apart, the most recent peak in the cycle occurred in 2017.

Ruffed grouse populations are surveyed by counting the number of male ruffed grouse heard drumming on established routes throughout the state’s forested regions. Drumming is a low sound produced by males as they beat their wings rapidly and in increasing frequency to signal the location of their territory. Drumming displays also attract females that are ready to begin nesting.

The spring drumming counts are an important indicator of the ruffed grouse breeding population. The number of birds present during the fall hunting season also depends upon nesting success and chick survival during the spring and summer.

If production of young birds is low during the summer months, hunters may see fewer birds than expected based on counts of drumming males in the spring. Conversely, when production of young is high, hunters may see more birds than anticipated in the fall.

The 2021 statewide survey results for ruffed grouse were 1.3 drums per stop. The most recent peak in 2017 was 2.1 drums per stop. During the low point of the cycles, counts are typically about 0.8 drums per stop.

Drum counts were 1.4 drums per stop in the northeast survey region; 1.1 drums per stop in the northwest; 0.8 drums per stop in the central hardwoods; and 0.9 drums per stop in the southeast survey region.

Read the full Grouse Survey Report

Over 4,000 acres of Potlatch land in Northern MN transferred for public use

Greg Seitz


Almost 4,400 acres of land located between Duluth and Minnesota’s northern border have been acquired by St. Louis County, thanks to efforts by two conservation groups. The deal will transfer lands from forest products company PotlatchDeltic to the county for permanent protection and public access.

 
The county will manage the lands for recreation, wildlife, and sustainable timber harvest.

 
“PotlatchDeltic was one of the largest private industrial forest landowners in St. Louis County, and the impact of that land being sold and developed would reverberate across the North Woods,” said Daryl Peterson, director of restoration programs with the Minnesota Land Trust. “Once land is sold off to a hundred different parties, it is nearly impossible to manage the incredible forest ecosystems native to northern Minnesota.”

 
The Minnesota Land Trust and The Conservation Fund purchased the four large parcels with $4.2 million provided by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment, and then donated them to St. Louis County. The deal was the biggest in Minnesota Land Trust history since it was founded in 1991. Additional funding came from the Four Cedars Environmental Fund of the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation, the Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation, and the Wallin family.

 
The protected land fosters many types of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, gray wolves, Canada lynx, and ruffed grouse. It also provides habitat for sensitive bird species, located at the edge of breeding ranges for the Golden-winged and Blackburnian Warbler, as well as the American Woodcock.

 

Read the full Quetico Superior Wilderness News article