Minnesota 2025 Ruffed grouse counts lower this year after a strong peak in 2024

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ latest ruffed grouse counts found Minnesota’s spring 2025 population is lower statewide than last year. Ruffed grouse drums per stop were 1.8 statewide, down from 2.3 drums per stop last year, an expected drop considering spring 2024 was the highest 10-year cycle population peak for ruffed grouse since 1972.

The DNR and its partners have conducted spring drumming count surveys for 74 years to monitor the state’s ruffed grouse breeding population. Through decades of surveys, DNR researchers have found that ruffed grouse populations tend to rise and fall in about a 10-year cycle that typically ranges from 8-11 years.

Warm temperatures and dry conditions have favored high nest success and chick survival the last few years and may partly explain the quicker-than-expected rise to peak levels in the current 10-year cycle last year.

Snow conditions also were favorable for roosting throughout much of Minnesota’s core grouse range during the winters of 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, followed by an unusually warm winter during 2023-2024.

Overall, Minnesota’s climate is getting warmer and wetter with more heavy, intense rainfalls. Record high rainfall occurred in June 2024, and much of ruffed grouse range received less snowfall than normal during winter 2024-2025, likely contributing to lower ruffed grouse numbers in spring 2025 compared to 2024.

“Drumming counts alone 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 contributing factors that influence the number of birds present in the fall. These factors can be reduced by heavy rain during June when nests hatch and chicks are young.”

Ruffed grouse populations are surveyed by counting the number of male ruffed grouse drums 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 increased frequency to signal the location of their territory. Drumming displays also attract females ready to begin nesting.

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

The 2025 ruffed grouse survey report can be found on DNR’s grouse management webpage.

Top Public Land Locations for Ruffed Grouse Hunting in Ohio

 

Ruffed grouse hunting in Ohio offers a thrilling challenge for upland bird hunters. While grouse populations have declined in recent decades due to habitat loss, several public lands still provide excellent opportunities for pursuing this elusive bird. Known for their explosive flushes and agile flight, ruffed grouse require hunters to navigate dense cover and make quick, accurate shots.

If you're looking for the best public land spots to hunt ruffed grouse in Ohio, here are the top locations to consider:

1. Zaleski State Forest (Vinton County)

Why Hunt Here?
Zaleski State Forest is one of Ohio’s premier destinations for ruffed grouse. With over 28,000 acres of mixed hardwoods, early-successional forests, and thick cover, this area provides ideal grouse habitat. Focus on edges near clear-cuts, young aspen stands, and creek bottoms.

Key Features:

• Extensive trail system for easy access

• Managed timber cuts create prime grouse habitat

• Remote areas hold good bird numbers

2. Shawnee State Forest (Scioto & Adams Counties)

Why Hunt Here?
Shawnee State Forest, often called the "Little Smokies of Ohio," offers rugged terrain and dense forests that ruffed grouse favor. The forest’s timber management practices promote the young, brushy growth that grouse need for food and cover.

Key Features:

• Over 63,000 acres of public land

• Steep ridges and valleys provide diverse habitat

• Less hunting pressure than some other areas

3. Wayne National Forest (Athens, Hocking, Perry, & Monroe Counties)

Why Hunt Here?
Wayne National Forest spans several southeastern Ohio counties and contains excellent grouse habitat, particularly in areas with recent logging activity. Hunters should focus on regenerating timber stands and forest edges.

Key Features:

• Multiple units with varying terrain

• Active forest management benefits grouse populations

• Remote sections hold fewer hunters

4. Tar Hollow State Forest (Ross & Vinton Counties)

Why Hunt Here?
Tar Hollow’s mix of oak-hickory forests, pine plantations, and regenerating clear-cuts makes it a stronghold for ruffed grouse in Ohio. The rolling hills and dense understory provide ideal cover.

Key Features:

• Nearly 16,000 acres of huntable land

• Good populations near recent timber harvests

• Less crowded than more well-known areas

5. Waterloo Wildlife Area (Athens County)

Why Hunt Here?
Waterloo Wildlife Area is managed for both wildlife habitat and hunting opportunities. The mix of old fields, young forests, and thickets creates excellent grouse habitat.

Key Features:

• Over 2,000 acres of public land

• Active habitat management benefits grouse

• Easy access from Athens and surrounding areas

Final Thoughts

While ruffed grouse hunting in Ohio isn’t as prolific as it once was, dedicated hunters can still find success in these public land hotspots. By targeting areas with active forest management and dense cover, you’ll increase your odds of flushing these challenging birds. Always follow Ohio’s hunting regulations and practice ethical hunting to ensure sustainable opportunities for future generations.

Happy hunting!

 

 By RuffedGrouse.com staff

Hunting Ruffed Grouse in Alabama: A Guide for Upland Bird Enthusiasts

Ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) are one of North America’s most sought-after upland game birds, known for their explosive flushes and challenging flight patterns. While Alabama is not as well-known for ruffed grouse hunting as northern states like Minnesota or Pennsylvania, the bird does have a historical presence in the state’s northern regions. For hunters willing to explore Alabama’s forested hills, pursuing ruffed grouse can be a rewarding and nostalgic experience.

Habitat and Range in Alabama

Ruffed grouse thrive in young, dense forests with a mix of hardwood and softwood trees, particularly where there is ample underbrush for cover. In Alabama, grouse were once more common in the Appalachian foothills and the northeastern counties, including areas around the Talladega National Forest. However, habitat loss and changing forest conditions have significantly reduced their numbers over the years.

Today, ruffed grouse sightings in Alabama are rare, and the state’s wildlife agency does not actively manage for them. Most successful grouse hunting in the Southeast occurs further north in states like Tennessee, Kentucky, and North Carolina. However, for those determined to hunt grouse in Alabama, scouting remote, overgrown timberlands with thick understories may yield occasional opportunities.

Ruffed Grouse Habitat in Alabama

Ruffed grouse thrive in young forests, dense thickets, and mixed woodlands with plenty of underbrush. They prefer areas with:

• Regenerating clear-cuts (5–20 years old)

• Aspen, birch, and oak stands

• Dense shrub cover near streams and ridges

In Alabama, ruffed grouse populations are limited and mostly found in the northern part of the state, particularly in the Appalachian foothills and higher-elevation forests.

 

Best Places to Hunt Ruffed Grouse in Alabama

1. Bankhead National Forest

Located in northwestern Alabama, Bankhead National Forest offers rugged terrain with mixed hardwoods, making it one of the best public land options for ruffed grouse. Focus on areas with recent timber cuts and thick undergrowth.

2. Talladega National Forest (Shoal Creek & Oakmulgee Districts)

The higher elevations of the Talladega National Forest, particularly around Cheaha Mountain, provide suitable habitat for grouse. Hunters should explore old logging roads and young forest patches.

3. Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)

Several Alabama WMAs allow grouse hunting, including:

• Black Warrior WMA (near Bankhead National Forest)

• Cahaba River WMA (limited but possible in brushy areas)

• Little River WMA (northeastern Alabama, near Georgia border)

Always check the latest Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) regulations for season dates and WMA-specific rules.

 

Alternative Upland Bird Hunting in Alabama

If ruffed grouse prove too elusive, Alabama offers excellent hunting for other upland birds, including:

• Bobwhite quail (on private lands and wildlife management areas)

• Woodcock (migratory birds with a winter presence)

• Doves (abundant in agricultural fields)

 

Conclusion

While ruffed grouse hunting in Alabama is a challenge due to limited populations, dedicated hunters may still find pockets of suitable habitat in the state’s northern forests. For a more reliable grouse hunting experience, traveling to neighboring states with healthier populations may be a better option. However, for those who enjoy the thrill of the hunt and the beauty of Alabama’s woodlands, pursuing ruffed grouse can be a nostalgic and adventurous endeavor.

Whether you’re a seasoned upland hunter or a newcomer to the sport, Alabama’s diverse landscapes offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy the tradition of bird hunting. Happy hunting!

Have you ever encountered ruffed grouse in Alabama? Share your experiences in the comments!

 

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.

Read the Full Bradford Era Article

 

Woodcock Banding | Video

 

Woodcock banding is probably the closest thing to actual upland hunting you can do in the spring, and is an extremely rewarding activity for any bird lover turned dog lover or dog lover turned bird lover, depending on the category of upland bird fanatic you place yourself in. Love for the dog work and love for the bird are the greatest drivers for the few hundred permitted individuals in Minnesota and Michigan who obsessively take to the dense covers where American woodcock nest during the spring. Ticks, poison ivy, indescribable mosquito hatches, and navigating the thickest of thick covers through thorns and eye-poking branches is not for the faint of heart, but once you hold a fuzzy timberdoodle chick in your hand for the first time, it is worth every moment of the search.