Ruffed Grouse · State-by-state

Ruffed Grouse hunting regulations.

Ruffed grouse are forest-floor gamebirds occupying the boreal and temperate hardwood-conifer transition zones from the Great Lakes through New England and across Canada plus mountain ranges in the East and West. Mature birds weigh 17-21 ounces. Population follows roughly ten-year cycles tied to predator-prey dynamics and habitat regeneration.

Huntable in 33 US states

Most range states run general seasons running fall into winter with bag limits typically 2-3 birds daily. Pointing dogs are productive but flushing dogs work as well — the country is thick and the birds hold close before flushing. The Northern hardwoods of Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Maine are the strongholds of grouse-hunting tradition.

State-by-state legal status

50 states + DC

Tap a state to view ruffed grouse regulations and other species huntable there. Bield Hunt does not yet publish specific season dates or bag limits — verify with your state F&W agency before hunting.

Status legend

  • YGeneral season
  • DDraw / limited entry
  • PPrivate land / specific zones
  • SSpecial permit / depredation
  • RRestricted (subspecies / units)
  • -Not huntable

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