Hunting Grouse Tips
The Ruffed Grouse is a small upland bird that got its name “Ruffed” because of the larger dark colored neck feathers. The male makes these feathers stand up to surround his head like a sun shield or umbrella. By nodding his head and ruffs, and spreading his tail and strutting, the male identifies himself to the female to help encourage her to advance. If you ever had a chance to see one do this you’ll understand why he obtained this name.
I have a really nice ruffed grouse sculpture in my living room to remind me of the time I was lucky enough to see one with his features all out.
Ruffed Grouse hunting can be tricky because they do change location depending on the time of year and temperature. I’m not going to bore you with every little detail of my grouse hunting tips but I have created a list quick list that will help your hunting trip.
·Know if there are ruffed grouse in your area to start with. They are normally found in forest habitat across Canada from east to west, and from Alaska in the north to northern Georgia in the south.
·During the early-season is the best ruffed grouse hunting as they really like hanging out near rivers and streams because here they can find vegetation that produce buds, berries and other small fruit. Also this type of dense vegetation can provide cover from predators.
·In the September and October months grouse will still be in broods or family groups and will be a bit difficult to find. So look for fruit trees because the grouse have to eat sometime and they love ripe fallen fruit.
·When you do see them they are normally in a bunch, and chasing down singles after the flock is broken up can produce quick shooting.
Now I would suggest using your dog to help out while hunting in the thicker brush as it is impossible to try chase after a grouse through it.
·Look for deer trails, opening and clearing that lead to thicker brush as this is usually the best spot to get a shot off as they like edge cover the most.
·If you do hunt grouse in the thicker bush try using a #8 or #9 shot as it will only take one pellet to bring a grouse down.
·Ruffed grouse do not migrate and can usually be found all year round. They have a snowshoe like feet with lateral extensions of the scales of the toes. They can also burrow into the snow, which keeps them warm and protects them from predators.
·During the colder months I change to my .410 because it is lighter and easier to carry though friends of mine still use their 12 gauge.
Hunting grouse is all about speed, they will not give you much time to shoot at them as they are gone in seconds or change direction in a heart beat.
These grouse hunting tips have certainly help me in the past and I’m sure will help your ruffed grouse hunting in the future. Good Luck and be sure to come back to my hunting blog and let me know how they worked out for you.
