Grouse of Wisconsin

Ruffed Grouse

Ruffed grouse are one of the most popular upland game birds to hunt. Ruffed grouse are most commonly known for their distinctive ‘drumming’ noise produced by males during the spring breeding season. Male grouse will display on drumming logs, rapidly beating their wings with the intention of attracting a female grouse.

Grouse populations are cyclic and follow an 8-10 year cycle. Exact cause of the cycle is unknown but it is believed to be the result of a number of different factors including food, cover, weather, and predation.

There are two designated ruffed grouse management zones in Wisconsin including a large zone encompassing the majority of north, central, and southwestern portions of the state and a smaller zone including the southeastern portion of the state. Grouse tend to use a variety of habitat types, but young, early successional forest types are most important when trying to find a good grouse hunting location.

2009 Season Dates and Information

• 2009 Ruffed Grouse hunting season dates:
  • Zone A - September 12, 2009 - January 31, 2010
  • Zone B - October 17 - December 8, 2009
• Ruffed Grouse Management Zone Map [PDF 81KB]
• Small Game Hunting Regulations

Surveys

• Ruffed Grouse Drumming Reports
• Preliminary Ten Week Brood Observations [PDF 14KB]

For more information on this topic, send mail to: Assistant Upland Ecologist

Questions for Wildlife Management