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.

2008 Season Dates and Information

• 2008 Ruffed Grouse hunting season dates:
  • Zone A - September 13, 2008 - January 31, 2009
  • Zone B - October 18 - December 8
• Ruffed Grouse Management Zone Map [PDF 81KB]
• Small Game Hunting Regulations

Surveys

• 2006-2007 Ruffed Grouse Drumming Report
• 2006-2007 10-Week Brood Survey Report

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

Questions for Wildlife Management