Riflescopes and Scope Accessories

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 show off a really nice ruffed grouse sculpture in my den to remind me of the time I was lucky enough to observe one with his feathers all out.

Ruffed Grouse hunting can be tricky because they do change location depending on the time of year and temperature. Without dragging all my hunting techniques into great detail, to save time I have created a list of quick ruffed grouse hunting tips for you to try.

·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 the thicker brush provide great 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 find them they will be in a group making it easier to chase down singles after the flock is broken up.

·Utilize your dog in the thicker brush as it pointless to try and chase one 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.

·When I hunt grouse in the thicker bush switch to a No.8 or No.9 shot as it will only take one pellet through the dense brush to get your grouse.

·Ruffed grouse do not migrate and can usually be found all year round. With with lateral extensions of the scales of the toes they walk on sown liek they are wearing snowshoes. 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.

·Be alert, as hunting grouse will only give you a few seconds to take a shot normally and they can change direction in a hart 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 come back to my hunting blog and let me know if any of my tips have helped you out.

Filed under: Rifles and Shotguns on December 1st, 2009