3 WI Ruffed Grouse hunting with the Ruffed Grouse Society

Upland Game Bird Conservation: Ruffed Grouse Ruffed grouse occur in forested counties of eastern and southern Ohio. The preferred habitat of this popular game bird is young forest cover that regrows following logging, the reclamation of surface mines, and abandonment of pastures and farmland. Grouse numbers have declined considerably in Ohio since the early 1980s as forests have matured in the state, and roadside drumming counts and hunter flush rates in 2018 remain near historic lows. Unfortuna

One of North America's 12 native grouse species, the bantam-chicken-sized Ruffed Grouse is one of the most familiar, particularly to game hunters. Early settlers, who hunted this bird extensively, called it the "Wood Hen" in reference to its favored forest habitats. Like the Eastern Screech-Owl, the Ruffed Grouse occurs in gray and reddish-brown color morphs. The “ruffed” in its name comes from its black or brown neck feathers, which the male flares into a ruff during courtship displays or terri

The male Ruffed Grouse performs a unique drumming act in the fall and spring. He will stand on top of a fallen log or stone, so he can be high above the ground. Then he will beat his wings against the air making a deep, thumping sound that can be heard up to a half mile away. All to get across the message that this is his territory so other males should stay away while also welcoming any females to come closer. The male in this video was performing for visitors at Stony Man summit last Monday fo