Migratory Bird Hunting: Basic Tips for Planning Your Next Hunting Trip
Hunting | March 24, 2024
SAIL
October 10, 2023
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Ruffed grouse hunting is incredibly popular in Ontario and Quebec. “Partridge” (as ruffed grouse is sometimes called) can be hunted from the end of the summer to the beginning of the following year.
Like always, ruffed grouse hunting dates for 2024 vary from zone to zone; the season generally runs from September to December (or March in some zones) in Ontario, and from September to January in Quebec. This type of small game hunting can be carried out on private land (ZEC, outfitters) and public grounds.
Ruffed grouse mate in April and give birth to their hatchlings in early June at a rate of one clutch per female (or two if the hatchlings don’t make it through the first week). They nest on the ground, hatching 8 to 14 eggs, and the young start feeding on insects at their height as soon as they are born. This means that at the start of the hunting season, the roads and trails are frequented mainly by young ruffed grouse. Around mid-September, the males start to move away from the trails to find their territory.
One important thing to know for anyone interested in this type of hunting is that the first week following birth strongly impacts ruffed grouse abundance. If it’s a cold, rainy period with few insects, “partridges” will be less abundant. Ruffed grouse is also a “cyclical” type of bird (its density fluctuates in cycles of 7 to 10 years), which explains the variations in population.
Together with the Fédération québécoise des chasseurs et pêcheurs (FédéCP), let’s take a look at everything you need to know to enjoy some great ruffed grouse hunting!
In this article, you will learn all about ruffed grouse hunting:
Ruffed grouse hunting can take place at hunting outfitters, in ZECs (“zones d’exploitation contrôlée” – controlled harvesting zones), in wildlife reserves, on public land and on private land (with authorization). Be sure to respect the ruffed grouse hunting dates and bag limits, i.e., five per day and a total possession limit of 15.
To find the best place for ruffed grouse hunting, you’ll want to get close to a young, dense mixed forest, especially at the start of the season. Ruffed grouse are often found close to trails and paths, which provide ideal cover. However, if hunting pressure is high, the birds will be more nervous and difficult to harvest.
To maximize your chances of harvest, it’s very important to understand the territory, the habitat and the behaviour of ruffed grouse.
Ruffed grouse can be hunted just about anywhere in Ontario and Quebec, as long as you head for young and mixed forests. To help you identify your target areas and plan your season, there is an interactive map called “Forêt ouverte” provided by the Quebec government (in French only). You can use its filters to locate young forests easily.
Most private grounds south of the St. Lawrence River are reserved for white-tailed deer hunting, which means they are not always accessible to small game hunters. That said, there’s nothing to stop you from requesting access. According to the FédéCP, ruffed grouse hunting may be a bit more accessible in northern Quebec. Of course, you can always visit a ZEC or wildlife reserve near you.
Ruffed grouse hunting, in Quebec or elsewhere, is a matter of biotopes. Basically, if you don’t know and understand the bird’s habitat, you’re just hunting randomly.
At the beginning of the season, aim for trails and ATV paths (with vegetation cover) that don’t appear too busy.
Ruffed grouse need to eat every day, so you will find them wherever they can find something to put in their beaks. During their first few weeks, they feed on insects, then gradually switch to a more plant-based diet as the season progresses (buds, fruit, mushrooms, tender grass, etc.). Consequently, ruffed grouse are primarily found on the ground, searching for food. When it gets dark, you can also find them in trees. Look out for them at all heights, but remember that most of the ruffed grouse you’ll see will be on the ground. And if you find fruit trees, chances are you’ll also find “partridges” nearby!
Ruffed grouse are not confined to the trails. As the season progresses and you can see further into the woods, you will definitely spot a few. However, ruffed grouse (unlike grey partridge) rarely roam in fields in order to stay away from birds of prey.
If you don’t have a dog, partridge hunting is an “opportunity” hunt. Keep moving to cover as much territory as possible. You can even prospect by bike or in a motorized vehicle. According to the FédéCP:
Nearly 9 out of 10 ruffed grouse hunters hunt on foot,
4 out of 10 also hunt in motorized vehicles,
And 4% also hunt by bike.
In Ontario and Quebec alike, ruffed grouse hunting is as suitable for solo hunters as for those who wouldn’t dream of hunting without their friends. Alone or with others: the two options are equally fruitful. In fact, it really depends on the experience you’re looking for. Your “mode of transport” also has an impact, whether it’s only your hunting boots, a bicycle, a car, etc.
You can fully enjoy the tranquility of nature when you go solo and on foot. Your senses are fully alert, you choose your direction, your pace… In a car or on a bike, you cover more territory, but focusing your attention on driving keeps you from fully observing the environment around you. You just have to find out what you like best. Ruffed grouse hunting can also be done with a dog, although it’s not a requirement. Since it’s not a calling hunt, there’s no need to call, lure the game to a stalking site or use a technique involving more than one person.
Hunting with others is the more convivial option. Unlike other types of hunting, ruffed grouse hunting doesn’t require you to maintain absolute silence or to control odours… so there’s nothing to stop you from strolling through the woods with your friends or family. The main interest of going with others is that you can move forward and hunt together in battues. But be careful: as the FédéCP reminds us, the risks increase when hunting in groups, especially if a bird happens to take off between two hunters. Always think about your own safety and the safety of those around you.
https://www.sail.ca/en/hunting/hunting-boots
https://www.sail.ca/en/outdoor-gear/cycling
Ruffed grouse hunting (often) involves a dog. In fact, a majority of ruffed grouse hunters can’t do without their four-legged companion. A dog has a much more acute sense of smell than humans, and with the proper training, it can flush out birds that you might otherwise miss.
Generally speaking, there are two types of dogs for ruffed grouse hunting:
Flusher dogs, who are excellent “clearing” dogs. Their role: ruffle the bushes and vegetation cover to get the birds off the ground within rifle range (approx. 30 yards). Constant attention is required: if accompanied by a flusher dog, a hunter must be ready to shoot safely as soon as a bird takes off. And things happen fast! Springer and Cocker Spaniels, among other breeds, are particularly well suited to this game.
Pointer dogs, whose mission is to block birds and who cover much more distance than flushers. Their role is to spot prey by scent (and sometimes by sight), then stop the bird so the hunter can take a shot after getting it off the ground. The distance at which the dog stops the bird doesn’t really matter here since it’s the hunter who will cause the bird to take off when it’s within shooting distance. Pointing dogs usually carry a beeper or bell to let the hunter know when they stop. As for breeds, the most common are Braques, Setters, Spaniels and Griffons.
And let’s not forget the “retriever” dogs, whose role is to retrieve a bird after it has been shot. It’s also worth noting that the same dog can be both a flusher and a retriever!
Whatever its role, a hunting dog is a dog that needs to be well trained. It’s up to you to prepare yours accordingly, depending on your expectations. In Quebec, for example, there are several hunting dog clubs that are members of the FédéCP. They can help you condition your dog for hunting. And for those who show great discipline, there are even competitions for various types of dogs!
Although ruffed grouse are mostly hunted with firearms (usually shotguns), they can also be hunted with a bow or crossbow and proper arrowheads. This is particularly suited for hunters seeking a true challenge. Alternatively, there’s also the option of hunting with a rifle.
Typically, ruffed grouse hunting requires a 12-, 20-, 16-, 28- or 410-gauge shotgun. It’s mainly a question of preference. When it comes to ammunition, go for size 5 to 7.5 pellets. Remember that the size of the pellets must be adapted to the hunting style and the type of shooting (in flight or on the ground). You should also match the choke to your particular hunting style: the more you shoot in flight, the more open your choke should be. If you shoot mostly on the ground, opt for a more concentrated choke.
Choose your firearm according to your preferences and type of hunting. If you hunt on foot, you’ll probably want to go for a lighter rifle; if you use a car, weight is less of an issue.
As far as hunting clothing goes, make sure you adapt your outfit to the weather conditions – and don’t forget your mandatory visibility clothing. If you typically hunt on foot, it’s important to consider weight and breathability to ensure comfortable walking over long distances. Choose lightweight clothing at the start of the season, and slip on a pair of light, comfortable hunting boots.
Regarding the essential equipment for ruffed grouse hunting, the FédéCP recommends you bring the following:
Along with these essentials, you can also carry wire cutters if you’re hunting with your dog, in case he gets caught in a snare. An off-grid communication device may also prove helpful.
Ruffed grouse, as we mentioned, can be hunted with a crossbow, a bow, or a firearm (shotgun). Whatever weapon you prefer, it never hurts to practise and work on your shooting abilities. Getting better will increase your chances of making a deadly shot and lower the risks of simply wounding the bird. By doing so, you make sure you harvest in the most ethical way possible.
In Ontario and Quebec alike, you can easily find a shooting range in your area where you can practise all year long, whether in the off months or right before the start of the season in September. The more you repeat the motions, the more confident and ready you’ll be once you’re in the middle of action. Practice will also help you determine if your firearm meets your needs or if you should have it adjusted by a gunsmith.
Whether or not clay pigeon shooting practice is pertinent also depends on your type of hunting. If you plan on hunting birds in flight, we strongly suggest you do it at least once in a while. If you mostly shoot on the ground, it’s only optional.
You are now all set for a wonderful 2024 ruffed grouse hunting season. Technique, firearms, hunting clothing, accessories… you have everything you need to spend the most amazing days in the forest, on your own or with other hunters. Whether at an outfitter, in a ZEC or on public grounds, surround yourself with nature and enjoy the moment. Plan your ultimate hunting day and hit the trails – on foot, by car, or even on a bike! We’re willing to bet your friends and family are eager to hear your hunting stories (and enjoy your delicious harvest!)
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