{"id":11780,"date":"2021-09-03T10:53:39","date_gmt":"2021-09-03T15:53:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/blog\/small-game-hunting-big-discoveries\/"},"modified":"2023-07-12T07:17:21","modified_gmt":"2023-07-12T12:17:21","slug":"small-game-hunting-big-discoveries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/blog\/small-game-hunting-big-discoveries\/","title":{"rendered":"Small Game Hunting: Useful Information for Getting Started and Harvesting Ruffed Grouse"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":9304,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[201,208],"tags":[364,365,792,874,1080,2232],"class_list":["post-11780","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hunting","category-small-game-hunting","tag-ruffed-grouse","tag-small-game-hunting","tag-hare","tag-small-game","tag-spruce-grouse","tag-born-to-hunt-adventures"],"acf":{"post_flexible_content":[{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":false,"anchor_link_text":"","text_content":"Fall is known for being THE hunting season! It\u2019s during this time of year that both beginners and experts head out to the woods for the chance of bringing back a prize. Yet, this activity can be strenuous if you have never hunted before. That\u2019s why small game hunting is a popular start for those who want to learn about hunting or simply improve their technique. We\u2019re recapping the subject in 5 questions.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nLearn more about small game hunting:\r\n
    \r\n \t
  1. What is considered small game?<\/li>\r\n \t
  2. What is the best time of year to maximize your chances of harvesting?<\/li>\r\n \t
  3. What is the best small game hunting gear?<\/li>\r\n \t
  4. What are the possession limits for small game hunting?<\/li>\r\n \t
  5. How do you harvest ruffed grouse?<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n

    [stag_button url=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/collections\/hunting\/small-game-hunting\" style=\"orange\" size=\"medium\" type=\"normal\" target=\"_blank\" icon=\"\" icon_order=\"before\"]Find everything for small game hunting[\/stag_button]<\/p>\r\n\r\n

    What is considered small game?<\/h2>\r\nSmall game describes any smaller-sized animals that one may hunt. Species that are most commonly found in Qu\u00e9bec are birds such as ruffed grouse, gray partridge, spruce grouse, quail, wild duck, wild turkey, pheasant and geese, as well as mammals such as coyotes, Arctic hares, wolves, raccoons, and foxes. Read more about small game hunting, species and Quebec regulations by visiting the Government of Quebec website<\/a>.\r\n\r\nOn the Ontario side, small game hunting includes birds \u2013 ruffed grouse, spruce grouse, ptarmigan, ring-necked pheasant - as well as small furry mammals such as Eastern cottontail hare, red foxes, weasels, and more. Read more about small game hunting, species and Ontario regulations by visiting the Government of Ontario website<\/a>.\r\n

    What is the best time of year to maximize your chances of harvesting?<\/h2>\r\nSmall game hunting generally lasts from September to April (dates vary by species) in Quebec<\/a>, and from September to March (dates vary by species) in Ontario<\/a>. Some species can also be hunted all year round, for example rock doves and woodchuck.\r\n\r\nThis type of hunting can be carried out in different conditions, but it is ideal when there is less wind, it isn't raining, and the sun is beating down with lots of warmth. The more fall progresses, the easier it becomes to spot birds through the trees as the leaves continue to fall. Small game hunting is considered an art because, as a hunter, you will be in constant movement in order to conquer your game. It is also possible to continue this type of hunting into the early winter when a bit of snow covers the ground as this may help to track the animal\u2019s steps.\r\n

    The perfect time of day<\/h3>\r\nHunters are known for being early risers! Small game is often found out and about, right at sunrise. Even though it can be done all day long, the early morning hours are the best time to head out on the hunt!\r\n

    What is the best small game hunting gear?<\/h2>\r\nCompared to big game hunting where more complex equipment is required \u2013 check out our blog about moose hunting \u2013 small game hunting requires minimal preparation and is done with a small caliber rifle or shotgun.\r\n\r\nYou\u2019ll need:\r\n