Insider Info: Hunting Ruffs In The Snow

As a diehard upland hunter, when I gaze out the window on a cold Midwestern day and see large snowflakes fall and blanket the ground, I can’t help but think of ruffed grouse. While others might desire nothing more than a hot beverage by the fire, I yearn to strap on some snowshoes and walk transition areas along forest and swamp edges searching for grouse tracks. Properly outfitted, I can comfortably and safely hunt for hours during the late season.

My quarry is even better suited to survive our harsh upper Midwestern winters. When snow is thick enough, ruffs often roost in the snow itself, and their peculiar feet—featuring comb-like pectinations on the toes—let them walk across deep snow with ease, almost like my own snowshoes.

Now, just because grouse can endure harsh winter conditions, it doesn’t mean they enjoy them. And plunging temperatures and snow certainly cause them to change their behavior quite a bit. However, if you know how their habits change, what their winter food sources are and where to track them down, ruffed grouse can be extremely exciting to hunt now—and quite rewarding, too.

LOOK ELSEWHERE

In late fall and winter, ruffed grouse alter their routine drastically from those glorious October days. Most grouse hunters—and perhaps even their dogs—have a good idea regarding the types of cover grouse frequent in the fall. But in winter, a spot that looks “grousey” probably won’t hold birds—at least not in the same way you’d think.

Once snow falls, all the greenery and most of the fruit disappear, and birds that grouped up around old two-tracks loaded with clover move to isolated areas that hold food throughout the winter. They won’t stray far from these areas until the spring thaw.

Catkins, or buds, become their primary forage. Look for alder, hazel and dogwood. Thickets containing large numbers of big buds are best, especially hazel thickets. Check out old clearings or openings and fresh forest regrowth. And don’t overlook birch, as it becomes the primary forage late in the winter.

Lastly, every good grouse hunter knows of at least one high-bush cranberry tree that holds berries late into the winter. Visit that tree and the surrounding area as much as you can because it’s probably the only treat grouse will get until spring.

CHANGE TRAVEL PLANS

Seeing a snowmobile running through the forest is common, but seeing a rider in blaze orange with a gun cased behind him is rare. Few hunters remain once snow falls. Therefore, if you can get to the areas that hold birds, you’ll probably have great success. When snow is thick enough, a snow machine aids in getting to these spots. You shouldn’t hunt birds from a snowmobile, obviously, but it’s great for reaching isolated areas that are otherwise difficult to access.

In late fall or early winter, when snow is fresh and there’s less than 20 inches on the ground, a good pair of walking boots will work. But in deeper snow, a good pair of snowshoes is imperative. While it’s possible to trudge through deep snow with boots, you’ll spend a lot of energy with each step.

Wearing snowshoes eliminates that problem. In addition, hunters are forced to move slowly, as steps need to be semi-methodical with snowshoes, thereby avoiding the mistake many hunters make of moving too quickly through productive cover. Do keep in mind that grouse often get nervous when you walk slowly, and that can lead to extra flushes you may not have had if you were walking more quickly.

LOAD UP RIGHT

Sweat is your enemy in the cold, so pack light. I tote a 16-gauge Stevens 555E because it’s the lightest grouse gun in my safe. It also has no trouble downing birds in any cover. If you’re uncomfortable with a smaller bore, then take what suits you. However, travel as lightly as possible. There’s no foliage left in the winter, and the only obstructions are branches (or boughs, if you track a bird into the conifers). A modified choke and shells with No. 6, 7, 7 1/2 or 8 shot will suffice.

Long shots are possible, so I’m usually running modified chokes in both barrels. This keeps my pattern tight and allows me to be lethal at longer distances. After all, grouse aren’t likely to hold tight while you’re breaking through crusty snow wearing clunky gear. If you do get a surprise flush on a bird that’s roosted in the snow, let them get out a bit before pulling the trigger.

LEAVE (OR BRING) THE DOG

As much as I love walking behind a dog, the one time I prefer them to stay home is on remote winter grouse hunts. I love to run the snow machine quickly, covering lots of ground in search of tracks. Once I find tracks, I put on my snowshoes and slowly and thoroughly cover the area. A dog just isn’t ideal for this hunting scenario.

Alternatively, I’ll bring my dog and let her work if I’m going to an area that’s more accessible and has tracks, or if I’m hunting spots where I’ve had success in the past. In my experience, winter grouse rarely hold for pointers. I’ll often find them on point with a snow-angel pattern in front and a bird in a tree 30 yards away. But it’s still dog-work, and I enjoy it more than putting a bird in the bag.

In winter, I’ve had better success without a dog, but whether to bring it along comes down to personal choice. Though I’m happy either way, I am torn on every trip,. A bird in the bag or a happy dog. Either outcome is a win.

WATCH FOR CLUES

Once you’ve found likely grouse habitat and prepped for a cold day afield, you’ll want to pay attention to the ground, the bushes and the treetops. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve pulled up to a cover and found all the birds in the area loafing about in trees, eating buds and taking in the sun. Some puffed up like little butterballs, others with outstretched necks, and most pecking away quickly, trying to fill their bellies. But, flushing grouse from a tree isn’t always easy, nor is hitting them as they drift at a downward angle.

Bushes will hold birds at times, too. And when snow is vacant from bushes, that can tell a story, as well. Sometimes, birds will hop into a bush to feed, causing the snow to fall from the branches. A bush or undergrowth that stands out due to its lack of snow can be a good indicator that birds have been in the area.

The ground, however, is more important because there are several signs to keep an eye out for, including scat, tracks, and roost or resting impressions.

Scat, even with a lack of tracks, shows that grouse have been in the trees above. Roosting holes are neat and aren’t always empty. A grouse will plunge into the deep snow, and the snow will act as an insulator, keeping the bird warm on a cold winter night. Since many grouse forego breakfast in winter and don’t leave their roost until the sun starts warming the world, it’s not uncommon to find ruffies still occupying these holes in the morning hours. It’s not boring to search for them, either, as there’s nothing like a grouse exploding from the snow.

Tracks are the most significant thing. I have driven around and walked for hours only to come home without even loading the gun on winter hunts. The reason? Most of the time I won’t even try an area unless I see tracks.

When I do find tracks, I know I’m in the right area and will always follow them to the bitter end. I don’t care if they lead me half a mile through thick cover. I want to either find that bird or get an idea of its behavior. Even if the tracks end and I’m bird-less, I’ll have a sense of what the rest of the birds in the area are doing.

Never think that a single track equates to a single grouse. Wintering areas are typically small and hold several birds, so thoroughly work over any area that has signs.

GET OUT THERE

While winter grouse hunting can be challenging, it can also be very rewarding. I sometimes measure success by the knowledge obtained rather than the number of points or shots fired. If I get on one track that eats up two hours of my day, I’m a happy uplander. If I bring home a bird or two, I’m on cloud nine.

Go with someone you love, get your dog out of the house and use it as an excuse to help work off some of that extra holiday weight we all carry around. Being outside is good for both body and soul and, on these short winter days, it’s key to take in as much fresh air as possible. Life is far too short to let a little snow prevent a great day in the grouse woods, just be mindful of your dog in the cold weather.

RUFF RETREATS

• A trio of upper Midwest states are blessed with loads of public lands brimming with grouse.

While ruffed grouse inhabit numerous areas in many states across the northern U.S., a few spots stand out. Below are a handful of places to consider hunting early, mid-season or late.

GOPHER STATE GEMS: Arguably the best place in the country to hunt ruffed grouse, Chippewa National Forest in Minnesota is one of the largest areas to hunt in the state, offering more than 660,000 acres of huntable land. Luckily for uplanders, it’s littered with ruffed grouse and woodcock. Beltrami Island State Forest is another hot spot, a place where lucky grouse hunters may run into spruce grouse and woodcock, too.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) also has designated walking trails in what are called RGMAs (Ruffed Grouse Management Areas), which can be found by checking the MN DNR website (dnr.state.mn.us). Minnesota is a true grouse mecca, and almost any public land in the state’s northern half can hold birds.

WISCO WONDERLANDS: Wisconsin is another great grouse state, and Park Falls in Price County lays claim to the title of “Ruffed Grouse Capital of the World.” With more than 300,000 acres of productive hunting land, the area is definitely a contender. Rusk and Oneida counties are also very well managed for ruffed grouse and contain several state and county forests boasting good bird numbers. Woodcock are abundant in all the areas mentioned, too. As in Minnesota, grouse populations in Wisconsin are strong enough for hunters to find birds on any of the abundant public lands in northern parts of the state.

U.P. UTOPIA: Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is littered with prime grouse habitat, and it holds solid numbers of birds. While encounters might not be as high as in Minnesota or Wisconsin, Michigan hunters can have some stellar days in certain pockets. The Hiawatha National Forest is a beautiful area to hunt and holds lots of birds. It’s quite rugged, though, so pack appropriately.

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• This article was featured in the November 2025 issue of Game & Fish magazine. Click to subscribe.

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