Grouse are a type of game bird that are popular to hunt and eat in some parts of the world. In the United States, there are a few species of grouse that can be legally hunted and consumed in certain states during hunting season.
What types of grouse live in the US?
There are five main species of grouse that inhabit parts of the United States:
- Ruffed grouse – Found in the eastern and northwestern US
- Spruce grouse – Found in the western US
- Dusky grouse – Found in the western US
- Sharp-tailed grouse – Found in the Great Plains states
- Greater prairie chicken – Found in the Great Plains states
Of these, ruffed grouse and spruce grouse are the most widely distributed and hunted for food. Sharp-tailed grouse and greater prairie chickens have seen population declines but can still be hunted in limited areas.
Can you legally hunt grouse in the US?
Yes, it is legal to hunt certain species of grouse in many parts of the United States during designated hunting seasons. Here are some key points about grouse hunting regulations in the US:
- Hunting regulations are set by each individual state
- Most states require small game hunting licenses and permits
- There are limits on the number of grouse that can be harvested each day/season
- Only ruffed, spruce, dusky, sharp-tailed, and prairie grouse can be legally hunted
- Grouse hunting seasons usually occur in the fall and winter
- Some states only allow grouse hunting in certain zones or regions
It is important to check your state’s small game hunting regulations before going grouse hunting. Hunting any species without the proper permit and outside of designated seasons carries steep penalties.
What states can you hunt grouse in?
Grouse can be hunted in many northern, western, and midwestern states. Here are some of the top states for grouse hunting opportunities:
| State | Notable Grouse Species |
|---|---|
| Minnesota | Ruffed grouse |
| Wisconsin | Ruffed grouse |
| Michigan | Ruffed grouse |
| New York | Ruffed grouse |
| Colorado | Dusky, Spruce grouse |
| Montana | Spruce, Dusky grouse |
| Idaho | Ruffed, Spruce grouse |
| Oregon | Spruce, Dusky grouse |
| Washington | Spruce, Dusky grouse |
| South Dakota | Sharp-tailed grouse |
Other states like Wyoming, North Dakota, Nebraska, and Kansas also allow grouse hunting but have lower populations compared to the states listed above.
What is the grouse hunting season?
Grouse hunting seasons vary by state but generally take place in the fall and early winter. Here are some examples of ruffed grouse hunting seasons in top states:
- Minnesota: mid-September to December 31
- Wisconsin: mid-September to January 31
- Michigan: mid-September to November 14 and December 1 to January 1
- New York: October 1 to February 28
- Idaho: September to November, set yearly
The exact open and close dates may change slightly each year per state regulations. Spruce, dusky, sharp-tailed, and prairie grouse generally have similar fall/winter hunting seasons in the western states they inhabit.
How can you buy grouse meat?
There are a few options for buying grouse meat in the US:
- Hunt your own – Legally hunt grouse and have the meat processed yourself
- Specialty meat markets – Some high-end butcher shops and game meat markets sell grouse, often imported from the UK
- Order online – There are a handful of websites that ship grouse meat nationwide when available
- Restaurant dishes – A few upscale restaurants occasionally offer grouse specials during hunting season
Of these, hunting your own grouse in-season will be the cheapest and most reliable way to obtain grouse meat. Purchasing from specialty suppliers can be very expensive – $50-$100 per whole grouse or more.
Where to buy grouse online
Here are some places where grouse can be purchased online and shipped when in stock:
| Company | Price |
|---|---|
| D’Artagnan | $149/bird |
| Marx Foods | $54/lb |
| Exotic Meat Markets | $199/3 birds |
Availability of farm-raised grouse online is often sporadic. Expect to pay high premiums and shipping fees at about $50 per whole bird minimum.
Where to find grouse dishes in restaurants
Grouse occasionally appears as a seasonal specialty dish at upscale restaurants during the fall hunting season. Here are some restaurants known to serve grouse when available:
- French Laundry – Yountville, CA
- Canoe – Toronto, Canada
- Next – Chicago, IL
- Chez Panisse – Berkeley, CA
- Alinea – Chicago, IL
- The Modern – NYC, NY
Dishes are often part of prix fixe menus that cost hundreds per person. Grouse is served roasted, braised, or in dishes like ballotine, pâté, cassoulet when available.
Conclusion
In summary, several species of grouse can be legally hunted in many northern and western states during fall and early winter hunting seasons. While not commonly consumed, grouse can be bought through specialty suppliers, ordered online, or occasionally found on upscale restaurant menus. Due to the limited supply, buying grouse is quite expensive, making hunting your own the most affordable option for obtaining this type of wild game bird meat.
