Grouse hunting is a popular pastime for many in Ontario. The province is home to two main species of grouse that can be legally hunted – ruffed grouse and spruce grouse. Understanding the regulations, season dates, bag limits, and requirements for grouse hunting in Ontario is important for responsible hunters. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of grouse hunting in Ontario, answering key questions for prospective grouse hunters in the province.
What species of grouse can you hunt in Ontario?
There are two species of grouse that can be legally hunted in Ontario:
Ruffed Grouse
The ruffed grouse is the most common and popular grouse species for hunting in Ontario. Ruffed grouse are non-migratory forest grouse native throughout much of Canada and the northern United States. They are identified by their broad, fan-like tail and black ruff feathers around their neck. Ruffed grouse populations fluctuate in cycles every 8-11 years.
Spruce Grouse
Spruce grouse are less common than ruffed grouse in Ontario and inhabit boreal forest habitats across Canada. They are slightly smaller than ruffed grouse and can be identified by their mottled gray-brown plumage. Spruce grouse tend to be less social than ruffed grouse and do not fluctuate as much in population cycles.
When is grouse hunting season in Ontario?
Grouse hunting seasons in Ontario generally open in mid-September and run through late December or early January. Here are the opening and closing dates for grouse hunting in Ontario for the 2022-2023 season:
| Species | Opening Date | Closing Date |
| Ruffed grouse (province-wide) | September 15, 2022 | December 31, 2022 |
| Spruce grouse (north of the French and Mattawa rivers) | September 15, 2022 | December 31, 2022 |
| Spruce grouse (south of the French and Mattawa rivers) | October 1, 2022 | December 31, 2022 |
The season dates can vary slightly year-to-year, so it is important to check the regulations annually. Grouse hunting is open in both the fall and winter in Ontario. Hunting typically peaks in October and November during the ruffed grouse mating season.
What are the daily bag and possession limits?
Ontario has set daily bag and possession limits for grouse hunting to control harvesting and prevent overhunting. The daily bag limit is the maximum number of grouse you can harvest per day. The possession limit is the maximum number of grouse you can have in your possession at any time.
Here are Ontario’s 2022-2023 daily bag and possession limits for grouse:
| Daily Bag Limit | Possession Limit | |
| Ruffed grouse | 5 | 15 |
| Spruce grouse | 5 | 15 |
This allows hunters to harvest up to 5 grouse per day, with no more than 15 total grouse in their possession at any time. The limits are the same for both ruffed and spruce grouse. It is important to note the daily bag limit is per licensed hunter, not per hunting party.
What are the licensing requirements?
All grouse hunters in Ontario require a license to legally harvest grouse. You must have the following licenses and permits:
- A valid Ontario hunting version Outdoors Card
- A small game license
- A federal Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit (for ruffed grouse only)
These licenses can be purchased online, at authorized vendors, or at Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) offices. Prices vary based on resident status and age. Non-residents and foreign visitors need extra paperwork like an Ontario Non-Resident Hunting License.
You should always keep your licenses and permits with you when hunting grouse. You may be asked to produce them at any time by a conservation officer. Hunting without the proper licensing can result in fines and confiscation of any harvested birds.
Where can you hunt grouse in Ontario?
Grouse can be hunted across most of Ontario, but some of the top regions include:
- Southern Ontario – Popular areas are Parry Sound, Muskoka, Bruce Peninsula
- Eastern Ontario – Frontenac Provincial Park, Ottawa Valley, Algonquin Provincial Park
- Northern Ontario – North of Lake Superior, Hudson Bay Lowlands
- Central Ontario – Haliburton Highlands, Kawarthas
Grouse are found in brushy, early successional forests with a mix of dense cover and openings. Prime habitat types include areas recently disturbed by logging, burning, or storm damage. When scouting locations, look for overgrown logging roads, thickets of young aspen, and forest edges.
Most Crown land is open to grouse hunting for licensed hunters, but make sure to check local rules and regulations. Some provincial parks do not allow hunting. Hunting on private property requires advance permission from the landowner.
What methods and equipment can be used?
Legal methods for harvesting ruffed and spruce grouse in Ontario include:
- Shotguns – Most common is a 12 or 20 gauge shotgun with #6-9 sized shot. Larger shot can damage meat.
- Bows – Both recurve and compound bows can be used. Small game tip arrows recommended.
- Dogs – Well-trained pointing or flushing dogs help locate and retrieve downed birds.
Prohibited methods include rifles, night hunting, baiting, traps, snares, or nets. Motorized vehicles can only be used to access hunting areas on established roads and trails.
Safety equipment like fluorescent orange clothing is not mandated for grouse hunting, but is highly recommended. Proper footwear, insect repellent, navigation tools, and emergency supplies are also advised when hunting in Ontario’s remote backcountry.
What are the safety protocols and considerations?
As with any hunting, safety should be the top priority:
- Treat every firearm as if it were loaded
- Control your muzzle direction at all times
- Be sure of your target and beyond
- Wear blaze orange in the field, even if not mandated
- Hunt with a partner or group when possible
- Let others know your plans and expected return time
Additional tips include:
- Get proper training on firearms handling and maintenance
- Never shoot at movement or color alone
- Avoid shooting uphill or downhill
- Unload firearms when crossing obstacles
- Carry a compass, GPS, or maps to avoid getting lost
Hunters should also be aware of gun laws and border crossing regulations when transporting firearms. Safety courses and apprentice programs are a great way for new hunters to learn proper techniques.
How can you hunt grouse responsibly and ethically?
Hunting grouse sustainably helps maintain healthy populations. Here are tips for responsible grouse hunting:
- Obey all regulations and license requirements
- Only take ethical shots you know will kill the bird quickly
- Watch your bag limits and do not overharvest
- Avoid shooting females with broods
- Improve habitat by allowing brushy cover to regrow
- Report any diseased or unusual specimens
- Respect private lands and minimize damage
- Clean up spent shells and trash
It is also important to avoid stressing birds unnecessarily. Use well-trained dogs that hold birds, rather than flushing repeatedly. Consider using falconry instead of firearms in some cases.
Practice ethical shot placement to dispatch grouse as quickly and humanely as possible. Do not take excessively long shots that risk wounding loss. Quickly retrieve any downed birds.
Following fair chase principles and minimizing suffering is the goal. With responsible practices, grouse hunting can remain sustainable for future generations.
How do you humanely kill and field dress grouse?
An ethical, clean harvest starts with aiming for a killing shot on the head and neck area whenever possible. Here is a quick overview of basic field dressing procedures:
- Kill any crippled grouse swiftly by cervical dislocation
- Hang grouse upside down and cut the head off below the crop
- Carefully pluck feathers near the vent area
- Make an incision near the vent opening and around the breastbone
- Reach up into the body cavity and remove internal organs
- Cut off feet at the joints
- Rinse thoroughly with water and wipe dry
- Cover with cheesecloth and cool as soon as possible
The key is removing the entrails quickly to avoid meat spoilage. Some hunters use the “head, wings, and feet” method to simplify the process. Proper field dressing keeps the meat fresh until you return home.
How do you transport and store harvested grouse?
Carefully transport your harvested grouse cool and dry:
- Use breathable cotton game bags or cheesecloth
- Add ice packs during warmer weather
- Avoid plastic bags that can cause spoilage
- Take directly home or to a cooler if possible
- Keep out of direct sun and away from external heat sources
Once home:
- Immediately place grouse in the refrigerator or on ice
- Aging the meat 1-3 days improves flavor if frozen right after
- Wrap tightly in freezer paper or plastic wrap
- Grouse keeps 6-8 months in a freezer at 0°F (-18°C)
- Freeze giblets separately to use for gravy, soup stocks
Proper transportation and storage keeps grouse fresh and suitable for the table.
What are some popular grouse recipes and preparations?
Grouse have a delicate, mild flavor that adapts well to many recipes:
Roasting
Roast whole seasoned grouse in the oven basted with butter or oil at 400°F until cooked through and browned.
Grilling
Split grouse can be grilled on a hot barbecue like chicken until juices run clear. Marinate first for extra flavor.
Pan-frying
Pan-fry grouse breasts or quarters in olive oil or butter for 5-10 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Braising
Slow braise legs and thighs with vegetables in broth until very tender. The meat falls off the bone.
Stewing
Tough older birds work well in stews cooked for hours with wine or stock. Thicken the sauce at the end.
Canning
Precooked grouse meat and stock can be pressure canned or water bath canned using tested canning methods.
From traditional roasts to modern takes like jalapeno popper-stuffed breasts, the versatility of grouse is perfect for wild game dinners. Be sure to follow proper handling procedures and cook thoroughly to 165°F.
Conclusion
Grouse hunting provides great outdoor recreation and a source of quality organic meat. With proper licensing, safety protocols, and sustainable practices, grouse can be an excellent game bird for hunters across Ontario to pursue responsibly and ethically. Follow the regulations, respect the environment, use the resource fully, and enjoy Ontario’s fabulous grouse hunting heritage.
