Grouse hunting is a popular activity in many parts of the United States, especially in more northern states where Ruffed Grouse are abundant. Kentucky lies at the southern edge of Ruffed Grouse range, so grouse populations tend to be lower and more scattered compared to prime grouse habitat farther north. However, there are still opportunities for good grouse hunting in Kentucky if you know where to look.
What types of grouse are found in Kentucky?
There are two species of grouse that inhabit Kentucky:
- Ruffed Grouse – The state bird of Pennsylvania, this is the classic grouse species hunted throughout the northern and central United States. Ruffed Grouse prefer young forests with dense cover.
- Greater Prairie-Chicken – A species of prairie grouse that inhabits open grasslands and farmland. Populations have declined significantly and they are rarely hunted today.
Of these two species, Ruffed Grouse is by far the most widespread and commonly hunted grouse in Kentucky. Greater Prairie-Chickens were once common in the state’s prairie regions like the Bluegrass, but habitat loss has greatly reduced their numbers. Most grouse hunting in Kentucky focuses on Ruffed Grouse.
Where is the best grouse habitat in Kentucky?
Grouse populations can be found scattered across much of Kentucky, but the highest concentrations of birds are in areas of high-quality habitat. The best grouse habitat in Kentucky is typically found in the eastern part of the state, where the forested Appalachian Plateau and Cumberland Mountains dominate the landscape. Specific areas known for their grouse populations include:
- Daniel Boone National Forest – This large forest in eastern Kentucky contains over 700,000 acres of public land with excellent grouse habitat.
- Robinson Forest – Owned by the University of Kentucky, this research forest has sustainably managed habitat that supports ruffed grouse.
- Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area – Parts of this National Park Service unit offer good cover for grouse.
- Cumberland Falls State Park – The rugged forested terrain supports fair numbers of grouse.
- Other public lands – Additional public land units managed by the National Forest Service, Fish & Wildlife Service, State Parks department, and Army Corps of Engineers offer locally productive grouse habitat.
In general, look for areas with young forests between 10-20 years old that provide dense understory cover. Clearcuts, timber harvest areas, forest fire regrowth, and overgrown farmland often make ideal grouse habitat. Grouse populations tend to be lower in mature forests and open agricultural areas.
When is grouse season in Kentucky?
Grouse season in Kentucky runs from early November through the end of February. Here are the opening and closing dates for recent grouse seasons in Kentucky:
Season | Opening Date | Closing Date |
2022-2023 | November 5 | February 28 |
2021-2022 | November 6 | February 28 |
2020-2021 | November 7 | February 28 |
The grouse season spans the fall through winter months to take advantage of cooler weather when birds are more active. The season lengths and bag limits are designed to provide hunting recreation while allowing sustainable harvests of grouse populations in the state. Changes to season dates between years are minor.
What is the daily bag limit for grouse in Kentucky?
The statewide daily bag limit for ruffed grouse in Kentucky is 4 birds per person per day. Hunting parties often employ the use of well-trained bird dogs to help flush, find, and retrieve downed grouse. The generous 4 bird daily limit allows hunters to take advantage of a dog’s abilities on days when they are performing well.
Possession limits are also in place. Grouse hunters may possess up to 2 days worth of daily bag limits after the first day of hunting. So on the opening weekend, hunters could legally take 4 birds on Saturday and 4 birds on Sunday for a total possession limit of 8 grouse.
What kind of habitat do grouse prefer?
Grouse thrive in areas of dense, young forest growth that provide ample cover and foraging opportunities. The best grouse habitat features:
- Dense stands of shrubs, saplings, vines, and brush between 6-15 feet tall
- Canopy trees around 30 feet tall or shorter
- Openings in the canopy to allow sunlight to reach the forest floor
- Plentiful sources of food like berries, buds, seeds, and insects
Ideal grouse habitat often occurs 5-15 years after a major disturbance like a timber harvest, forest fire, windstorm, or clearcut. Grouse numbers decline as forests mature and the understory becomes more open and park-like.
In Kentucky, grouse stick close to forested cover and are rarely found far from the wooded hills and mountains of the eastern part of the state. The scattered forest fragments, croplands, and prairies of central and western Kentucky do not support many grouse.
How are grouse hunted?
Grouse are most often hunted with the assistance of trained bird dogs such as English Setters, English Pointers, Spaniels, and Retrievers. As the hunter walks through likely grouse habitat, the dog quarterbacks back and forth searching for the scent of birds. When a bird is detected, the dog will “freeze” and point towards the location of the grouse, allowing the hunter to walk up and flush the bird into flight for a shot.
Shotguns are the firearm of choice for grouse hunting. Common choke choices include improved cylinder and modified chokes. Shot sizes between 6 and 9 are good options. Hunter orange is required by law for all grouse hunters in Kentucky.
In more open areas, grouse can also be hunted by walking areas known to harbor birds and flushing them without a dog. Called “walk-up hunting,” this method requires hunters to be alert and ready for the sudden flush of a grouse.
What is the outlook for grouse hunting in Kentucky?
Grouse populations follow boom-and-bust cycles on roughly 10-year intervals. Numbers can peak when habitat is ideal, then crash when habitat quality declines. In 2015, Kentucky reached a modern era peak in grouse numbers following ideal nesting conditions. Since then, populations have declined some as habitat conditions became less favorable.
Weather patterns that support high reproduction are critical for maintaining strong grouse numbers in Kentucky. Wet springs allow for lush habitat leading into the nesting and brood-rearing seasons. Strong chick survival boosts fall populations for hunters.
Habitat management also plays a key role. Sustainable timber harvests that create young forest growth are beneficial. Fire suppression has reduced habitat quality in some areas. Conservation efforts by government agencies and private landowners help provide more consistent grouse populations.
Overall, Kentucky is not considered a top-tier grouse hunting state compared to the upper Midwest and New England. But opportunistic hunters who explore the best public land areas can still experience good action during peak years. Focusing efforts during the early weeks of season before pressure impacts birds can also improve success.
Tips for hunting grouse in Kentucky
Here are some tips for having a successful grouse hunting trip in Kentucky:
- Scout areas before season opens – Identify promising habitat during preseason scouting trips
- Use topographic maps to plan hunts – Grouse prefer wooded hills and valleys over flat land
- Focus efforts early in the season – Grouse are less pressured early in the year
- Hunt public lands with good habitat – Daniel Boone National Forest offers excellent opportunities
- Consider hiring a guide – Guides will know hotspots and provide dogs if needed
- Use bird dogs – Retrievers, pointers, spaniels, and setters are ideal for grouse
- Play the wind – Approach likely cover into the wind so your scent doesn’t spook birds
- Watch for signs – Look for tracks, droppings, feathers, dust bowls, etc.
- Be patient – Moving slowly increases your odds of flushing birds
With persistence and an exploration of promising areas, Kentucky can offer rewarding days in the field chasing grouse each fall.
Conclusion
For die-hard grouse enthusiasts, Kentucky may not measure up to legendary destinations like Minnesota, Michigan or Pennsylvania for hunting ruffed grouse. However, the state can still provide good opportunities to flush and harvest grouse for those willing to put in the legwork. Hunters who focus on prime public land habitat in eastern Kentucky and time their efforts for early season when birds are less pressured have the best chance at success. Additionally, ideal weather patterns and habitat management are key factors for maintaining robust grouse populations in the state. While not a grouse hunting hotspot, Kentucky can certainly offer rewarding days afield for dedicated grouse hunters.