Ruffed grouse are a popular game bird for hunters in Pennsylvania. They are found throughout most of the state, but their habitat preferences and population densities vary in different regions. Knowing the best places to find ruffed grouse can help hunters have a more successful season. In this article, we’ll look at the key areas to target ruffed grouse, tips for locating them, and changes in population and distribution over time.
Overview of Ruffed Grouse in Pennsylvania
The ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) is a medium-sized grouse species native to Pennsylvania. They are arguably the most prized game bird in the state for their tasty meat and challenging hunting. Some key facts about ruffed grouse in Pennsylvania:
- There are two color phases – gray and red. Gray is more common.
- Ideal habitat is young forests with dense understory vegetation.
- Drumming display by males in spring is a signature sound of Pennsylvania forests.
- Nest on the ground, typically at base of tree or shrub. Hatch around 11 chicks per brood.
- Population levels rise and fall in ~10 year cycles. Numbers have declined since the 1980s.
Ruffed grouse depend on young forests that provide cover and food, such as aspen, birch, cherry, and other forest openings. These habitat types support the buds, seeds, fruits, and insects that grouse feed on.
As forests mature, they become less suitable for grouse. Populations tend to be highest 5-15 years after a major disturbance like timber harvests or forest fires. Pennsylvania’s widespread regrowth of forests in the 1900s benefited grouse numbers for many decades.
Prime Ruffed Grouse Range in Pennsylvania
Grouse can be found in every Pennsylvania county, but some regions consistently hold higher densities than others. The best ruffed grouse range tends to be in the more forested northern and central counties.
Northcentral and Northwest
The northcentral and northwest districts have a high percentage of aspen and young forest habitat. Aspen stands regenerate quickly after timber cuts, creating ideal cover. Counties like Potter, Tioga, McKean, Warren, and Clinton often top the list for hunter harvest density.
Public lands like Susquehannock State Forest, Elk State Forest, and Allegheny National Forest provide ample habitat. The more remote forests of this region tend to be less mature compared to southern PA.
Northeast
The Endless Mountains region in northeast PA contains excellent grouse habitat. Hunting hotspots include State Game Lands 36, 57, 66, 142, and the Loyalsock State Forest.
Scrub oak barrens in this area provide critical food and cover. Timber cuts that encourage aspen and birch regeneration are beneficial. Luzerne, Wayne, and Sullivan counties consistently produce good harvest numbers.
Southcentral and Southeast
Southcentral and southeastern PA hold fewer grouse due to more extensive agriculture and forest maturation. But pockets of good habitat remain, especially on public lands.
Notable areas to hunt include State Game Lands 176, 211, 302, 176, and 263. The Tuscarora State Forest also contains decent grouse densities in regenerating stands. Bedford and Somerset counties are regional hotspots.
Tips for Locating Ruffed Grouse
Searching for the ideal grouse cover takes effort. Hunters should cover a lot of ground, watching and listening for signs of birds. Here are some tips for pinpointing ruffed grouse locations:
Look for prime grouse habitat
Focus on forest areas with a dense understory – thickets of young aspen, birch, hawthorn, wild grape, and scrub oak. Clearcuts that regenerated 5-15 years ago are prime spots. Listen for the whirring sound of grouse wings as a flush indicator.
Listen for drumming
Drumming by male grouse begins in March and peaks in April. It is a sign of quality habitat. Follow drumming sounds and home in on forest openings, trails, woods roads, and edges.
Check dirt and gravel roads
Grouse will dust themselves on backcountry roads to clean plumage. Slow drive roads looking for feathers and tracks. Stop and walk likely habitat near road dustings.
Use pointing dogs
Well-trained pointing dogs greatly increase chances of finding and flushing grouse. Their nose and field search skills are ideal for covering a lot of country.
Focus efforts early and late
Grouse are most active in early morning and evening when feeding. Plan hunts to optimize this peak activity period. Overcast days also spur increased feeding activity.
Changes in Ruffed Grouse Populations
Pennsylvania’s ruffed grouse populations have undergone decades-long ups and downs. Understanding these trends helps manage expectations and target areas that still hold birds in down cycles.
Population Cycles
Ruffed grouse numbers follow natural 8-12 year population cycles. In peak years, spring breeding counts may top 3-4 drums per stop. In lows of the cycle, less than 0.5 drums may be heard per stop. Statewide numbers rise and fall together in the same years.
These cycles are driven by vegetation and weather impacts on chick survival. Wet springs and extensive mature forests lead to few birds. Dry conditions and disturbed habitats spur high populations.
Long-term Decline Since the 1980s
While still cyclic, ruffed grouse numbers have trended downward across Pennsylvania since the 1980s. Hunter harvests and breeding survey drums per stop have declined by 75% or more compared to historic numbers.
Loss of young forest habitat is a major cause, as many aspen stands matured without disturbance. Regrowth of clearcuts has slowed on state lands. More recent upticks in timber harvests may help stabilize populations.
Regional Shifts in Abundance
As total numbers decreased, ruffed grouse abundance has shifted more to the northern tier counties. Southern Pennsylvania held more grouse historically when habitat was more widespread.
Hunters today should focus on public lands in the big woods of northcentral and northeast districts for most consistent success. Local habitat drives populations rather than statewide trends.
Outlook for Ruffed Grouse in Pennsylvania
While not at historic highs, ruffed grouse remain one of Pennsylvania’s most important game birds. Their populations appear to have stabilized at lower levels in recent years.
Habitat initiatives by the PA Game Commission and ongoing timber management on state lands provide optimism. Aspen cuts, scrub oak maintenance, and more edge feathering will benefit grouse.
Numbers will continue to cycle up and down naturally. But targeted habitat projects could help offset lows and extend peaks. With over 2 million acres of state game lands, opportunities exist to enhance grouse range.
The ruffed grouse’s future remains bright in Pennsylvania thanks to a core base of habitat and dedicated hunters. Their reputation as a challenging, tasty game bird will continue making them a prized component of Pennsylvania’s hunting culture.
Region | Primary Counties | Major Public Lands |
---|---|---|
Northcentral / Northwest | Potter, Tioga, McKean, Warren, Clinton | Susquehannock State Forest, Elk State Forest, Allegheny National Forest |
Northeast | Luzerne, Wayne, Sullivan | State Game Lands 36, 57, 66, 142, Loyalsock State Forest |
Southcentral / Southeast | Bedford, Somerset | State Game Lands 176, 211, 302, 176, 263, Tuscarora State Forest |
Time Period | Population Level | Primary Causes |
---|---|---|
1960s-1970s | High populations | Widespread recent clearcuts |
1980s | Marked decline begins | Mature forests reduce habitat |
1990s-2000s | Cyclic ups and downs at lower levels | Declining habitat and chick survival |
2010s-present | Stabilized at lower population | Some habitat improvement efforts |
Conclusion
In summary, ruffed grouse can be found across Pennsylvania but the highest densities occur in the aspen forests of the northern counties. Hunters should target regenerating stands 5-15 years old. Drumming can pinpoint prime areas in spring. Population cycles and habitat loss have reduced statewide numbers since the 1980s but focused management efforts provide hope for stabilization. Ruffed grouse remain one of Pennsylvania’s most prized game birds.