For the flush
Whether it’s grouse, pheasant or partridge, upland game birds bursting from cover make for one exciting hunt
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RUFFED GROUSE
The most widely distributed and accessible upland game birds in Canada, ruffed grouse are just plain fun to hunt. They offer a special thrill because, when unpressured, they’ll often allow a hunter to move in quite close before suddenly exploding into flight and presenting a fast target. While hunters specifically target ruffed grouse, the birds can also be taken incidentally when hunting other upland species. The markings on ruffed grouse are similar from bird to bird, but the grey-brown coloration can vary.
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WHERE
Except in Arctic habitats, ruffed grouse are found in every province and territory other than Nunavut. They inhabit mountains, foothills, mixed coniferous forests, deciduous forests and farmland, and in all regions, they are cyclically plentiful. Ruffies roost in heavier cover such as thick brush, aspen stands and second-growth coniferous forests. During early mornings and evenings, they emerge from cover to forage for everything from clover and berries to buds and insects. To aid in their digestion, they’ll also eat sand or gravel along corridors such as roadways and backwoods trails—making those prime locations to spot the birds.
HOW
Again, hunting with a well-trained dog can make your job a lot easier when working heavy cover. But even without a dog, if you focus on prime habitat at the right times of day, your odds of finding ruffies go way up. Seasoned hunters slowly work the corridors just outside heavy cover, keeping a keen eye out for birds while listening for the telltale rustling of leaves.
Again, ruffies are famous for their tolerance—it’s common to have them sit tight until the hunter is almost upon them before flushing. Wingshooters looking for a sporting opportunity will wait for the ensuing ballistic flush, but if you just want to put meat in the freezer, there are other options. Where regulations allow, and if you spot a grouse before it flushes, an accurately placed rimfire or archery shot can also do the trick.
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Along with upland game birds, Edmonton contributor Kevin Wilson hunts everything from big game to predators.