The Ruffed Grouse Society has recently compiled their 2009 Grouse and Woodcock forecasts*. Forecasts are available for a wide variety of states. Thus, if you don't see your favorite grousing spot listed below, be sure to check out the full list on the RGS website.

New York

Wildlife Biologist Mike Schiavone reported that hunter flush rates last fall were slightly better than the year before, with good hard and soft mast production last summer and fall. Flush rates were relatively good last year, but the productivity this year is expected to be impacted due to a very wet June. Hunters should expect fair to good hunting this year.

Spring woodcock singing ground surveys indicated an increase in singing males over last year. Breeding woodcock numbers in the state have been stable over the last 10 years. Hunters should expect good woodcock hunting, particularly during the migration period.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is a bright spot for eastern grouse hunting. Hunter flush rates last hunting season were the best in 7 years and roughly equal to the 44-year average of the survey, according to Bill Palmer, recently retired forest wildlife biologist for the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The north central and northwest regions that are heavily forested and offer millions of acres of public hunting had the highest flush rates.

Drumming counts were also up at the Barrens Grouse Study Area on SGL 176. On the down side, cold, heavy rains in the first weeks of June most likely impacted chick survival, so no further upswing in grouse numbers is expected.

A multitude of options for grouse hunting on public lands in available in all parts of the state. Very large state forests, the Allegheny National Forest, many state game lands and even Corps of Engineer lands offer good grouse hunting.

Woodcock populations remain stable in the state. Spring singing ground surveys indicate similar numbers to last year. There has been little change in the singing ground survey since the mid-90’s. Woodcock enthusiasts should keep in mind that hunting is allowed on state parks, where some of the best old-field woodcock habitat can be found.

*Compiled by Ruffed Grouse Society Biologists: Mark Banker, Senior Regional Biologist Mid-AtlanticDan Dessecker, Director of Conservation Policy, Minnesota & Alaska, Gary Zimmer, Senior Regional Biologist Western Great Lakes