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Page 26 NEWFOUNDLAKELIFE.COM October 2026 Community
Ruffed Grouse and Woodcock Seasons Start October 1
The hunting season for ruffed grouse—New Hampshire’s most sought-after upland game bird— starts October 1 and runs through December 31. Woodcock season opens October 1 and concludes November 14. The New Hamp- shire Fish and Game Depart- ment’s Small Game Program Leader, Brett Ferry, notes that the majority (<90%) of reported small game hunter effort in New Hampshire targets these upland game birds, including 69% and 22%, respectively, for grouse and woodcock. Over half of that effort takes place in the North Country, primarily during the month of October.
Data from various Depart- ment surveys, including spring drumming counts, grouse wing and tail, and the Small Game Hunter Survey, are used to mea- sure changes in both grouse abun- dance and hunter effort. Survey data indicates that grouse are most abundant in the northern part of the state due to a higher percentage of ideal habitat in that region. “Grouse, woodcock, and other small game species re- quire young forest habitat to meet food and cover requirements,” said Ferry. “Timber management activities in the northern part of the state provide more abundant young forest habitat, particularly
when compared with the remain- der of the state.” Spring roadside drumming counts conducted an- nually by biologists serve as an index to regional grouse breed- ing populations. Drumming sur- vey results during 2026 were like 2025 in most regions, indicating no significant change in abun- dance from the previous year. “Despite recent stability, we can’t lose sight of the fact that grouse populations continue to experi- ence a long, slow decline in New Hampshire and across their range due to the loss of young forest habitat,” noted Ferry. “Other factors, such as spring and sum- mer weather conditions, hatching
success, and chick survival rates also influence annual population measurements and availability to hunters.” Long-term trends can be viewed in the 2025/2026 New Hampshire Small Game Sum- mary Report.
The 2026 grouse season is ex- pected to be similar to last year. A wet spring suppressed early chick survival, but drier weather in June should have provided improved conditions for successful renest- ing. Fall mast crops will determine where the grouse can be found in the field, and identifying areas of available food such as apples, cranberries, and other fruiting shrubs which will attract grouse will result in greater hunter suc- cess.
Woodcock season is also ex- pected to be much like last year. Singing ground survey routes pro- vide an index to the overall abun- dance of resident singing males and population trends. In 2026, the singing ground survey results were slightly lower than last year. Long-term trends are identified in the 2025/2026 New Hampshire Small Game Hunter Summary Report.
Woodcock hunters are re- minded that they need a free National Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP) cer- tification number to legally hunt
woodcock.
All small game hunters are en-
couraged to take part in NH Fish and Game’s annual Small Game Survey, and successful grouse hunters are encouraged to take part in New Hampshire’s Wing and Tail Survey. Those interested in participating can get small game survey packets by calling Fish and Game at (603) 271-2461, and grouse wing and tail packets can be picked up from partici- pating locations listed at www. wildlife.nh.gov/hunting-nh/ small-game-and-upland-bird- hunting/ruffed-grouse-wing- and-tail-survey. These surveys provide valuable insight into the status of grouse and other small game species in New Hampshire. As an incentive to participate in these surveys, Ruger Arms and The Ruffed Grouse Society have again generously agreed to do- nate a firearm for a randomly se- lected participant in each of these surveys.
Long-term and regional trends for grouse and woodcock can be viewed in the 2025/2026 Small Game Summary Report, which depicts detailed graphs by region and statewide. To view the report visit www.wildlife.nh.gov/hunt- ing-nh/small-game-and-upland- bird-hunting/small-game-survey.
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