As soon as the moose and white-tailed deer hunting periods are over, ruffed grouse enthusiasts can reclaim the backcountry.
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Although it is not a formal agreement, chicken-of-the-woods hunters will not usually disturb big game hunters who wait for long hours in order to come across one of these large mammals. But, before long, depending on the territories targeted, you will be able to pursue this elegant, non-migratory galliform, which is the most widespread on our continent.
Small game, including grouse and hare, are almost as popular as deer. Nearly 160,000 nemrods acquire their permit at a cost of $23.55. The season begins in September and continues until January 15.
The bird
The name “crested” refers to its hairstyle or, if you prefer, the crest on its head. Its feather dress can display five shades depending on the environment, either brown, gray, red, a mixture of the first three colors or intermediate with gradient.
The easiest way to tell the sex of a winged game bird is to check the black stripe on its tail. If it is not complete and uniform, it is a female.
The male attempts to seduce the breeding females by drumming with his wings. The movements and sounds generated will also have another distinct purpose, namely to ward off suitors who, like him, will remain in a vital sector of less than one square kilometer. Partridges will move daily over a territory of 200 to 400 m.
Habitat
This forest bird seeks out mixed forests with lots of deciduous trees where there are openings near tree cuts, burns, watercourses lined with alders, ravines, clearings, edges, etc. Species such as poplar, aspen, willow, wild cherry, cherry, birch, maple, staghorn and large-leaved beech are very popular with grouse.
Do not hesitate to exploit places that are further back and more difficult to access. The action is often there.
Photo provided by Patrick Campeau
The partridge will feed mainly on buds, seeds, clover, tender leaves, flowers, fruits, mushrooms and twigs. Fly fishermen are accustomed to analyzing the stomach contents of their trout to find out what they are eating. They can then try to reproduce the bugs observed or, at least, choose an imitation that resembles it. Do the same with the crested. You will be able to find out what it feeds on and then try to identify places where this food can be found.
The proximity of sites where it can drink is also productive. Just think of streams, for example, and follow them in parallel at a distance varying from 10 to 50 yards.
Take it relaxed
The great thing about partridge hunting is that it really isn’t a race. We go at our own pace. We also remember that it is a golden opportunity to introduce young followers and new enthusiasts.
The simplest method to intercept this type of winged game is to travel the forest roads on foot, by mountain bike or by SUV. Birds frequent these roads for two reasons: either to find small gravel which they will ingest to facilitate their digestion, or to sunbathe. The hunter must therefore look at the span as well as the entire portion of the border. In a motor vehicle, movements must be done slowly to be able to see the game, which is often immobile.
In certain less frequented areas, it is sometimes possible to get very close to the birds. In contrast, in places where there is a lot of pressure and predation, they become shy and will frequently fly several hundred yards before they even see you.
Hunting Tips
› It is obvious that, if you are not the first to try your luck on a road or trail, you will only catch birds on the occasional move, unlike those that have quite possibly been basking there since sunrise. .
› Favor trails and secondary areas where there are much fewer comings and goings. In addition to having the chance to be the first to come, you will not face nervous grouse.
› If you frighten a crested and it flies away or you miss it, remember that it shouldn’t go very far. Try to follow the direction indicated following takeoff and opt for fine hunting.
› Always visually scan the floor for the slightest movements near and far. When it rains, partridges often take shelter under small fir trees. At the end of the day, look up, as they can perch high up.
› If you are two hunters, one can walk on the path and the other can follow it parallel in the forest, always remaining within sight. You will thus be able to repel game from each other.
The rules
The bag limit for all grouse, grouse and gray partridge is five in total, per day, and the possession limit is 15 in total.
The most popular weapons are 12, 20 and 410 gauge rifles as well as the small .22. It is also possible to try your luck with arrows.
