CONTACT:
Brett Ferry: 603-744-5470
Andy Timmins: 603-271-1742
September 22, 2025
Concord, NH – 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 Hampshire Fish and Game Department’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 Department surveys, including spring drumming counts, grouse wing and tail, and the Small Game Hunter Survey, are used to measure changes in both grouse abundance 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 require 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 remainder of the state.” Spring roadside drumming counts conducted annually by biologists serve as an index to regional grouse breeding populations. Drumming survey results during 2025 were like 2024 in most regions, indicating no significant change in abundance from the previous year. “Despite recent stability, we can’t lose sight of the fact that grouse populations continue to experience 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 summer 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 2024/2025 New Hampshire Small Game Summary Report.
The 2025 grouse season is expected 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 renesting. 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 success.
Woodcock season is also expected to be much like last year. Singing ground survey routes provide an index to the overall abundance of resident singing males and population trends. In 2025, the singing ground survey results were slightly lower than last year. Long-term trends are identified in the 2024/2025 New Hampshire Small Game Hunter Summary Report.
Woodcock hunters are reminded that they need a free National Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification number to legally hunt woodcock.
All small game hunters are encouraged 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 participating 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 donate a firearm for a randomly selected participant in each of these surveys.
Long-term and regional trends for grouse and woodcock can be viewed in the 2024/2025 Small Game Summary Report, which depicts detailed graphs by region and statewide. To view the report visit www.wildlife.nh.gov/hunting-nh/small-game-and-upland-bird-hunting/small-game-survey.
