North Carolina Ruffed Grouse Hunting -
Regulations 2026

Ruffed grouse are the classic "partridge" of North American upland hunting, found in young aspen forests and brushy edge habitat. Identified by a fan-shaped tail with a dark terminal band and ruffs of iridescent black or brown feathers on the neck sides. Color phases include gray (more common in northern regions) and brown (more common in the south). The startling thunderous flush from underfoot is the hallmark encounter. The drumming display of displaying males is one of the most distinctive sounds of the northern forest.