The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the season outlook for ruffed grouse, woodcock, and wild turkey, plus essential updates for hunters to be in the know for season openers.
Ruffed Grouse
The ruffed grouse season is open in Zone A from September 18th – January 9th, 2022. This earlier closure than previous years follows the DNR’s 10-year ruffed grouse management plan. In Zone B, the season is open October 16th – December 8th.
Statewide drumming survey results indicated a decrease of 6% inbreeding grouse compared to 2019. Surveys were not completed in 2020 due to the pandemic. In Wisconsin, the 10-year ruffed grouse population cycle typically peaks in years that end in 0, 9, or 1. This likely indicates we are entering the typical “down-phase” of the 10-year cycle.
Woodcock
Wisconsin’s woodcock hunting season is open from September 25th – November 8th. Like waterfowl and mourning doves, woodcock are migratory game birds, so hunters who plan to pursue them must register annually with the Harvest Information Program (HIP).
A small game license is required to hunt woodcock and ruffed grouse.
Turkey
The fall turkey season opens statewide on September 18th, but closing dates for the fall turkey season vary by management zone. In zones 1-5, the season closes on January 9th, 2022, and in zones 6 and 7, the season closes on November 19th. The use of dogs to hunt wild turkey is allowed statewide for the fall seasons.
Biologists closely watch harvest during the fall turkey hunting season, as excessive hen harvest can affect turkey populations. Recent hen harvests in Wisconsin have been very low, and current hen harvest rates do not play a significant role in Wisconsin’s turkey flock dynamics.
“Last winter was relatively mild with low snow levels statewide and few long-lasting cold snaps,” said Alaina Gerrits, DNR Marinette County Wildlife Biologist. “Mild winter conditions paired with an early spring green-up and dry weather point to favorable brooding conditions for 2021. All field reports suggest a healthy and robust turkey population providing many opportunities for fall hunting.”
Turkey hunters must have a fall turkey license, fall turkey harvest authorization, and annual Wild Turkey Stamp. Each fall turkey license or conservation patron license now includes a fall turkey harvest authorization. Hunters must choose the zone for which their harvest authorization will be valid at the time of purchase. If more than one fall turkey harvest authorization is desired, hunters may purchase bonus turkey harvest authorizations in select zones while inventory remains. Licenses, stamps, and bonus turkey harvest authorizations are available online at Go Wild or any license agent.
