2025 Grouse Hunting Season up at Lake of the Woods: What Hunters Need to Know

As summer winds down and the forests begin their fall transformation, grouse hunters are gearing up once again for one of Minnesota’s most beloved small-game seasons. Here in the Lake of the Woods region, grouse hunting is more than just tradition — it’s a chance to get outdoors, connect with nature, and chase “chickens of the northwoods” across some of the best public land in the state.

Here’s what you should know for the 2025-2026 season.

🗓 Season Dates & Regulations

Minnesota’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has set the official dates and limits for the 2025 grouse‐hunting seasons as follows:

Ruffed Grouse & Spruce Grouse: September 13, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Hungarian Partridge (Hun) also follows the same season dates.
Sharp-tailed Grouse (Northwest Zone): September 13 – November 30, 2025
Sharp-tailed Grouse (East‐Central Zone): Closed this year due to population concerns.
Woodcock: September 20 – November 3, 2025

Bag & Possession Limits

Combined ruffed & spruce grouse: 5 birds per day, 10 in possession, with a maximum of 2 spruce grouse per day (and 4 in possession) under the new regulation.
Sharp-tailed grouse (in the northwest zone): 3 daily, 9 in possession.

Hunting Hours: From ½ hour before sunrise until sunset.

What’s New / What to Watch Out For

Spruce Grouse Limits Adjusted: For the first time since the late 1970s, the limit on spruce grouse harvest has changed. Hunters may now only harvest 2 spruce grouse per day, and may have no more than 4 in possession. The overall combined limit of ruffed + spruce remains 5 daily, 10 possession.
Sharp-tailed Zone Closures: The east-central zone remains closed for sharp-tailed grouse this year due to population declines. Hunters who typically go after sharptails will need to check zone maps carefully and plan accordingly.
Public Land Conditions: Preliminary reports indicate many of the trails and public lands (especially in the Beltrami Island State Forest and around Baudette) are in good shape. Dry summer weather so far has helped, though hunters should always check recent local conditions.

Tips for Success up at Lake of the Woods

Scout now: Even before the opener, getting familiar with public land access points, hunter walking trails, and drumming areas will pay off.
Go off trail: Grouse often use thick cover away from main roads and trails. Getting off the beaten path increases chances of flushes.
Hunt when foliage drops: Mid-September through October is prime time; as leaves fall, visibility improves and grouse tend to be more visible and less skittish.
Bring proper gear: Brush-proof clothing, good boots, and blaze orange/pink for visibility are essential. Don’t forget dog partners if you use them.
Check license & permit requirements: Ensure you have your small game license, any necessary validations, and understand the limits and zones.

Why Lake of the Woods is Special

Few places in Minnesota can match the hundreds of thousands of acres of public land, habitat variety, and bird numbers that Lake of the Woods offers. Between large state forest tracts, tree cover, brushy edges, swamps, and mixed woods, grouse habitat is abundant. Plus, fewer hunters in certain remote areas mean less pressure and higher odds for adventure.

Whether you’re a seasoned wingshooter, a hunter with a dog, or just looking to try something new, this season offers plenty of opportunity.

Get ready: September 13, 2025 will mark opening day for many of the upland bird seasons. Pack your gear, map out your routes, and enjoy the woods. We’ll be watching for stories, photos, and flushes—share them with us!

Tight lines and happy hunting.