Vt. grouse, woodcock seasons start

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department issued a reminder that upland game bird hunting seasons are coming up soon and that learning to identify suitable habitat for ruffed grouse and woodcock is the most important key to hunting success.
Vermont’s hunting season for ruffed grouse is Sept. 24 – Dec. 31 this year. The daily limit is four grouse with a possession limit of eight.
The Vermont woodcock hunting season is Oct. 1 – Nov. 14. The daily limit is three woodcock with a possession limit of nine.
Woodcock are often found in alders along brooks and near beaver ponds as well as in new-growth small timber where old fields are reverting to forest. Ruffed grouse also frequent the same habitat, and they are particularly fond of the apples they find under wild apple trees.
Regulations require woodcock hunters to make sure their shotgun is capable of holding no more than three shells, and they must register for the federal Harvest Information Program on Vermont Fish & Wildlife’s website, vtfishandwildlife.com, or by calling toll-free 1-877-306-7091.
For more information on hunting in Vermont, be sure to get a copy of the 2016 Hunting, Fishing & Trapping Laws and Guide available from license agents statewide and the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department.

VTF&W photo by John Hall
Fall foliage provides a colorful backdrop for the early days of Vermont’s grouse and woodcock hunting seasons.