New Hampshire Grouse & Woodcock Forecast
The state of NH is predicting an average to better than average season for ruffed grouse this year. Grouse in the southern portion of the state had plenty of dry weather during the nesting period and a portion of the brood rearing period before the rains set in. And did we get rain this year in New England. It felt like Seattle, WA, for months on end. Birds in the northern portion of NH nest slightly later than those in the south, so the rain most likely impacted chick survival. But, according to NH Fish and Game, the trend over the last three years has showed that ruffed grouse population statewide is increasing. Woodcock are the second most sought after small birds after ruffed grouse in the state. According to NH Fish and Game, they had an excellent nesting period this year with the early and dry spring. The chicks should have been large enough to handle the rain that came and has persisted throughout the summer. Woodcock hunting should be fabulous this year.
