Tips for the 2020 Ruffed Grouse Hunting Opener
September 17, 2020
September is one of the best months to be in Minnesota.
Not only do you get to experience the explosion of fall colors throughout our many state and national parks & forests, but it’s the perfect time to get in some hunting and fishing in the same weekend
With Lake Trout season open through September 30th, and the ruffed grouse hunting season kicking off September 19th, it’s up-north sporting perfection. Read on for some tips to make this the best hunting trip yet!
The Best Ruffed Grouse Hunting Locations
Minnesota is an ideal destination for Grouse hunting, thanks to a program called “Ruffed Grouse Management Areas,” or RGMAs.
These designated areas have been identified as the perfect locations for Grouse hunting. Grouse and woodcock are likely to thrive in these places, and they are carefully managed to promote suitable habitat conditions. Each RGMA throughout the state features hunter walking trails, and dogs are always allowed.
The Paul Bunyan State Forest boasts its own RGMA. Located just a few miles west of Leech Lake, the Paul Bunyan State Forest RGMA includes over 2,500 acres of ruffed grouse hunting land and 2 miles of hunter walking trails.
Ruffed Grouse Hunting Firearm Recommendations
If you’re in need of a good grouse-hunting shotgun for 2020, we have some recommendations. This year’s Browning A5 Sweet 16 shotgun is lighter than previous models, and provides much less recoil as well. You’ll find that 16-gauge ammunition offers an ideal “sweet spot” between the control of a 12-gauge and the weight of a 20-gauge. Stop by Reed’s Sporting Goods to check one out for yourself!
For your ammunition, try Winchester Super X 16 gauge. This high-velocity slug features a hinged wad for reduced recoil, making it a great choice for grouse hunting.
Don’t Forget Your Hunting License!
Need a 2020 hunting or fishing license? Not to worry — there are a number of places in Walker where you can pick up your license in-person:
BIG ROCK RESORT
7860 HAWTHORN TRAIL NW
(218) 547-1066
REEDS FAMILY OUTDOOR OUTFITTERS
522 MINNESOTA AVE NW
(218) 547-1505
BAYSIDE RESORT
8039 ONIGUM RD NW
(218) 547-1350
HIAWATHA BEACH RESORT & HOUSEBOATS
10904 STEAMBOAT LOOP NW
(218) 547-1510
HUDDLES RESORT
1696 WHIPHOLT BEACH RD
(218) 836-2420
As you can see, the Leech Lake area is a perfect destination for a combination fishing and hunting trip. Spend Friday evening enjoying some world-class fishing on Leech Lake, and wake up the next morning to head to the Paul Bunyan national forest for the best-ruffed grouse hunting in Minnesota!