Grouse Hunting in Northern Minnesota

Fall in the Northwoods: Grouse Hunting in the Kabetogama State Forest

As the leaves turn golden and the air takes on that crisp, unmistakable feel of fall, the forests around Lake Kabetogama come alive. It’s more than just autumn color, it’s the start of upland game season. For guests at Northern Lights Resort & Outfitting (NLRO), grouse hunting in the Kabetogama State Forest is a tradition that stretches back generations. Whether you’re an experienced hunter or just curious to try, this part of Northern Minnesota is one of the best places to give it a go.

Why Hunt Grouse in the Kabetogama State Forest?

The forest is made up of thousands of acres of mixed habitat: young aspen, stands of hardwood, and miles of old logging roads. All of this creates the perfect environment for ruffed grouse. Some of the best hunting is just minutes from the resort, which makes it easy to head out at sunrise and still be back in time to enjoy the lake by afternoon.

When Is Grouse Season?

In Minnesota, grouse hunting runs from mid-September through early January. For 2025, the season begins on September 13 and continues until January 4, 2026. The combined daily limit for ruffed and spruce grouse is five birds, with no more than two being spruce grouse. Hunters may possess up to ten birds in total, but only four of them can be spruce grouse. Always check the Minnesota DNR website before your trip for the latest updates.

What’s the Best Time to Visit?

If you want to combine hunting with peak fall color, late September is hard to beat. That’s when the maples and aspens around Voyageurs National Park are at their brightest, and the grouse are especially active. Mornings and late afternoons tend to be the most productive times of day to find birds.

Planning Your Hunt

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources provides detailed maps of the Kabetogama State Forest. These highlight hunter walking trails, Ruffed Grouse Management Areas, and access points such as the Woodenfrog and Ash River campgrounds. Studying the map before heading out will give you a good sense of where to start.

Remember to carry your Minnesota small game license, wear blaze orange for safety, and let someone know your plans before you set out.

Tips for Success

• Move slowly and pause often. Grouse will often sit tight until you stop walking.
• Focus on the edges where young forest meets thicker cover.
• A 20-gauge with #7.5 shot is a reliable choice, and waterproof boots will make long walks more comfortable.

Hunting with a trained bird dog can be rewarding, but it’s just as enjoyable to explore on your own in this part of the state.

After the Hunt

There’s no better feeling than returning to a cozy cabin after a morning in the woods. Many of NLRO’s cabins feature wood-burning fireplaces and private lake views, the perfect place to swap stories, brew a pot of coffee, or pan-fry a fresh grouse filet. Even if the birds are scarce, the quiet beauty of the forest and the stillness of Lake Kabetogama always make the trip worthwhile.