As publishedSep 12, 2026 - Jan 3, 2027 (statewide, see zone exception)
Closed in a northeastern zone: the area bordered on the west by ND Highway 32, on the north by the Sheyenne River, on the south by ND Highway 11, and on the east by the Red and Bois de Sioux Rivers.
2026 spring lek count: statewide count unchanged from 2025 — described by ND G&F as surprising given poor reproduction and decreased adult densities observed in 2025 summer roadside surveys, plus a 24% harvest decline the prior fall. Regional: southwest 4.9 males/sq mi (down 8%), prairie potholes 5 males/sq mi (up 2%), drift prairie 2.9 males/sq mi (up 10%), Grand Forks County up 9%.
"The increase of 9% is notable, but not drastic, and mainly shows us that the grouse that we had in the fall survived the winter and will provide a good base of adults for nesting" (Jesse Kolar, ND Game & Fish) — a mild 2025-26 winter is credited with minimizing losses despite weak 2025 reproduction.