As publishedSept 19, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
Folded into the 'Prairie Chicken and Sharp-tailed Grouse' combined-bag listing rather than given its own line, but legal open area is statewide per the handbook. SD GFP's species page notes actual range is concentrated in the Black Hills National Forest, most abundant in the northern Black Hills.
No recurring SD GFP survey for Black Hills ruffed grouse -- direct fetch of GFP's own ruffed grouse species page (2026-08-19) confirms it covers habitat and hunting regulations only, with no monitoring program described. The only quantitative population data found anywhere is a one-off USFS/GFP drumming-log survey conducted in spring 2007-2008, not a recurring or hunter-facing annual product.