As publishedOct 24, 2026 - Feb 13, 2027 (west of I-95); closed east of I-95
Season applies only west of I-95; continuously closed east of I-95 (grouse habitat is essentially confined to the mountainous western part of the state).
VA DWR's annual Ruffed Grouse Status Summary (spring Roadside Drumming Survey + fall Hunter Cooperator Log + Hard Mast Survey) typically publishes ~August-September; the 2023-24 edition (0.72 flushes/hr, above the 5- and 10-year averages, though spring drumming dropped to 0.35 drums/route, partly attributed to staff-vacancy route gaps) remains the latest confirmed edition. A fresh WebSearch and direct-fetch attempt on 2026-08-19 (mid-publish-window) found no 2025-26 or 2026-27 edition yet -- worth a follow-up check given the typical window is live now.