As publishedZone A: Sept. 12, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027; Zone B: Oct. 17 – Dec. 8, 2026
Zone A and Zone B have different season lengths.HIP certification is required only if mixed-bag hunting with a migratory species (e.g., woodcock); not required for grouse alone (confirmed by WI DNR ruffed grouse page). Bag limit confirmed verbatim from WI DNR's live regulations tool (Fall 2026-Spring 2027 edition) by querying its underlying Drupal Views filter directly via URL parameters, bypassing the JS dropdown UI that blocked earlier fetch attempts.
WI DNR's 2026 Roadside Ruffed Grouse Drumming Survey (published June 24, 2026, same release as the pheasant survey above) showed an 11% statewide decline in drumming activity vs. 2025, with the largest declines in the Driftless and Central priority areas. Source: dnr.wisconsin.gov/newsroom/release/126096, fetched directly 2026-08-19.
DNR ruffed grouse specialist Alaina Roth attributed the decline to the natural ~10-year population cycle ("low points... typically occur in years that end in 4, 5 and 6"), noting 2024-2025 abundance was elevated by exceptional nesting/brooding conditions in those prior years.