Bird hunters across Maine are gearing up as the 2026 ruffed grouse season opens statewide on September 26 and runs through December 31, giving hunters a three-month window to pursue the state’s most popular game bird.

Ruffed grouse thrive in Maine’s mixed young forests, and the state’s extensive network of public land and logging roads makes it one of the top grouse-hunting destinations in the country. Hunters often pair the season with woodcock hunting, which opens the same day and runs through November 17.

The hunting season for bobwhite quails and pheasants also opens September 26 and runs through December 31.

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