Quick Answer
Yes, you can hunt spruce grouse during the open season in Alberta with the proper license. The spruce grouse season runs from September 1 to November 30. To hunt spruce grouse, you need a Wildlife Certificate and Game Bird License. There is no limit on the number of spruce grouse you can harvest.
Overview of Spruce Grouse Hunting in Alberta
The spruce grouse, also known as the Canada grouse or fool hen, is a medium-sized grouse species found in the boreal forests of Canada and the western United States. In Alberta, spruce grouse are widely distributed throughout the northern and western regions of the province within their preferred habitat of coniferous and mixedwood forests.
Spruce grouse are a popular game bird pursued by many hunters in Alberta during the open season. Here are some key facts about spruce grouse hunting in Alberta:
Open season
– The spruce grouse season in Alberta runs annually from September 1 to November 30. This open season applies to both general hunting and game bird hunting zones in the province.
Bag limits
– There is no daily or possession limit for spruce grouse in Alberta. Hunters can harvest as many spruce grouse as they want over the open season.
Licensing
– All hunters after spruce grouse in Alberta need to have a Wildlife Certificate and Game Bird License. These can be obtained through the Alberta government.
Legal methods
– Shotguns and bows are the only legal methods for harvesting spruce grouse. The use of rifles and pistols is prohibited.
Habitat
– Spruce grouse are found predominantly in spruce, pine and fir forests across northern and western Alberta. They thrive in young, dense conifer stands.
Identification
– Correct identification is critical. Spruce grouse are grayish-brown in color with black and white mottled plumage. The tail is solid black with a red-brown band. Males have yellow eye combs.
Alberta Hunting Regulations
All hunters pursuing spruce grouse in Alberta must abide by general provincial hunting regulations and specific regulations for grouse hunting:
Hunter education
– Hunters under 18 years old are required to have passed a hunter education course.
Firearms safety
– Proper firearms handling, transportation and storage laws must be followed.
Hunting hours
– You may only hunt from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.
Baiting
– Hunting spruce grouse over bait is prohibited in Alberta.
Trespassing
– You may not hunt on private land without permission. Follow all trespassing laws.
Wanton waste
– All harvested spruce grouse must be retrieved and the meat salvaged. Wanton waste is illegal.
Licenses
– Have your valid Alberta hunting licenses on your person while hunting spruce grouse.
How to Hunt Spruce Grouse
The secretive and elusive nature of spruce grouse makes them a challenging bird to hunt. Here are some tips to increase your chances of success when hunting spruce grouse in Alberta:
Season timing
– Hunt early in the season from mid-September to early October. Grouse congregate in larger flocks before dispersing for winter.
Habitat selection
– Focus on areas with dense conifer cover and younger forest regrowth. Spruce grouse prefer landscapes with a mix of shrubs, bushes and trees.
Listen for sounds
– Spruce grouse make soft hooting sounds and wing beats when flushed. Listen closely for clues to their presence.
Walk slowly
– Move quietly and slowly through their preferred habitat. Stop frequently to scan ahead and listen.
Use a dog
– A trained bird-hunting dog can be invaluable for locating and flushing hidden spruce grouse.
Aim carefully
– Spruce grouse explode quickly when flushed. Expect fast flying birds and snap shots through dense cover.
Forage for food
– In the fall, hunt areas where spruce grouse forage for seeds, catkins, buds and berries.
Where to Hunt Spruce Grouse in Alberta
Spruce grouse inhabit the boreal forest regions across much of northern and western Alberta. Some top areas to consider include:
Upper Peace River Country
– The remote boreal forest along the BC border north of Grande Prairie holds excellent spruce grouse habitat.
Swan Hills
– Mixedwood forests surrounding Swan Hills provide prime spruce grouse cover. Access via Highway 33.
Foothills Forest
– The western foothills region from Jasper south to Waterton has good spruce grouse opportunities.
James Lake
– Areas around James Lake east of Slave Lake offer excellent access to spruce grouse range.
Ya Ha Tinda Ranch
– This remote conservation region west of Sundre is managed for spruce grouse and has controlled public hunting access.
Forestburg
– The public land around Forestburg and south of Red Deer holds good spruce grouse habitat.
Spruce Grouse Identification
Correctly identifying spruce grouse in the field is critical for legal harvest. Here are some tips for identification:
Size and Shape
– About the size of a chicken, rotund body, small head.
Length | 16-19 inches |
Wingspan | 21-25 inches |
Plumage
– Grayish-brown overall with black and white mottled barring on breast
– Black tail with distinct reddish-brown band near tip
– Male has yellow eye combs which become more prominent in breeding season
Behavior
– Prefers to walk on ground rather than fly
– Makes soft hooting vocalizations
– May drum wings against body while on the ground
– Explodes quickly into fast, noisy flight when flushed
Look-alike Species
– Ruffed grouse – smaller, lack eye combs, no tail band
– Dusky grouse – larger, tail has gray band, lack eye combs
Cooking and Eating Spruce Grouse
Spruce grouse offer excellent table fare when properly prepared. Here are some tips for harvesting and preparing your birds:
Field Care
– Pluck feathers or skin soon after harvest
– Remove entrails and crop carefully
– Rinse cavity well and wipe dry
– Cool birds completely before freezing
Aging
– Allow birds to age in refrigerator 3-5 days before cooking
– Agingtenderizes meat and enhances flavor
Preparation
– Roast whole seasoned birds at 325°F to desired doneness
– Braise legs and thighs in soups and stews
– Grill breast meat like chicken
– Use tenderloins for kebabs, slicing or sautéing
Favorites Recipes
– Roast spruce grouse with wild rice stuffing
– Cedar-planked spruce grouse
– Brunswick stew with spruce grouse
– Spruce tip and grouse breast salad
– Campfire tin foil packs with grouse
Conclusion
In summary, spruce grouse are a popular upland game bird to pursue during the fall in Alberta’s boreal forest regions. Hunters must obtain the proper licenses, hunt safely and ethically, identify birds correctly, and care for harvested grouse properly. When cooked with care, the spruce grouse offers a delicious wild game meal. Happy hunting!