Wisconsin

Wisconsin's northern forests—headquartered in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and county forest blocks—are a national destination for grouse purists.

Hunters follow bird dogs through dense young popple stands, tag alder edges, and clover-seeded logging trails from mid-September through January.

Wisconsin's moist river bottoms and brushy lowland covers provide essential stopover habitat during the October woodcock migration.

Hunters pursuing ruffed grouse frequently encounter timberdoodles in alder runs and birch edges, taking advantage of tight-holding pointing opportunities.

Southern and western Wisconsin provide wild and stocked pheasant hunting across state wildlife areas and prairie restorations. A 2-rooster daily limit and late-morning shooting hours are standard.

Woodlots and farm edges statewide hold abundant cottontails and squirrels. Winter rabbit hunts behind beagles in briar thickets and brush piles are a beloved badger state tradition.