Seasons for blue and ruffed grouse, often referred to as mountain grouse, open Sept.1. Blue grouse are found in most mountain areas throughout the state on both Bureau of Land Management and national forest lands. Ruffed grouse are found in western Wyoming in the Shoshone, Bridger-Teton and Targhee national forests and the Black Hills in the northeastern portion of the state. The season is long, ending Nov. 30.

Mourning doves are found throughout the state, and the quality of hunting is weather dependant. With the first cold snap, doves will head for warmer climes, but if the weather stays mild, dove hunters often have opportunities throughout much of September. Licensed mourning dove hunters are reminded to have the federal Harvest Information Program permit (HIP permit) in their possession while hunting.

Like mourning doves, small game animals are also found throughout much of the state. In Wyoming, animals legally classified as small game include cottontail rabbits, snowshoe hares and red, gray and fox squirrels. The small game season is long, opening Sept. 1 and running through March 1. Dove hunters should be aware that Eurasian collared doves are being seen with increasing frequency in Wyoming especially in the eastern part of the state.

License requirements for small game and birds vary with the age and residency of the hunters. Hunters 14 years and older are required to possess the proper small game or bird license.

 

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