A perfect match: grouse hunting and science
Wing and tail collection helps population monitoring
This article was updated in October 2025. More information on grouse hunting seasons can be found in this Aug. 2021 blog post.
If you hunt forest grouse this fall, you can help us monitor grouse populations by depositing one wing and tail of each grouse harvested into collection barrels placed around the state.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife collects wings and tails of hunter-harvested forest grouse (spruce, ruffed, dusky and sooty species) during the Sept. 15-Jan. 15 hunting season. A wing and tail from each grouse can tell us the species, sex, and age of the bird.
The goal of this collection effort is to evaluate trends in harvest composition that can inform population management. Thanks to hunters like you, we’ve collected samples from thousands of grouse in recent years. These data combined with other factors such as wildfire and weather patterns are critical for monitoring trends and informing management of grouse populations.
Directions and diagrams are provided at barrels to help you collect your samples. Place samples in the paper bag provided at wing barrels or any paper bag. Use one bag for each bird. Avoid using plastic bags — especially sealable bags — because they speed up decay.
On the outside of the bag, please write down:
· The species of grouse
· The game management unit (GMU) where the grouse was harvested
· The county where the grouse was harvested
· The date of the harvest
Place the bag in a collection barrel or drop it off at any WDFW district or regional office. If neither of these are options the day of harvest, please refrigerate or freeze the parts until you can drop them off at a different time.
Click here to find a wing barrel location near you.
Thank you for helping this effort, and we wish you a safe and successful hunting season!
