I haven't hunted Ruffies in the East but here in Alberta I often find them in the Aspen stands where the Aspen and Pine come together in the Foothills and lower edges of the mountains.
Quite often there is a mix of Ruffed and Spruce grouse in there.
Early AM finds them along the edge of logging roads.
Further away from the Foothills into the Boreal region they hang out in the Aspen stands as well. As well, find a berry patch and you have Ruffies. I have on occasion run into Black bears in the same berry patch as Ruffies. That gets your attention I can garuntee you!
In the Prairie region where I live they are found in the major river valleys in Cottonwood stands. Occasionally I find them on the grassland above the river mixed in with Sharptail grouse and Huns.
They are quite an adaptive bird! Lots of fun to hunt and probably one of the tastiest too.
Last edited by troutfly; 04/13/15.
