NEW HAMPSHIRE
Connecticut Lakes WMA
When one talks of grouse hunting in New Hampshire, the northern tip of the state is at the top of the destination list. The Connecticut Lakes WMA on the Canadian border encompasses over 25,000 acres of old-growth and newly replanted forest. Both provide excellent grouse-hunting opportunities.

The west and east blocks of this WMA contain the best grouse habitat. And according to the New Hampshire Department of Fish and Game, these two areas have good grouse numbers, based on hunter surveys and spring drumming counts.

Hunters visiting the area need to come well prepared with provisions. This is a remote area of the state, and services are scarce.

Hunting access is off Route 3, one of the few main roads in the area. Parking is available at the Third Connecticut Lake boat-launching ramp or along Route 3 north or south of the lake. The east block contains steep terrain, while the west block has more lowland areas. Good hiking boots and a compass are mandatory.

New Hampshire's grouse season runs from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31. Hunting license fees are $22 for residents and $53 for non-residents. The daily bag limit is four birds, and the season limit is 25. To learn more, visit www.nhfishandwildlife.com, or call the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department at (603) 271-3511.

For lodging and travel information, call the New Hampshire tourism department at 1-800-386-4664.

VERMONT
West Mountain WMA
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department acquired this 22,738-acre property in the late 1990s. Today, between the WMA and several nearby public easements, hunters have access to nearly 86,000 acres in the northwest corner of Vermont.

The centerpiece of the area is West Mountain, which tops out at 2,733 feet. Terrain varies from the mountainous region to the lowlands in the southwest corner of the property, at 1,100 feet. Spruce and fir dominate the mountaintop. Lower elevations consist of the typical New England mix of birch, maple, beech and other hardwoods.

To add value to the property, hunters will find nine ponds, 75 miles of streams and several wetlands. Because a lumber company owned the property, grouse hunters will find plenty of regenerating forest where birds may be found.

Look for the main entry point on South America Pond Road off Route 105 in Ferdinand. Another noteworthy access is off Route 102 in Maidstone, where gated logging roads lead to Dennis Pond and West Mountain Pond.

Vermont's grouse season runs from Sept. 29 through Dec. 31. Hunting license fees are $16 for residents and $40 for non-residents. The daily bag limit is four birds.

For more information, you can visit www.vtfishandwildlife.com, or call the Fish and Wildlife Department at (802) 241-3700.

For lodging and travel information, call the Vermont tourism department at 1-800-837-6668.