RHODE ISLAND
Black Hut WMA
Rhode Island is a small state with matching small hunting parcels. One of its largest forests, with potential for some good grouse hunting, is the Black Hut Wildlife Management Area. This 1,548-acre forest sits in the north-central portion of the state about 15 miles from Providence.

The forest has a nice blend of hardwood forest, edge habitat and fields. Grouse look to these edges for food and shelter. The better hunting areas are in the southwest portion of the forest. This section is bisected by numerous trails and dirt roads. It is also near the largest open field.

But, as expected, this section is heavily used by hunters. Roadside hunting pressure often means the birds will be deeper in the forest. An alternative hunting plan would be to first access the forest from the north.

Hunters will find several parking areas around Black Hut. Take I-295 from Providence north to Exit 8 at Route 7. Travel north on Route 7 for about seven miles to Nasonville. Continue north on Route 7, now called Douglas Turnpike, for another three miles to a parking area on the left. You may also continue north and turn left onto Ironstone Road. Take the next left onto Spring Lake Road. This road bisects the forest with access points about one mile from the turn.

INFORMATION
Maine
The Maine grouse season runs from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31. Hunters need a small-game hunting license, which is $22 for residents and $58 for non-residents. The daily bag limit is four birds.

For more information, call the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife at (207) 287-5202 or visit the division's Web site at www.state.me.us/ifw/index.html. The Vermont grouse season starts Sept. 25 and runs through Dec. 31. Hunters must possess a small-game hunting license, which is $16 for residents and $85 for non-residents. The daily bag limit is four birds.

For more information, call the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department at (802) 241-3700; or visit their Web site at www.vtfishandwildlife.com.

The New Hampshire grouse season runs from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31. Hunters need a small-game hunting license, which is $22 for residents and $53 for non-residents. The daily bag limit is four birds and the season limit is 25 grouse.

For more information, call the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department at (603) 271-3511; or visit the Web site at www.nhfishandwildlife.com.

The Massachusetts grouse season runs from Oct. 15 through Nov. 26. Hunters must possess a small-game hunting license, which is $27.50 for residents and $65.50 for non-residents. The daily bag limit is three birds and the season limit is 15. For more information, call the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife at (508) 792-7270; or visit the department's Web site at www.masswildlife.org.

The Connecticut grouse season runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 31. Hunters need a small-game hunting license, which is $15 for residents and $67 for non-residents. The daily bag limit is two birds and the season limit is 10. (The DEP is planning to reduce the grouse limits prior to the season start, so check the latest regulations before proceeding into the woods.)

For more information, call the Wildlife Division at (860) 424-3011; or visit the department's Web site at www.dep.state.ct.us.

The Rhode Island grouse season runs from Oct. 16 through Dec. 31. Hunters need a small-game hunting license, which is $18 for residents and $45 for non-residents. The daily bag limit is one bird.

For more information, call the Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife at (401) 789-3094; or visit the division's Web site at www.state.ri.us/dem.