Forest grouse hunters should have a banner year in southwest Oregon and state wildlife biologists ask successful hunters to donate a wing and tail for research. The season for both forest grouse and mountain quail in western Oregon opens September 1and runs through January 31, 2019.

Hunters should look for bright blue collection barrels placed at major road junctions or highways in hunting areas, and some are located at ODFW offices and popular rural markets.

The wings and tails provide information on hatch date, recruitment, age and sex ratios of these birds, giving biologists a better understanding of grouse populations to help set hunting seasons. An entire wing and whole tail including small rump feathers should be removed. Hunters can use paper bags in the collection barrels for the parts and mark harvest date, county taken and general location.

For specific barrel locations, please contact the ODFW office closest to your hunt.

• Douglas County: 541-440-3353
• Coos County: 541-888-5515
• Curry County: 541-247-2112
• Jackson and Josephine counties: 541-826-8774

Refer to the Game Bird Regulations for specific grouse and mountain quail identification tips. It is illegal to shoot spruce grouse in Oregon.