The Department of Natural Resources reminds small-game hunters that the season on ruffed grouse and pheasant reopens Tuesday, Dec. 1, and runs through Jan. 1.

Grouse season is open statewide with a limit of five per day, 10 in possession, in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula (Zones 1 and 2) and a limit of three per day, six in possession in southern Michigan (Zone 3).

Pheasant hunting resumes across much of southern Michigan, east of US-131 and south of M-20 and US-10. Check the 2009 Michigan Hunting and Trapping Guide for exact boundaries. The limit is two roosters daily, four in possession.

"Bird hunters often find opportunity in the late season in areas that were too wet earlier in the year, but can be accessed in December because the standing water is frozen," explained DNR upland game bird biologist Al Stewart. "Hunters who concentrate in high-quality habitat should still be able to find birds."

Hunters must have a valid small game license.