Gents,
Much like the post previous to this, I am scheduled for my first experience with grouse as well. Our trip will run from October 17-October 21 on a GEMS site in Luce County. We will probably hit other areas near there, bit that will be our focus point. As stated in the previous post, I will be planning for wet and cold up to warm and dry. We will have eight V breed dogs from across Ohio, but I don't think many will have been on grouse yet (I know mine hasn't been) My questions are more along the following lines:
What brand/model of shell do you find works best this time if year? I'm looking for shot size, velocity, etc. I plan on taking 12ga and 16ga double guns. Any information related to this would be helpful, as many other sources publish as " I shoot 7.5s cuz that's what my pap did in the 50s." I'm looking for true blue experience with exactly what works, and what doesn't.
Also, if anyone is from this area or can provide on-site about it: are bird numbers in this area comparable to the rest of the UP, higher, or lower? Of course the publications currently listed on the Michigan DNR pages don't give numbers for flushed/birds seen per hour in Luce County.
Also during this trip is a plan for some duck hunting. Any spots in particular to avoid/focus on? I would just like to avoid an area that would be known for getting overwhelmed with hunters. Again, any information about this area would be beneficial.
Thanks all for taking the time to provide help. I'm excited to see what the UP holds.
Much like the post previous to this, I am scheduled for my first experience with grouse as well. Our trip will run from October 17-October 21 on a GEMS site in Luce County. We will probably hit other areas near there, bit that will be our focus point. As stated in the previous post, I will be planning for wet and cold up to warm and dry. We will have eight V breed dogs from across Ohio, but I don't think many will have been on grouse yet (I know mine hasn't been) My questions are more along the following lines:
What brand/model of shell do you find works best this time if year? I'm looking for shot size, velocity, etc. I plan on taking 12ga and 16ga double guns. Any information related to this would be helpful, as many other sources publish as " I shoot 7.5s cuz that's what my pap did in the 50s." I'm looking for true blue experience with exactly what works, and what doesn't.
Also, if anyone is from this area or can provide on-site about it: are bird numbers in this area comparable to the rest of the UP, higher, or lower? Of course the publications currently listed on the Michigan DNR pages don't give numbers for flushed/birds seen per hour in Luce County.
Also during this trip is a plan for some duck hunting. Any spots in particular to avoid/focus on? I would just like to avoid an area that would be known for getting overwhelmed with hunters. Again, any information about this area would be beneficial.
Thanks all for taking the time to provide help. I'm excited to see what the UP holds.