Ruffed grouse/woodcock

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Pheasantphan

Member
Would anyone be willing to offer some advice for a hunt for these two species. Hope to plan one for next fall and want to start doing my research now. I cannot find very much info, at least not like I thought I might. Want to do public land, but would consider a deal where lodging was offered close to hunting grounds. Anything in the way of info would be appreciated.

My big problem may be getting someone to go with me. Have had luck getting a partner for pheasant hunt, but this gets a little far-fetched for some folks here in AR. Not many of my buddies want to do fact-finding missions to far away places, they want success. You have to start somewhere though. Thanks again, Chuck.
 
Chuck,
Won't help much with the ruffies, but this is no joke - I have heard that there is some of the best woodcock hunting in the entire U.S. very nearby you in late-Dec & Jan in the deep south (migratory birds - pineywoods of Louisiana & east TX to be specific, not sure about AK)...Always meant to give it a try when I moved back to my childhood stomping grounds a few yrs back, but never got around to it between duck hunting, hogs, fishing, ect...The guys who did really well at it were a group of foresters & wildlife biologists w/dogs & knew what they were doing! :thumbsup:
 
Upper Midwest

We have grouse hunting right out my back door.:)

The Big Three for grouse/wc would be Minn, WI and the UP of Michigan. Together they have several million acres of public ground, much of it containing your target species.

Look for 10-20 yr old aspen stands with food sources in them. And conifers nearby. I would come up sometime around Columbus Day or thereabouts.

Good Luck.

NB
 
Our camp is in the UP of Michigan north of Iron Mountain. Grouse / WC hunters come from all around the country in the Fall to hunt. Thousands of acres of public land. Best hunting is after leaf drop, middle of October.
Hope this helps.
Bob
 
In PA, it's all about habitat and food sources. If the weather is bad, hunt near the conifers as this area usually has less snow and retains the heat better. If the weather is comfortable look toward the food sources. It seems to work here for me. Good luck.
 
The self-proclaimed "Grouse Capital of the World" is Park Falls, WI. N. WI has 4 million acres of public forestland. Thousands of National Forest and Country Forests surrounding the Park Falls area. Write the Park Falls Chamber of Commerce for information. All you need is a map and the time. Similar opportunities can be found all across the northern tier of the state.

As in an earlier post, young aspen stands are the key. My favorites are young aspen bordering tag alder swamps. The Counties are especially active in managing their timber and most of the northern counties will contain young aspen stands. In my regular hunting area I run into hunters all the time who came north with no prior experience in the area and just got in the truck and headed out to explore. I think planning a grouse hunt here will be easier than a pheasant hunt to SD.

I have a friend who raises setters and he's sent a number of his dogs to guys in the south who hunt woodcock in the winter months, in places like Louisiana, as mentioned above. Woodcock are fun with a staunch pointing dog and will be found in similar cover as the grouse, where aspen meets wetter ground.

I do not, will not, hunt without a dog, but know plenty of guys who are dogless and shoot plenty of grouse. It has to be one of the easiest hunting sports to get into.
 
You may want to try looking at Palmquist's farm in Prentice Wi. Owners, lodging and meals are fantastic. They have plenty of property to hunt and are near thousands of acres of public land. I believe they can line up guided hunts as well. Northwind Enterprises sells maps of public land with clear-cuts marked that can really help you find good coverts http://www.northwindenterprises.us/. IMO the grouse cycle is on its way down next season so hunting may be a bit tougher. Late October is a good time to hunt since leaves are usually off the trees and migrating woodcock numbers are usually highest in my experience. Don't forget a compass and/or gps. I made that mistake my first time grouse hunting and will never make it again. Good luck.
 
Pheasantphan said:
My big problem may be getting someone to go with me. Thanks again, Chuck.
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Like NATTY said (The Big Three for grouse/wc would be Minn, WI and the UP of Michigan.)
I read somewhere and I forget where but it stated that MN grouse hunting is like SD pheasant hunting but we have more state land and easier to get permission to hunt.
I have found birds to be spotty if you can find them bring lots of shells if you can't locate them a fall day in the woods is perfect by it's self. If you want to hunt MN I can help locate some good general areas or if the timing is right I would hunt with you for a day or two.
 
I know where they are

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:nutz:
 
Onpoint, :)Or is that "were"? Looks good. Like goldeneye said, a day out there itself will be fun, but hope to find a few birds. I can manage around times as I set my own sched for work., looks like last part of Oct would be good. I am requesting info from some sources as far as location goes. Just want to go, have a good trip, and hope to take a few birds.

Thanks again everyone for your input.
 
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Trust me, it's not often a person shoots a limit like that day. I know where there are ton of grouse. I haven't hunted it for several years, as it's private ground and the owner can be wishy washy. I hunted deer there last and they would fly all over the place in early morning and towards evening.
 
Thorn Apples

I have hunted the UP of Michigan for 40 years. While Aspens are a good place to hunt, the very best hunting is along a river that holds Thorn Apple bushes. When they are producing fruit, really a berry, the will draw in every grouse around.

Good Luck!

Lock and Load! :D
 
There's quit a array of seeds and berries they eat. You may find them in one place for several days. Then when that food source is gone. they move on to others. Some of the stuff I find in their craw and gizzard. I have yet to find in the woods. If you can find what they are eating, then find that food source in the woods. It's game on

When you clean their gizzard, it smells sweet like apple cider

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I'll give you the benefit of my limited experience. Great time of the year to be in the woods. Not like some other bird hunting, as I found that a max of one other person was fine. I use dogs & enjoy grouse hunting by myself, even tho it is nice to have a buddy along at times.
I did it for the first time this season & hit MN & WI in separate trips. The advice above was spot on, as well as look for clover in the trails, this improved my odds a lot. Early season with leaves still on is tough, but not too many other hunters. Later when leaves have dropped pressure increases.
I love pheasant & quail hunting but this extends the bird chasing season a lot. PM me next year, might hookup for a trip.
Good luck,
 
I'm hoping to get Goldeneye and his other half to join me this coming year on a hunt or two for Ruffies. I have to scout some super spots and save them for when we can hook up.
 
Thanks for the continued info. I have read about the cycles and know it might be down, but there will be more grouse anywhere up there than there is in Arkansas. I have killed a few woodcock, usually incidental while rabbit, quail or other hunting and actually had one fly through our duck hole this year. Anyways, thanks, and I hope to get up there.
 
onpoint said:
I'm hoping to get Goldeneye and his other half to join me this coming year on a hunt or two for Ruffies. I have to scout some super spots and save them for when we can hook up.
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Yep I copied and pasted this statement into my fall calander. :D
 
Amen Brother!:10sign:
 
I live in South La. Lots of woodcock here this year. Several public hunting grounds here. Sherburne WMA has ground speicfically for woodcock. Havent hunted there this year but have had friends hunt there and said they had much luck. woodcock doesnt start here til Dec 15. Hope this helps.
 
As stated above the Great Lakes States have millions of acres of public access. No need to look for private access or an outfitter/guide in my opinion.

I will speak on MN because that is what I know.

The bird numbers are not the best in the state (still pretty good) but I like hunting along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Lots of options for lodging & meals at all levels of comfort or if you prefer lots of options for camping.

There is State Forest, County Land & of course the Superior National Forest to hunt in. I've had good success around Finland, Lutsen & Grand Marais and am usually hunting 15-20 miles inland from the lake. Also some good inland trout fishing in the area. Both streams & designated trout lakes.

Grand Rapids in North Central MN would also be a good place to base your hunt. Lots of lodging & meal options and the North Central forest area usually has the best bird numbers. Tons of access with State Forest, County Land & the Chippewa National Forest. It is also where the annual RGS national hunt is held so if you choose Grand Rapids pick a different week or the woods could be a little busy.

Others may differ but I don't mind hunting the first or second week of October. It is true there is still usually some foliage left but the fall colors are great and the birds are still a little predictable and on the easy side. The down side being its usually a couple weeks ahead of the big flight numbers for woodcock.

A guy can do real well just walking trails this time of season especially late in the day. The greens (clover, strawberry leaves, young aspen leaves etc.) are still a big part of the diet at this time and the trails are a good place for the birds to get this food along with some grit.

The birds may still be in the process of dispersing at this time too which means they can be found in small groups or pairs. These young birds are not real skittish and can frequently be followed up on two or three times if no shot is presented or a guy whiffs a shot or two.

My favorite location to find ruffs is where a good trail and an alder swamp connect. You can often find birds on the trail or around the edges of the swamp just off the trail.

Bring a good portable GPS. It is real easy to get turned around in the woods after following up on a flush or two. Bring some insect repellant for you and the dog with Permathrin in it. The deer ticks can be thick.
 
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