Public land birds

Setter513

New member
Never hunted Michigan but I hear the bird numbers are good up in the thumb. Is it worth planning a trip from southern Ohio to go up there next year? It will be my first year with a dog. I know Ohio has some birds but just want more options
 
I live in Michigan. We used to have a lot of birds pheasant grouse woodcock. Still hunt able numbers of grouse and woodcock better the farther north you go. There are some pheasant in the thumb they say. It’s pretty much all private. There may be a few areas the state releases some birds. Really if you’re looking for quality public pheasant ground you have to go west of the Mississippi. North west Iowa, south west Minnesota with South Dakota being the destination. I try to get to South Dakota 3 times every year. I’ve never bothered with the thumb.
 
I would agree with Mrben. Grouse and woodcock would be worth a trip the northern portion of the state, however, for pheasants and a new/young dog I would to one of the pheasant states. I usually hit SD twice a year, plenty of quality public access and your dog will have a great many bird contacts. Michigan does a put n take on many game areas in the southern portion of the state. If you were to venture to the thump check out the Verona Game Area, they tend to have a huntable population of wild pheasants, but it does get hit hard. I don't pheasant hunt in Michigan.
 
Back
Top