Bird Dogs Afield host Paul Fuller is the gun dog columnist for Northwoods Sporting Journal. The Journal has granted permission to re-print Paul’s articles. Thank you Northwoods Sporting Journal.
Grouse Hunting
When you receive this issue of North Woods Sporting Journal, it will be very close to the beginning of October. For the ruffed grouse hunter, October is the magic month. If you’re looking for new grouse coverts near an old hunting destination or perhaps you’ve booked a trip at a sporting lodge where you haven’t hunted before, here is what you need to do.
Although iconic outdoorsmen Frank Woolner once wrote “birds are where you find them”, you’ll find more birds searching for ideal ruffed grouse habitat. The search for new coverts must center on early successional growth aspen. When we discuss habitat, we’re looking for both food and shelter. Early successional growth aspen provides both.
Now let’s backup just a bit. Your author looks at three feeding periods for the ruffed grouse. Spring through early fall is one period. Late fall into winter is the second and winter is the third.
The first period is the green period. Researchers say that there are over 500 plant species that feed grouse during the green period. That means the dinner plate is huge. The second period is after the green has died and includes berries and nuts and early budding. The best budding is in early successional growth aspen stands. The third period consists of close to 100% budding. And, for that entire period, the aspen stands keep on giving.
The early succession growth aspen stand provides both high nutrition buds and thick cover to help the grouse avoid aerial predators. Researches say that ruffed grouse select areas of young aspen forests more often than other forest types. When a brood breaks up in the fall, the young male grouse sets out to find his domain. Instinct tells him that before he gathers his harem, he must have an area that provides both food and shelter. His first pick will always be an aspen stand.
Without young aspen, young males will have trouble locating a suitable domain which leads to poor breeding or undernourished birds which will reproduce poorly. This means that the mature forests need to be harvested on a rotational basis.
Although young aspen stands can provide both food and shelter, ideal cover for protection from predators and bad weather are a stand of conifers. Personally, I like 75% food and 25% conifers. It doesn’t take many conifer trees to provide shelter.
So, how does a grouse hunter in a new area find good grouse habitat without spending half of his hunting trip looking. The first thing you might do is ask the camp owner where the best habitat is. The problem with that is most likely every new hunter asks the same question. The owner can’t send every hunter to the same area. And, if he’s also a guide, he won’t give up his favorite coverts. So, you’re really on your own.
In today’s modern world, you turn to mapping. If done correctly, it works. Find an early forest cut around your area. Go to Google Earth and identify that area. Simply look at the coloring and then look for the same coloring on Google Earth in the new area you’ll be hunting. If you have OnX, do the same. Actually, OnX has a Master Class on identifying grouse cover. However, there is a mapping program that does the interpretation for you. It’s from Scout N Hunt. Go to mobilehuntingmaps.com. Or, for immediate answers to questions, call 855-831-6277. You’ll most likely speak with Ann Jandernoa. Ann is one of the most knowledgeable ruffed grouse gurus in North America. I use Ann’s maps and they are exceptional.
No mater where you hunt ruffed grouse this fall, your author wishes you a happy and successful hunt. Perhaps we’ll meet you in the woods.
Copyright 2023 Paul Fuller
Paul and Susan Fuller are co-hosts of Bird Dogs Afield TV show. All past episodes are available on their website: www.birddogsafield.com. Contact: paul@birddogsafield.com.