Grouse - State Forests

[tybo]

I generally hunt ruffies up by Hill City/Grand Rapids but have a friend coming in from out of town to hunt birds and deer. we will be staying out 15 mi or so west of Alexandria. He wants to chase some ruffies. I am not familiar with the state Forests out that way. We are willing to drive 1-2 hours to get to good reas if we have to. I am checking the web and with the DNR but wanted to know if anyone could recommend any places. I am looking at the following:

Huntersville

Two Inlets

White Earth

Smoky Hills

Any suggestions are appreciated.

[brittman]

They all hold grouse. A couple of these forests have been hit by some large storms about 10-15 years ago. Those areas should be prime grouse areas this fall.

[Matt Breuer]

Ty, I have hunted all of the aforementioned, and have found some birds in each. The Two Inlets area is going to be your best bet for bird numbers, however, I've had some really good days in the 'Hills too. Typically that's boom or bust though. I found no consistency in Smoky Hills when I used to hunt down there a lot.

Shoot me an e-mail if you want, we can talk some trails...

[fishlakeman]

I've never really heard to good of reports from Smoky Hills. I've shot some birds in White Earth, and it doesn't get the pressure. Another one to look at would be Paul Bunyan in Akley. I've had some nice hunts in that area.