Grouse Hunting Dates

[Viks99]

If you had a choice of grouse hunting in the Grand Rapids,MN area September 29 through October 3 or October 13 through October 17th which would you prefer? I am worried that there may be a leaf problem with the earlier date.Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[tacklejunkie]

In a normal year I would say there would be leaves on the trees. However, I think I remember reading that fall like weather was going to come early this year so we will see.

I know in my area there still are some leaves on the trees at that time

[leechlake]

you will have a leaf problem in those earlier dates. I know for sure there will be less leaves mid October and it should be cooler which will be more comfortable hunting conditions for hunter and/or dogs.

Idea 2- go on both!!!

[uplander returns]

The latter dates for sure. Not only will the leaves be dropping but many of the upland clan will be off chasing ringnecks. Less pressure + less cover = more opportunity! Good luck!

[ClownColor]

Tough call. Is the area heavily hunted? Walking, dogs, ATV? If walking or ATV go early...dog later.

[Ohboytimmy]

Go late. Less vegetation, cooler weather. Tpically later in the year I hunt at a slower pace for birds that wont budge after seeing deer and turkey hunters all season. Put in the work and you will receive.

[Pinusbanksiana]

Young birds are easier to find early, as they haven't yet dispersed. Little hunting pressure early as well, while everyone waits for the leaves to drop.

[TylerS]

My favorite time of year has always been mid October.

[laker1]

When do they have that Ruff Grouse Society hunt-that may give you a little competition that week.

[birdguy]

If you hunt with a dog the 4th weekend in September is ideal. Enough leaves are down in the understory by then and other hunters are waiting for the rest to fall. You pretty much have the trails to yourself. If you don't have a dog then the second week in October works better. I generally hunt north of Duluth in September and south of there in October.

[cribbageboy]

My crew hunts just east of GR and we were asking a similar question. Sept. 26th to Sept. 28th, or Oct. 10th to Oct. 12th. We are going for the October weekend. Main reason: Less Foliage.

[TylerS]

I just like October better for so many reason: Leaves are changing/falling, less underbrush, feels more like hunting season, fewer ticks, frost in the morning. I don't know...October just screams ruffed grouse hunting to me.

[CANOPY SAM]

I agree with Tyler, but to be completely honest, I really love to hunt grouse once we start to get a little snow on the ground....but I REALLY hope that doesn't happen by mid-October!

[401TE]

September is good practice/exercise for the dog, but it takes a bit of luck to convert chances due to how thick the woods are. October is usually much better simply because you can see through the woods.

[echotrail]

Just a heads up on your date choices. Oct 16th and 17th will likely see more hunters in the woods. The MEA (MN educators assoc) has their convention and schools are closed.

[jgrimmz]

My group has deer hunted in the Grand Rapids area for about 10 years now. I always carry my shotgun with while checking stands and walking the woods which is usually MEA weekend. I have done well in the past checking a few consistent areas around this time and would recommend it over the weeks prior. The grouse typically aren't pressured hard until this time and there are significantly less leaves on the trees. I'm going out this weekend, best of luck if you go as well, but I suspect it will be ideal conditions in a few weeks yet.