Whare do you grouse hunt?

[stayman79]

I hunted grouse for the first time last year with my then 10 month old yellow lab. I actually went around Emily near my in-laws cabin. We went out for 1 1/2 hours, saw two birds and brought home one. I just went to a WMA since I don't have anywhere else to go. Do you walk State Forest land on logging trails, WMA's or mainly private? Sorry I won't be able to help answer your question since I'm so new to this sport, but I'm interested to find out where you and others hunt.

[Jackpine Rob]

Since there are no birds in NE Minnesota this year, grouse hunters should stay home. Those seeking upland game should go to the SW corner after pheasants.

All of the running around over the course of the summer has led to exactly 4 partridge being seen. The neighbor had a brood near her place in June, but looks like the whole works got nailed by a pine marten.

[duckbuster]

I talked to my Brother-in-law last weekend and he didn't have anything good to say. He lives up east of Bigfork. He has been in the woods quite a bit because his son is starting to deer hunt this fall and he wants to make sure he gets him in a good spot for the monster buck. He thought the spring was a little to wet for the birds. I will say this though, my travels take me to the ortonville area alot and I have seen good numbers of the big bird they call the RINGNECK!!! So if the grouse numbers are down that's ok because I will make more time for pheasant hunting.

[89Bronco]

There are three places we hunt and they are all in the northeast section of the state. North of Buhl, south of the Falls, and around Crane Lake. After spending a lot of the summer scouting for bear and then baiting for bear, and then hunting bear near Crane, we have seen a total of 0 grouse. That's ZERO, nothin'! Lots of eagle, hawks, and pine martin, but no partridge (as we like to call them.)

[TheGuy]

Just wanted to find out what areas you grouse hunt. I've been hunting the Crosslake/Emily area for about 15 years. I can always find birds but some years there are a lot of hunters. I have hunted in the Ely area a few times also.

[bigbucks]

I haven't seen or heard many when I've been out checking stands & cutting wood. On Sunday I did have three within about 20 yards of my Dad's deer stand though, that's West of Long Prairie.

[Harmonica Bear]

Birds or no birds, regardless me an my doggy will out on Saturday, North of McGrath. I am guessing a few brids will be flushed, birds to get shot at though.... Oh well, it's nice to get the dog out.

Good luck hunting,

HB

[Scarlet Mink]

Has anyone around the Brainerd area heard any reports on grouse populations this year?

Someone told me the numbers are on the up cycle now? Any truth to this?

Mink

[setterguy]

All over, but a lot of time is spent just North of Grand Rapids.

[protrapper]

Funny post Jackpinebob.

[MikeYager - Suzuki]

I checked a couple hot spots near motley(Brainerd area) last weekend and did not see a bird. I'll be taking no grouse trips there this season.

[jbdragon]

Setterguy... Would you send me an email please? I have a couple questions for ya. Thanks!!

[email protected].

[ChuckN]

I've hunted near the same area you hunt, TheGuy. It has gone downhill big time. Last fall I think I saw one grouse, that was while deer hunting a total of 7 long days.

The best area for grouse is just west of Itasca State Park IMO. Dang nabbit, did I just type that?

[bassman186]

I will be hunting the Ely area this year. I here the numbers are slightly up from past years and was hoping to have some good luck. Planning on going up there October 15-21.

Matt

[walleyefisher0990]

normally hunt around cloquet and have had a few awesome years. Went up the other weekend to fix the shack up and saw four grouse. Pumped up about the opener i cant wait.

[moby1]

North of mcgrath-mcgreggor area. I havent heard anything good at all but I dont care. I just want to get out. I only made it out opener last year. I cant wait

[ironranger420]

I hunt around the Orr, MN. area and Cook, Mn. area. You know, I saw lots of grouse early this spring and early summer, but I haven't seen any in months. Where the heck did they go? I have 80 acres near Orr and have not seen a bird yet this summer, but honestly I have not been really looking for them.

"A bad day of hunting, is better than a good day of work"

[bassman222]

Northwest to North of Deer River, Itasca Co.

Bassman

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cut that sucka'

[shortfatguy]

I hunt north of buhl and around the echo trail. numbers have been low and ive spent most of the last 3 seasons bow hunting but this year i got a yellow lab so i will be spending alot of time walking with her

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a bad day at the lake is better than a good day at work

[Esoxmn]

Itasca county.

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Why did'nt Noah swat those two mosquitos?

Gary

[cheektowaga]

Also have been discouraged by fall numbers. Did real well in the Pine River Area last fall though. Flushed 13 birds on a single walk once (2-3 hours). Will be hitting it again this week for the first time of the season.

[JLE]

I hunt north east of Two Harbors on private land and was very happy with the early season results. That area typically gets better as the season goes on.
Any opinions on ground pounding when there are so many leaves.

[knoppers]

I do about 90 percent of my hunting in the palisade/mcgregor area and the other 10 percent north of naswauk. have had some very good outings near palisade, with limits. but this year they are scarce. was in the jacobsen area today, saw only one bird, but nice area, and it was a good day just to be out in the woods.