Grouse this weekend?

[Koda]

Do you think it's safe to take a walk in the woods grouse hunting this weekend considering all the deer hunters? I guess I'm probably more concerned for the dogs safety. I know of 3 trails that are gated and limited to walking only. Can I assume that if there are no cars parked at the gate it is safe to walk through the area? I rarely stay on the actual trail so I don't want to stumble into an area where someone is sitting in a stand.

I just hate wasting a weekend when I'll be in prime grouse land.

[OUTDOORNUT]

Deer hunting is a totally different type of hunting, there is way to many people in the woods that may not have picked up a gun since last deer season, mix that with the deep family traditions, the thrill of shooting the perfect buck, and throw in some major drinking and you have a recipe of disaster! There are also the chance of running into someone on public land that may be hot for running your dog through "thier" hunting land.

I won't walk though the woods for grouse during deer season for all the tea in China.

[cheektowaga]

I'd agree with everything stated above. There's not enough blaze orange in Cabelas to make me feel safe stomping around the big woods this weekend.

[setterguy]

If you insist on hunting this weekend, go north young man, I mean way north. And start your hunt around 10 and then stop at 2-3. Most guys are out of the woods in the morning and then don't go back out till later. I always leave deer opener alone. But I do hunt during the week during gun season.

[Guest]

I wouldnt put my dog through the risk of firearms deer season. My dog does not chase deer, or any animal.. but if yours might if one came running by... thats all the excuse some red-neck needs to shoot your dog.

I think its a crazy idea unless your on private land... NO deer hunter is going to be happy about being aproached by a bird hunter with a dog.

There is some land WAY noth that doesnt get hunted much.. get north of hwy 2 and look for areas with no vehicles. Is it really worth the risk?

[HARPOON-OR-BUST]

THAT AND I SEEM TO REMEMBER A TIME ONCE, LONG AGO, WHEN A LADY WAS WALKING HER HORSE DURING DEER HUNTING. A WAYS DOWN THE TRAIL THE HORSE GETS CRACKED. THATS RIGHT A HORSE. MY DOG WOULDN'T COME OUT OF THE KENNEL EVER AGAIN TO WALK IN THE WOODS DURING DEER HUNTING AFTER HE SAW THAT STORY!

[Riverratpete]

I'd say that if your in a area populated by deer hunters to take a pass and go Duck hunting or fishing, not worth the talk you'd run into plus also safety factors...me, personally hunting ducks this weeknd (if theres any around) then deer hunting next wknd after most people are done and out of the woods.

[Lund4ver]

I stay out of the woods for all the reasons listed above, and besides that, a grouse isn't worth either getting my dog shot or let alone myself shot.

Usually have hit game farms that weekend for pheasants if I want to do some shooting.

[brittman]

This is when the "big time" grousers are heading to Wisconsin. About the time MN deer hunting ends, WI starts up.

If you really need to hunt grouse the next two or three weekends - go to Wisconsin or hunt private land.

While public land is just that public land. Respect those that have taken the time to set up and hunt deer and stay out or their way. For your safety, dog's safety, and just to be a good sport.

[brittman]

North of HWY 2? Not really an answer is it?

[duckbuster]

Setterguy how far north are you talking? Because if you are not talking about going into Canada then you might want to reevaluate your suggestion. I wouldn't grouse hunt northern MN during deer season to save my A@#@.

Friday will be the last day I go grouse hunting until after the deer season. Saturday is a great day to be on a big body of water hoping for some divers to move down.

BE SAFE!!!

[Koda]

Alright thanks to those who pointed out the obvious I guess maybe I worded my question wrong.

I'm going to be in the area (Remer) regardless of whether I hunt grouse or not so WI isn't an option. I was just wondering if I went to 3 of my usual spots that are gated by the Ruffed Grouse Society as walk in only and upon arriving found no vehicles at the parking area or the road along the edge of the property if I could assume there are no deer hunters in there. Obviously it sounds like that's not a good assumption so hopefully there are some ducks in the area.

Hey Riverratpete could you email me if you see this. I have some questions about Big Rice maybe you could answer. I know you've posted about it before. [email protected]

[brittman]

Many a deer hunter in the Remer area. In fact I hunted north of Remer for about 7 years.

These areas in the Chip are very heavily hunted by locals and those heading N from the TC.

You may be surprized when down a gated trail with no vehicle parked but yours. Down the trail are blaze oranged clothed hunters in tree stands.

Access in the north is from more directions that one first realizes.

Be careful.

[subzero]

Koda, I know the exact area you are referring to. If you drive into the area at the first gate there will be a motor home parked. When you drive by he will come out and tell you that 20 -30 people are hunting in there. Don't know if he is telling the truth but the last 3 years in a row I have driven in on the Friday before opener and received the same speech from the same guy.

[fisherman]

Koda,

I also know exactly where you are talking about. As i own land that is connected to the Ruffed Grouse Society. There will definately be some people back in there. I don't think there will be 30. I walked those trails still hunting last year 3rd weekend and never ran into another hunter.

[fisherman]

subzero,

Where are you hunting? How long have you been hunting this area. Should be a excellent year! Have you had decent success last few years. We have shot some nice deer the last couple years. email me nreed26 at charter dot net

[Riverratpete]

Couldn't get my email through to you for some reason..whats up?

[OUTDOORNUT]

We got out last night for the last hour, flushed 7 grouse, had shots at two or three. My buddy and I each missed one we could have had. Must have heard 100 rounds of guys sighting in their guns for this weekend. Going to try and get out Thursday afternoon b4 the woods fill with the Warriors.

[Born on the St Louie 2]

Hey, Outdoornut. where in Duluth are you from? I grew up in Duluth and moved to the cities a few years ago.