For those of you that do go north for grouse

[gregcincy]

I'm wanting to go to michigan this year to see what all the fuss is about. Here's my question. When is the best time of year to go? Late September? Early October? Late October? November? December? I've read some articles that say if you go early there is still way to much foliage in the wood to do any good. Any advice would be appreciated. Personal experiences etc etc.

 

[KY Fowl Hunter]

My humble opinion after a few trips to MI, MN, and WI in the past are first two weeks of NOV. If it is earlier than this, you glimpse and hear more grouse but get fewer shots. More bugs and ticks encountered the earlier you go too. Now by NOV, temperatures are cooler, leaves are gone, big chance they had their first snow of the year killing the bugs/ticks down to an acceptable level, and you will actually see the grouse you can shoot, and increase your odds of hitting the grouse putting game in your vest. Just my humble experience and thoughts about when to enter the Great North Woods for ruffed grouse. Good luck this season!

 

[uplandchessies]

The past 15 years we've gone the last week of September/first week of October. A couple years it was hot (too hot in '05 with highs hitting 90), but those are rare years. Typically we wake to temps in the high 30's to low 40's and warming to the 50's or low 60's. Cover is thick, but no thicker than early woodcock season in KY, IN or OH. We like this time frame and I don't see us ever changing to a later date.

 

[brettfrancis1]

Mid October is probably the most popular time.

 

[gregcincy]

Rowan and Brett. Why do you all like October over other times of the year?

 

[ribsplitter]

Mid october. The leaves are gone and the deer seasons havent started. Been going for 15 years and all in all there isnt a better time.

 

[trust me]

Weather in mid-late October is perfect. It could be a little cool, or a little warm, but it's usually just right.

 

[grouseguy]

This is my 24th season in the Northwoods and I'll be there from 10/11 thru 11/2.

Why? Because that is the sweet spot between when the leaves will be gone and when the woodcock flights are through.

 

[grouse408]

To me second week of October is the best

 

[Side-by-side]

No matter when you go. A bad day up there is better than a good day here. Ill be there in 18 days....

 

[grouseguy]

No matter when you go. A bad day up there is better than a good day here. Ill be there in 18 days....

Well said ... I guess we should say the best time to be up north is whenever you can get away and go.

 

[brettfrancis1]

It's good and cool out in October. Leaves are just starting to fall. Birds seem to sit in the right places. I always seem to do the best during Mid-October. Sorry that's not a great reason as to why but it seems to work for me. I'm here in MI right now and it's still not like hunting October.

 

[grouseguy]

Just got off the phone with Birdman ... He's in NE WI and he said they flew 14 grouse and 5 woodcock this morning and was headed out for a run before dark. This was their first day and he was very happy with his dog work, but needs to sharpen up his shootin eye.

 

[ribsplitter]

He must still be shootin that little pop gun

 

[grouseguy]

Just spoke with my partner, and he had a couple of elderly, but healthy clients. They flew 22 grouse and managed to take 2.

He reports its been hot and dry, but 3 days of rain are coming. Birds were holding in coolest, wettest places ... (Tag swamps). Lots of thorn apples and berries this year.

Still lots of leaves ... color is about 30%.

He has clients 3 of the next 4 days, so reports should be more frequent.