Grouse Masters

The Sport of Hunting Ruffed Grouse

Upland bird hunting. It is an enjoyable time in the woods at its most colorful time of the year. It is good friends connected by an appreciation for the beauty and handling of well-made firearms. It is the joy of watching beautiful bird dogs at work. And, incidentally, bagging some grouse!

Grouse Masters have enjoyed this great sport for 15 years or more. Only by experience does one learn the changes in habitat, habits, food supply and cover used by the ruffed grouse. We will go to field with your dog, ours, or some time with both. Walking the edges of openings, working the aspen stands, checking the balsam and fir that may hide some wary birds, watching the dogs check out the brush piles and berry bushes…this is all part of the experience.

Well-trained grouse dogs are a joy to watch. Working back and forth in front of you, using nose, sight and instinct, you suddenly see a change in tension in a dog's stance…"getting birdy," we call it. The dog is on scent, and you might see a flash of brown as a bird runs for cover on the ground ahead. Into some bushes, the dog freezes on point, that beautiful stance that is a thrill for every bird hunter to see.

Coming up to find a possible shooting lane, the excitement builds, a fine firearm of wood and steel that fits your shoulder reflecting centuries of gunsmithing design and experience, the bird flushes, and you take your shot. No matter how many times it happens, the loudness of a grouse's wings in those moments are surprising.

You can have this experience in beautiful Northern Michigan. The thousands of acres of public land have been under forest management that creates every possible age class of tree stands within easy distance each other. The natural mix of highlands and wetlands, flats and hills, a variety of tree species and food-bearing cover makes our hunting area unique. Grouse vary their habits, and this variety of habitat increases the chance of finding birds in one place or another. These are wild birds, not pen-raised released stock. The same habitat holds woodcock, and they can be taken or passed up, as the hunter chooses.

We offer our services on the half-day or whole-day plan, with or without lodging. We can arrange hunts to fit your schedule, or works with your needs and wants. Lodging accommodations can be moderately priced and comfortable, or the upscale comfort of our area's golf resorts.

Good hunting clothing can make your hunt enjoyable. Michigan's grouse season begins when temperatures can start cool in the morning and reach the 80's by afternoon. Later in the season, we may have freezing temperatures and snow. Good boots, some brush pants, and clothing in layers that can be changed is often a good idea. We are safety conscious, and some "hunter orange" clothing is necessary, at least a hat or something you will still wear if the day is warm and jackets are shed. 

Contact us 

Email: hunt@grousemasters.com