MN Grouse Hunting Report 9/27

Hunted the area between Marcel and Northome in the Chippewa National Forest. Sighted bird numbers were once again lower than anticipated by spring counts. A sediment reflected by other hunters and local residents alike. It would seem nesting was not as successful as it could have been. Still enough to make it worthwhile and fun. 2 full days hunting for 2 guys 9 birds. Fantastic area and weather. No unusual animal sightings but we did see fresh moose tracks. One animal doing well for certain is Flickers. LOTS of Flickers. One thing that is late, leaves. Looked more like summer. Few maples had even started to change.

I made a trip out on Saturday. First time chasing them in 5+ years and I now remember why it’s been so long; Six shots and nothing in the bag. Too much stuff to swing the gun or shoot in an opening. It can also be the shooter I still remember my grandfather telling me that you need to blast through the stuff and hope for the best.

The majority of our flushes came on drumming birds. I was surprised to hear so many. If we heard them we’d stock them. Usually the stock would lead us to the real thick stuff.

I haven’t been out chasing any birds yet, the woods are still really thick in my area. But while I was out hanging a couple trail cameras and checking some mineral sites on saturday,I heard quite a few of them drumming….More than I’ve heard in the fall for as long as I can remember. I’ve heard a lot of reports of low numbers, but that sure got my hopes up!