Grouse in Michigan

[Don Fischer]

Have some family in Michigan I mostly know through the internet, mom left dad when I was very young. But have a couple brothers, few nephew's and few great nephews and nieces I'm thinking I'd like to get back and go grouse hunting with. Be a strange thing for them as they use 22's for grouse and I'm into shotguns and pointing dogs, got a new CZ Bobwhite in 28ga, two young Red Setters and a bunch of want to and grouse around here are about zero! Anyway in next couple years thinking about it if my legs will still be able, maybe even a few short hunts! Grouse hunting anygood in Michigan? Thinking the UP!

 

[Birdbander]

The more local knowledge you can get the more grouse you'll be able to find. I live near the very southern boundary of where grouse live in the Lower Peninsula and can find huntable numbers. Around and all good covers north of US10 should produce some birds. The task is figuring out what good looking covers hold birds and which ones just look like they should
Best of luck to you!

 

[NEWHunter]

Definitely birds in the UP. A bit less pressure up there too. Bird numbers can vary year to year and in response to pressure and habitat quality.

Just walking the roads through the
right habitat can produce. You don’t have to go busting through the old cuts. Even walking roads through more marginal habitat can produce because the more marginal stuff doesn’t really get hunted as much and is more open allowing for better shooting. The roads allow you to cover a lot more ground which can make up for some of the shortcomings in the habitat. Good luck!

 

[Ben Lamb]

Don,

I may get shot for this, but I'd take a week in the UP chasing pats over a week anywhere chasing roosters.

OnX layers are key for finding good habitat. Michigan's hunt planner is another must have resource to find the kind of covers you are wanting.

As these guys have said, the roads can be good, old abandoned logging roads are better. Look for Aspen that's around 5-6 years old with some good shrubs mixed in. Note your water source and don't just stay on the roads. Bust that brush & get in there with the birds. Find the feed & you'll find the birds. There is no shortage of federal & state land, as well as commercial timber lands open for hunting. Enjoy!