Hunt the Habitat

#23 Winter Hunting 101: Food, Cover & Canine Care

Winter brings unique challenges for grouse hunters. In the Midwest, after a dry season grouse are impacted by lack of food availability. Here's what to expect and how to prepare:
Grouse Behavior & Habitat: Expect grouse to stick close to food sources like aspen buds, especially near pine corridors. As temperatures drop, they’ll minimize movement—walking to feed, sitting still, walk to feed, sit still. 
Be mindful not to push birds close to sunset; they need time to find shelter for the night.
Dog Care in Cold Weather:
Bedding Advice 
Hydration Tips 
Snow Prep & Care
Winter hunting calls for extra care—for both your dogs and the birds. Tune in for more tips to make the most of the season while keeping your team safe and comfortable!

#22 Pressured Grouse, Perfect Tactics & Late-Season Hunting

In this episode, Ann and Steve are diving deep into grouse hunting strategies for pressured birds. Learn the tactics that make all the difference in the woods. Learn how to read the habitat, position your dog and outsmart running grouse.
Here’s what we’ll cover:🌲 Finding Ideal Habitat: Why mixed hardwoods and older aspen cuts are preferred late season cover. Shrub cover plays a crucial role in grouse safety—and your success.
Stalking with Your Dog: Discover the subtle art of working with pointer to relocate moving birds and plan the perfect flush. 
Solo Hunting Tactics: Tips for grouse hunting alone.
Late-Season Insights: We’ll explain why grouse favor specific habitats in colder months. Learn to adapt your hunt to these conditions.
Whether you're new to grouse hunting or a seasoned hunter, this episode is packed with actionable advice to elevate your game. 
Tune in now for another adventure in upland hunting.

#21 Top Tips for Grouse Hunting in Dry Conditions + Dog Care Recovery

This episode dives into the unique challenges of a warmer-than-usual and dry November. We explore how grouse are behaving across Northern Wisconsin as they adapt to dry conditions. Plus, we'll discuss how to modify your hunting strategy to find the birds.
Highlights include:
Late Season Bird Behavior: Birds in Northern WI have already moved to their winter habitat. This is earlier than normal so learn where to find them now. Discover why late-season grouse want a variety of cover types such as conifers, mixed hardwood edges and dense lowlands.
Adjusting Tactics for November Conditions: Patience and edge-working are key. We’ll explain how to use cover and terrain for one or two-person hunting teams. Simple hunting strategy to hunt the habitat.
Dog Recovery After Big Hunts: From sore muscles to hydration tips, learn how to keep your dog in prime condition even after long trips. Ann shares ways to soothe and support dogs during hunting trips and as they recover at home.
Whether it's exploring November habitat or caring for your hardworking dog post-hunt, this episode is packed with practical tips to elevate your late-season grouse hunting game. Tune in to make the most of this unusual season!

#20 Using Soil Quality to Find Prime Grouse Habitat

In this episode, we explore how soil quality directly impacts forest density and tree growth. Learn how to identify the fastest-growing aspen patches by understanding soil types. We'll discuss how even sandy soils can create dense oak cover that grouse need for sustainability. Plus, learn how to use farmland in your grouse hunting tool kit. 
Highlights include:
The role of nutrient-rich soils in forest cover.
Why farmland and sandy soil around cuts are worth considering for hunting.
The importance of shrub components like hazel brush in northern areas vs. southern Wisconsin and Minnesota.
How to use soil maps to find transitional habitat to elevate your hunting strategies
How sandy soil creates different tag alders density than clay soils
Tune in to make the most of your grouse hunting by understanding the critical role of soil!

#19 Nail the Grouse Hunt: Target High-Density Bird Areas & Avoid Common Mistakes

In this episode, we’re addressing the common pitfalls rookie & seasoned grouse hunters face. How to avoid them for a more successful upland hunt. We’ll cover:
The importance of scouting your hunting area before the season starts. How yours maps can help reduce physical scouting.
Identifying the right habitat: Look for diversity in landscape, including thick young aspen, conifer cover, food and escape route edges.
How to ensure you’re hunting the right habitat for early season hunting. Is there a need for conifers for grouse in September?
Common errors in reading Scout-N-Hunt maps
Understanding how temperature impacts both dogs and bird behavior. Tips for how to adjust your hunt.
How planning a hunt based on habitat increases your success.
Tune in for essential tips to refine your hunting strategy!

#18 Early-Season Grouse Strategies: Reading the Forest & Your Dog

In this episode, we dive into cut regeneration naturally occurring after logging is finished. Why does density matter? Young forest density affects which cuts are the right habitat for grouse. We'll explore what the forest floor should look like for early-season grouse hunting. There are forest cover types that young broods of grouse prefer. Learn what age class of cuts contain this forest floor density. Then get tips on how to use Scout-N-Hunt maps to understand the age class and find these hunting spots. Plus, how to field check hunting areas.
You'll also learn how to read your dog's behavior as they track scent. Focus on the scent patterns for more success.  Plus, we discuss hunting team tactics, including where to position yourselves for optimal results. Don't miss these valuable tips to enhance your hunting strategy!
 

#17 Fine-tuning Your Dog's Nose for Bird Hunting Success & Fireworks

In this episode, we dive into how barometric pressure changes, storms and fireworks can impact your dog's behavior. Get valuable tips to help keep your upland hunting dog calm and secure during these events. Plan ahead to keep your dogs healthy. Ann also shares the weather patterns she's monitoring for Sharptail hunting maps. Plus, we discuss the biggest job your dog should do for you—finding the scent! Learn how to fine-tune their noses for peak performance during upland hunting. Don't miss out on these essential insights for every dog owner and hunter!

#16 Teaching Your Hunting Dogs to Follow Your Lead in the Field

In this episode, we dive into the essentials of training your puppies for successful grouse hunting. Learn how to build a strong bond with your pups and teach them to stay in sync with your movements. We'll also discuss the importance of managing your pup's range. Establishing the right range early in training sets the foundation for your dog's future hunting patterns. Remember, consistency is key. It's up to you to reinforce these behaviors throughout your dog's life. These skills takes time and patience but are crucial for effective grouse hunting.
Plus, we will discuss how the June weather is affecting chick growth and what important weather patterns are happening in the US. 

#15 Judging Grouse Habitat Effectively | What Every Grouse Hunter Should Know

Discover what makes a hunting spot. Don't miss out on expert dog training tips and insights that every grouse hunter should know. In this episode, we also discuss the hatching of grouse chicks and how the Upper Midwest has been experiencing intense storms lately. We'll explore the importance of a warm environment for keeping chicks alive and providing the bugs they need for food. Learn why 6-8 foot shrubs are ideal for creating protective corridors, shielding the chicks from flying predators. Join us for insights on ensuring the best habitat for raising healthy grouse chicks and the fall hunting season.

#14 From Nests to Fields: Sharpen Your Skills & Enhance Dog Health

In this episode, we dive into upland hunting and dog care once again. Join us for captivating hunting tales, including heroic stories of saving your gun in the field. Learn about the fascinating behaviors of grouse and woodcock as they raise their chicks. We’ll discuss the importance of staying conditioned with skeet shooting and offer reminders on grooming your dog for the warmer weather.
Ever wondered how much exercise your new pup should be getting at different ages? We’ve got you covered. Plus, find out the best age to spay or neuter your hunting dog for optimal health and performance. Tune in for expert advice, heartwarming stories, and practical tips to enhance your hunting experience.