Hunt the Habitat

#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.

#13 From Puppies to Hunting Maps to Spring

Learn how Ann spends the off season preparing the upland hunting maps you love. When she's not immersed in maps, Ann is fully engaged in raising puppies and generously providing tips to ensure that new owners have a smooth transition welcoming these new companions into their homes.
Learn questions to ask any breeder about feeding and socialization. Hear Ann's philosophy on keeping your puppies' world small to set them up for success. For example, she recommends having a small fence in the backyard when you let them out to go to the bathroom. This way the puppy can’t get too far away from you. You are more in control and not chasing them. They will learn to go to the bathroom and come back to you. Then when you go for walks together it feels like a special occasion that you do together.
How did the winter affect bird numbers? Ann discusses upland hunting areas that are in drought or overly wet.

#12 Christmas Gatherings & Dog Care | Plus Learn Dog Command Training

Christmas events can bring challenges when you bring your dogs to gathers. Things to consider: Will there be other dogs? Could they get sick from each other? How is your dog with children? Don't make Christmas your first child/dog interaction without a solid introduction plan. Think about your rules? Do you allow other people to give your dog treats?
Off season dog training and how to enforce commands. Learn how to teach the woah command for control and safety. Training on how to get one dog to honor another dogs point. Learn these training tips and more!

#11 How to make valuable Hunting Season Reflections & Dogs in cold weather

Planning late season ruffed grouse hunts. Conifers are very important for protective cover this time of year. They will fly corridors to flee to safety use your maps to find escape routes. Ground cover is important consideration. Questions answered: You have planned a hunt with your map. When do you drop your plan and follow your nose out of your planned hunting strategy? Things to consider do you have a young dog or experienced dog? How to monitor your dogs as the age? When to introduce another dog into your family? How to help your dog have a good experience hunting in cold weather?
Ideas on journaling your hunts or recording where you had success this year. Think about how the weather affected this year. What areas had the right habitat? What did your dog do well? What should you change for next year? Mark habitat like hazel brush on GPS or in a journal. Grouse droppings is a good thing to record too.