Hunt the Habitat

#26 The Spring Awakening of Grouse and Woodcock

This episode dives into the harsh realities of winter and the subtle transitions of spring for Ruffed Grouse. Ann shares updates from Wisconsin and Michigan, including widespread ice storm damage to Michigan.
Then move into spring when snowmelt, increasing daylight, and shifting temperatures begin to shape grouse behavior. This episode helps hunters understand spring as a season of transition and explores how bird behaviors shift accordingly. Grouse movement, feeding patterns, vulnerabilities, and breeding behaviors are all broken down.
Plus, Ann and Steve describe the elusive and breathtaking Woodcock Sky Dance. This early spring spectacle few hunters ever witnessed.
Tune in for tips on how to read the woods in early spring and plan ahead for next season.

#25 Cold Snap & Grouse Hunting + Training Your Puppy to Trust Its Nose

Recorded on January 21 during an extended cold snap, this episode dives into how below-zero temperatures impact ruffed grouse behavior and what that means for hunters.
Key Topics:Winter Survival Strategies: With no snow for burrowing in Northern WI, how do grouse adapt?
Cold Weather Metabolism: Research shows grouse slow their metabolism below 20°F—sometimes they feed, sometimes they don’t.
Planning for Next Season:  Should we factor this year’s snowfall into next year’s hunting plans? 
Unexpected Grouse Behavior: Birds feeding in willows is a sign of a lack of food.
 
Upland Bird Hunters Chatroom Question:
How do you give your puppy its very first exposure to birds?
Think about which sense you want to dominate—their eyes or nose? The answer: Nose.
Puppies with closed eyes can be introduced to grouse scent early to start imprinting.
Keep it positive—use scent, food, and gentle voices to build confidence.
Early tracking drills can help, but always keep it calm to shape a steady, focused hunter.
Understanding winter habitat conditions is crucial for tracking bird behavior and planning future hunts. Plus, we dive into puppy training tips to start your young dog on the right path! Tune in for expert insights!

#24 Taming Your Dog's Christmas Mischief + Caring for Senior & New Pups

The holidays are full of joy, but for dog owners, they can also bring chaos. We’re diving into the wildest holiday dog mishaps—and how to avoid them.
Jealous dogs.
Overzealous guests.
Broken toys.
Injured guests. 
Don’t let holiday mischief derail the fun! Tune in for tips on setting boundaries, keeping calm and solutions for mishaps. 
Plus, as the season wraps up, it's the perfect time to check in on your dog's stamina and overall health. In this episode, we discuss:
Assessing Aging Dogs
Mentoring a Younger Dog
Training a New Pup 
Tune in for expert advice on keeping your dogs healthy, happy, and ready for future adventures!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

#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!