#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!