Minnesota has long been recognized as one of the leading states in ruffed grouse and woodcock populations. It is home for our ruffed grouse and woodcock camp, the foundation for all our bird hunts. We hunt 35-40 days each fall from September through October. Our hunting coverts in central and northern Minnesota are made up of aspen cuts, swamp edges and a pine mix of habitat. We do not guarantee easy shooting. Quite the opposite, in fact! The covers are thick and shooting opportunities fleeting. You will be challenged. Steve keeps 6-8 setters on the truck each day, hunting a brace of setters that sweep the cover with speed and grace. The finesse and manners of these setters provide our hunters high quality shooting. They’re staunch to point, steady on game and hunt for the gun, they will mesmerize you.

A typical day begins with a hearty breakfast and morning plans. Hunting a variety of covers we keep daily flush and harvest counts as not to over hunt our covers. We have more covers than we can hunt.

Coverts vary in size, some a short 1 hour and some 2-3 hour hunts; however we conduct all hunts according to our hunters. We try to hunt 4-5 covers each day with time in the truck between covers to rest those weary legs. The terrain is pretty flat an easy walk if it was not for the blow downs, dead falls and tangles, however all places where grouse live. Ruffed grouse will use its habitat better than any other game bird, beating you when you had him stone cold. It is for that reason the ruffed grouse is such a trophy bird, we have great respect for them, we know you will also gain respect for the “King” of the woods.

All hunts are inclusive, with meals / beverages, lodging, guiding, field transportation, bird processing, etc. included in our hunts. We set a daily maximum of 12 hunters, with no more than 2 guns per guide and the use of double guns only. Non hunters are very welcome; however there will be an additional daily fee.

Perhaps our best kept secret is the gourmet dining and social hour, gracefully hosted by my lovely wife Gayle. Her smile and warmth will melt away the cold, her interest in our hunts, and her own passion for this sport is contagious. You will look forward to the evening dinner and her culinary skills which bring a wonderful end to a great day – sure to make you smile!

Fall in Minnesota is breathtaking; we hope you will spend part of it with us, hunting the covers and logging roads of this great state.