Upland Hunting – Grouse and Woodcock
As the summer winds down and the evenings develop a slight chill, our minds go to the amazing birds that inhabit our area and the Autumn memories that will be created. Michigan is one of the top 3 states for grouse and woodcock every year. Forest management by the DNR, combined with our climate mate perfectly for grouse and woodcock (both resident and migratory) to thrive here. We also lead the country in woodcock harvest numbers as well. A day in the northwoods chasing these wily cousins will create a lifetime of memories.
Our guides spend countless hours every year scouting and working hard to get you on the “X” for the prime habitat that holds birds for your day afield. Our team consists of professional upland dog trainers that will allow you to leave with some tips and pointers on how to run and work your dog.
Hawkins Outfitters is the only Orvis-endorsed outfitter in Michigan and offers many different options for chasing upland species. Whether it is grouse and woodcock over stylish English Setters you are sure to enjoy a day afield that you won’t soon forget.
Target Species
Grouse season opens on September 15th of each year and runs through November 14th. Late season opens December 1st and runs to January 1st. Hunting in the late season is dependent on the weather and snow pack. Prime time is the month of October during dispersal and re-establishment of the females and males for the upcoming winter.
Woodcock is open September 15 – October 29, we get a mix of birds in the same areas.
*Half Day Only available from Sept 15th-30th
Where We Fish
In our hunts we’ll walk 10-13 miles a day through a lot of rough and tough stuff. We’re going off the beaten path and into the thick of the action where the birds are. There’s a reason these are the king of the game birds – they are the most wiley game birds in North America. They run, they double back, and love putting trees in between you and them. A grouse hunt is long in the woods with a gun.
We’re typically hunting close to or along bottomlands along edges where the aspen meets the pines or older aspen turns into younger aspen. A lot of times, the grouse will typically be on an edge somewhere so we are hunting lots of edges. We hunt from Thompsonville all the way over to Grayling.
What's Included
- Professionally trained guides and dogs for your hunt
- Snacks
- Water/soda
- Shotgun rentals are available for an additional fee
What To Bring
Bring all your hunting equipment as you’d be going out alone. Eye protection, blaze orange, shotguns, ammunition, etc. We have shotguns and ammunition available to rent for additional fees.
Feel free to bring your dogs. We’re going to bring our dogs regardless. The only way to make a grouse dog is by getting them on grouse. We welcome dogs and have them share the experience with you.
We have seven gallons of water on board for the dogs. We always carry water for the dogs. We recommend bringing water for the dog in a lightweight container.
We usually get lunch at a local establishment to allow hunters and dogs some rest.
- Eye protection
- Blaze orange
- Shotguns
- Ammunition
- Alcohol (after the hunt it’s ok, but no consumption prior to using firearms)
- Drugs
Upland Hunting – Grouse and Woodcock FAQs
Have a question? We've got answers. If you do not see your question answered below, please do not hesitate to contact us.
$450 - $700
Trip Rate
Other Trips
Spring Turkey Hunting
Michigan Wild-Released Pheasant Hunting – Thundering Aspens
