Grouse hunting in Ontario is like a dance. You have to watch and think about what you're doing. When the leaves change color and the air gets cooler hunters have to change what they do too. If you know how to look at the land around you you can have a chance of catching a grouse. You have to understand the things about young trees, the edges of trails and where the berries are. This way you can put yourself in a spot to see these birds.
Looking at Young Trees
Young trees are a place for grouse to live. They have food and a place to hide. When you are looking at these areas try to find signs that grouse have been there like their poop or feathers. It can be hard to move in the thick parts so look for openings where the birds might come out. Some hunters make a mistake by walking on big paths or in open fields.. You should go into the trees and look at the areas with different kinds of growth. Grouse like to eat seeds and bugs in these places. As you walk through the trees keep your eyes open for openings or small spots without many leaves. These can be where grouse eat and rest. Also remember that grouse like to use the paths in their area often at the edge of thick trees or where the underbrush is not so thick. If you know the lay of the land you can guess where they will go.
Walking on Trail Edges
The edges of trails are like highways for grouse. They use these paths to go between where they eat and where they rest. These are places to hunt. As you walk on these edges think about which way the wind is blowing. Grouse are very good at using their senses to find predators. If you move quietly and watch the bushes you might see some movement.. Be careful not to scare the birds by making too much noise or moving too fast. It is better to be patient and wait for them to come out. If you find a trail edge think about sitting still for a few minutes. Sometimes the grouse will come back to their paths if they feel safe. This does not mean you should just sit there forever but sometimes taking a break can be an idea.
Berry Patches are Important
Berry patches are very important for grouse in late summer and early fall. Finding these patches can make your hunt much better. Look for areas with lots of berry bushes near the trails or at the edge of trees. Grouse like to gather in these areas to eat the berries. Try to look at these places in the morning or late in the afternoon when the birds are most active. Some hunters do not look at these patches because they think the grouse will be deeper in the trees.. You should look at these areas with lots of food to see more grouse. Also look for food like acorns or seeds around these patches. Having kinds of food can attract more grouse and make your hunt better. Think about the kinds of berries in your area because this can affect how the grouse behave and when they eat. For example some berries might be more appealing at times so the grouse might eat at different times.
Thinking About the Weather
The weather is very important when you are hunting grouse. On days the grouse might be more active. On days they might not move as much. If the weather is changing the grouse might be more active so check the forecast before you go. Rain can also change how the grouse eat so they might look for cover. Change your plan if the weather gets look for places where the birds might hide. If it is sunny and calm try to hunt during the parts of the day when the grouse are more active. Also after it rains the forest floor can be quieter so you can sneak up on the grouse easily. Pay attention to how the weather changes; for example the smell of earth can sometimes hide your scent, which can be an advantage when you are approaching the grouse.
How to Walk and Use Dogs
When you are walking there are a things you can do to make it better. If you are alone it is best to walk and look around. If you have a dog it is different. A trained dog can really help you catch more grouse. They can find birds in the underbrush that you might not see. Train your dog to stay close and listen to you. It will make the hunt better. Remember, you and your dog are a team. Use hand signals and verbal cues to guide your dog so they can cover ground and tell you what they find. When you have a dog let them follow the scent trails; they might find grouse you do not see. Different dogs hunt in ways so think about what your dog is good at and plan accordingly.
Grouse hunting in Ontario is fun and challenging. If you get better at reading the land picking the spots and dealing with the weather you will have a great time. Whether you are in the trees, on the trail edges or looking for berries using the right strategies can help you succeed. Enjoy the hunt respect the animals and like the wilderness of Ontario.