Grouse Hunting
Posted at: 10/09/2012 9:38 PM
| Updated at: 10/10/2012 10:58 PM
By: Laura Kennedy
lkennedy@wdio.com
The warm fall weather we've had in the Northland means the best grouse hunting is still to come.
"Another two weeks will be perfect. The leaves will be down, the weather will be cool, the dogs can run around all day," said Zach Dagel, a hunting guide.
Dagel owns Grand Rapids Guide Service. He makes it his business to know where to find grouse, and how many there might be.
"This year the grouse cycle is going down a little bit so you can hit certain pockets where there is more of them than in other places," Dagel said.
Along with his knowledge of the area and shooting skills, Dagel's best tools are his pointing dogs, Whiskey and Tikka.
"They're fun to hunt with. It's nice to watch them point," Dagel said. "Sometimes if the wind is right and it's cool, they can pick them up twenty yards away. With us, we almost have to be on top of em and see em."
And that advance warning is crucial when hunting grouse, which can be an unpredictable bird.
"It's always a surprise when the bird gets up, you know sometimes they scare you," Dagel said. "They're quick and half the time you see them, half the time you don't."
When you head into the woods, it never hurts to have an extra set of eyes, or a couple of strong noses, to ensure a successful hunt.
If you're interested in going hunting with Zach, visit grandrapidsguideservice.com
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