Grouse Camps, like Deer Camps, are long standing traditions throughout the upper Great Lakes. This page contains a brief synopsis and photo album from each of the camps we participate in.

PAGE CONTENTS

2006 Winter Grouse Camp & Photo Album

MS Grouse Camp Fall 2006 & Photo Album 

2005 Winter Grouse Camp & Photo Album

MS Grouse Camp Fall 2005 & Photo Album

2006 Upland Vizslas Winter Grouse Camp

December 26 - 31, 2006

Christmas evening was spent packing the truck and getting ready for tenting it in Michigan's north woods. After getting camp set up early on the 26th I took the crew out in search of grouse. That trend continued throughout the week and I was able to accomplish all of the goals I had set for the trip. We moved in excess of 40 different birds, shot
a few nice grouse, Piqua located her first few grouse, and Tecumseh proved he could work well with other dogs in the field. One of the only negatives of the trip was when Tecumseh had a run in with a porcupine. If you didn't know any better one would think he was a wire haired Vizsla for a moment. All of the quills were removed without incident and I was able to deal with the porcupine after Tecumseh was back in his box.

Michigan Sportsman 3rd Annual Grouse Camp

October 4 - 8, 2006

Another MS Grouse Camp has come and gone. There are a few more birds in the freezer and the dogs are tired after 5 days of hunting. The turnout wasn't as large as last year but everyone had fun. Breakfast at camp every morning and campfire beverages and conversation each night. Tecumseh lit it up on our four day trip to start the season but came back to earth somewhat during the 5 day hunt. The grouse were pretty tough to locate but Tecumseh found his share and did his best working some pretty smart birds this time around. I'd say he has completed middle school now.

The most memorable bird of the trip was a smart and very large bird that got away. Tecumseh went on point in some thick brushy understory under some mature oaks half way up a hill but didn't stay on point long. He broke his point and started tracking trying to get back on the bird. He crept and tip toed about 100 feet up and around the other side of the hill going on point three more times along the way trying to pin the bird into holding for me. I finally released him from his track and he broke into a circuitous run for another 30 feet before he slammed into another point, this time for good. I was then able to go in for the flush but the big grouse flushed low down the hill, shielding itself by deadfalls and  the scrubby understory from the other shooter. Not only did Tecumseh stay focused on the bird and keep it on the ground for us, he matched wits with a mature grouse that had obviously dealt with bird dogs before. I know the purists will cringe at Tecumseh breaking point on his own to track a running grouse but he is coming into his own and racking up grouse contacts. Those who hunt grouse alone can appreciate a bird dog stays on the bird and keeps it on the ground.

2005 Winter Grouse Camp

                                            December 27 - 30, 2005

Late winter grouse camps are filled with uncertainty. I would say that luck is of premier importance since there is no way of knowing what the weather and conditions will be like when determining a camp date. We got lucky and enjoyed great winter camping weather during the '05 Winter Grouse Camp; 20-30 degrees during the day and little snow. The dogs had a rough go of working through the snow crust for multiple days but they suffered no injuries and enjoyed life in the well heated tent. The few who attended had a good time. Even though grouse were scarce I hope our little winter camp becomes a new tradition for us.

           Michigan Sportsman 2nd Annual Grouse Camp 2005

                                         October 5 - 9, 2005            

In 2004 a group of hunters from around Michigan decided it was time to start a new tradition amongst themselves and organized a new camp. Since these hunters met on the michigan sportsman website [ www.michigan-sportsman.com ] they called the new camp the M-S Grouse Camp.

The 2005 M-S Grouse Camp was a major success. Over 20 guys and well over 20 dogs of various pointing breeds attended and all enjoyed hunting, nightly campfires, camp meals, and tons of laughs. The weather could not have been better. Ruffed grouse and woodcock were fairly plentiful but tight cover made for tough shooting and many missed shots.

Grouse Camp Photo Album