Hunt The Habitat: Articles

You’re studying a map, spotting a patch labeled “aspen” with dense, promising edges. It seems like a perfect grouse cover. So you drop a pin on it to check it out when you are in the area. But when you arrive, it’s a disappointment. It's too open, lots of weeds and no shrub component thus a sparse understory. There's not a bird in sight. The cut is clearly older than it appeared in the imagery. Welcome to the Aspen Age Trap. Hunters often fall for it, assuming an “aspen” label guarantees prime habitat. It doesn’t. Aspen cover is not one-size-fits-all. Here’s why.

Why GIS Beats Guesswork Aerial scouting has its place. It can be useful, no argument there. But very few hunters are experts at interpreting imagery. And even fewer have the time to zoom, scroll, and decode every patch of green. When you need actionable intel, fast — it's hard to beat clear, purpose-built GIS data. Scout N Hunt gives you real habitat layers: cut year, timber type, and surrounding cover, all labeled and ready. It’s clean. It’s concise. It’s made for grouse hunters.

As droughts continue to affect migration routes, woodcocks face a changing landscape that demands new strategies. Conservation efforts can play a crucial role in maintaining wetland and forested habitats along migration corridors. This ensures that these birds have safe havens to sustain them through tough conditions. Monitoring changes in migration patterns and habitat quality can help us better understand and support woodcock populations as they navigate increasingly difficult journeys.

I've personally witnessed the prolonged tick season, ensuring my setters remained protected with tick medication and collars throughout the winter months. Now, as we transition into spring, I've renewed our defenses to combat the persistent threat of ticks. However, I must admit, I sometimes overlook protecting myself, a mistake that can have serious consequences.

Scout-N-Hunt breaks down the Forest Habitat by year of logging harvest, tree species and surrounding habitat so you can increase your Grouse Hunting success in Michigan. Learn tips here

Weather affects Game Bird Populations differently every year. Spring Precipitation & Drought Maps are part of the tools I use to make decisions on where to hunt

Sage-Grouse are grouse belonging to the bird genus Centrocercus. The genus includes two species: the greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) and the Gunnison grouse (Centrocercus minimus)

The Greater Prairie Chicken is one of four species of North American prairie grouse in which males gather at leks to engage in elaborate courtship dance displays. This species favors the tall and mixed grass prairies.

Sharp-tailed Grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) The Sharp-tailed Grouse is one of four species of North American prairie grouse in which males gather at leks to engage in elaborate courtship dance displays. This species has the widest range and utilizes the greatest variety of habitats.

Why does the Male Ruffed Grouse Drum? Before winter gives up its grasp on the Northwoods, the male Ruffed Grouse is already gearing up for spring. He will start by visiting his drumming log more frequently in late winter.