The Little Moran grouse camp was established
in 1987 hunting with friends and hunt club members, the success was pretty
good. One thing led to another and the next thing I knew I was guiding most
of the fall. Our English Setters were the key then. ...And is the key today.
Ruffed grouse is without question one of
the most challenging game birds to hunt and Minnesota is without question
the best place to hunt them.
Minnesota is home to the Ruffed Grouse
Society’s National Grouse and Woodcock Hunt held in Grand Rapids, in
mid-October. Minnesota is blessed with an abundance of aspen, which is a key
resource to great grouse and woodcock habitat. Little Moran is located in
the "central hardwood" region of Minnesota, with thousands of acres
of aspen that is still in an intense logging area. Just west of the Mississippi
we find ourselves with a very constant number of woodcock also. Woodcock of
the central flyway will follow the Mississippi to the gulf during the long
migration, stopping off in our area for extended periods of time. The migration
usually begins in early October and depending on weather can last until the
end of October. Big north winds and cold will push the birds, but life is
great while they’re here.
A typical day hunting Ruffed Grouse and
Woodcock will begin with breakfast then to some of the best covers to be found
in central Minnesota hunting about 7 hours a day. Our guides are very experienced
grouse hunters that know cover and where birds live. The hunting is not easy;
it’s quite the contrary in fact. The cover is thick and shooting opportunities
are fleeting there is nothing easy about grouse hunting, but a bird in the
hand is incredibly rewarding. This is truly hunting, there are no gimmes.
If you want to experience a true ruffed-grouse
hunt over setters, please don't hesitate to call us or fill out the
reservation form. There is a limited number of days and they really do
fill fast, with our repeat clientele offorded the luxury of booking their
dates first.
