Data File Download Page
MN Wildlife Management Area GPS files
The MN DNR has put out GPS data files in both Garmin and Lowrance formats showing the locations of all the WMA's
Data File Download Page
Data File Download Page
Preseason Training Camp - Ruffed Grouse, Pheasant
I dropped my English Setter off at the trainer the other day. When we got her three years ago she was a fully finished dog so this training is mostly for fitness. Like most people I live in the ‘burbs and beyond the daily walks there isn’t too much of a chance to get in some bigger off leash workouts and with the high grouse drumming counts this spring I wanted to make sure she was in shape right at the start of the season.
In talking with Jerry Kolter, breeder / trainer / trialer, we decided to go with a combination of free running and atv roading. Jerry had Tina the first six years and used her as one of his string when he did guided ruffed grouse hunts so he his familiar with Tina and how she can best be brought into full fitness. On the plus side Tina weighed 4 pounds less than she did last summer and I think is in better shape to start with.
Now that the dog is rounding into shape what about the weak link in the team? Yeah, that would be me. I’ve been riding my bike but due to work travel, weird illnesses, wet weather and a lack of motivation I’ve ridden only about one half of what I had in last summer. To make up for it I’ve been trying to eat better ( 2 brats instead of 3, the small basket of onion rings instead of the large.. it’s all relative ). Lift some weights. I was finding my arms were getting tired just from shooting three rounds of trap. I even did my first run in over five years today. This is all a far cry from the days when I was fairly fit and never gave a thought to having to get into shape for the hunting season.
One of the things driving the desire to get in better shape is that I have some high school neighbor boys who want to hunt and after seeing them come home from their football two-a-days I know I have to pick it up so they don’t leave me huffing and puffing.
So there you go, the dog is working out, I’m working out and now all we need is for the seasons to start, the weather to play nice, and rest will be up to the hunting gods.
Northwoods Bird Dogs
Northwoods Bird Dogs
Bob Paucek On Bird Dogs - Grouse Dogs, Training, and Trialing
Bob Paucek a long time trainer and trialer talks about dogs, training, and trials.
MN & WI Ruffed grouse counts still high - Up from 2010
“The grouse population is probably still near the high end of the 10-year cycle because drumming counts this spring were between the values observed during 2009 and 2010,” said Mike Larson, DNR research scientist and grouse biologist. “Drum counts from the last three years haven’t followed the same smooth pattern as during the previous two peaks in the cycle, but relatively small changes in the index may be due to factors other than the density of grouse.”
The averages, however, increased 18 percent in the northeast survey region, the core and bulk of grouse range in Minnesota, to 1.9 drums per stop. They also increased 16 percent to 2.1 drums per stop in the northwest and 32 percent to 0.4 drums per stop in the southeast.
Wisconsin
MADISON – There is good news for ruffed grouse hunters coming from 2011 spring drumming counts. Department of Natural Resources wildlife officials report that Wisconsin’s ruffed gouse population appears to have increased from last year, according to data collected by wildlife staff, foresters, wardens, and countless volunteers.
“Statewide, the ruffed grouse population increased about 38 percent between 2010 and 2011,” said Scott Walter, DNR upland wildlife ecologist.
“The southwest study region showed the greatest increase in drumming activity over the last year with a 118 percent increase, with all routes either increasing or remaining stable,” said Walter. “The central and northern regions both showed healthy increases of 31 percent and 43 percent, respectively.” No drumming grouse were heard on transects run in the southeast region, which contains the least amount of grouse cover in the state.
MN/WI Pro Plan Cover Dog Derby of the Year: Northwoods Chardonnay
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| Northwoods Chardonnay - Cover Dog Winner |
Chardonnay has had four field trial placements in as many starts. As a puppy in 2009 she placed second in the very competitive O-Kan puppy stake held in Oklahoma. (Lager placed first.) Later that spring she placed second in the MGDA derby. This spring she placed third in the MGDA Open Derby (beaten by littermates Lager and Chablis) and won first place in the Moose River Grouse Dog Club Open Derby. She pointed grouse in both of this spring’s wins.
Chardonnay is out of a litter bred by Paul Hauge in 2009. The sire is Blue Shaquille and the dam is our current producing female, Houston’s Belle’s Choice. We started four from this litter and each is a strong grouse dog.
Chardonnay did a fine job in our grouse guiding string last fall, especially for a 1½ year old. She has the classic Houston-line trademarks: easy, attractive gait; lofty style on point; outstanding ability to find and point grouse.
Northwoods Bird Dogs have won or been in close contention for this award several times before.
2003: CH Houston’s Belle, owner Paul Hauge, won
2001: Blue Silk, owner Paul Hauge, won
1998: Spun Gold, second in points
1997: CH Blue Streak, second in points
1995: That’s Afact Jack, second in points
In addition, dogs sired by our studs have won the award.
2009: Goodgoing Hannah Montana, owner Brett Edstrom/Good Going Kennel, was sired by Dashaway
1999: Milk Run Jessie, owner Brian Miller, was sired by CH Blue Smoke
This accolade was started in 1994 and has subsequently been awarded 17 times. It has been won by pointers on 10 occasions. It is sponsored by Pro Plan who generously purchased the rotating trophy and supplies dog food to each year’s winner.
Complete Article and Other News
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