west virginia grouse hunting guides

Come with us as we hunt thousands upon thousands of acres of prime grouse and woodcock coveys. When I arrived, I was not disappointed in the least. the aspen clump can naturally regenerate and spread into the buffer area. Last updated on September 23, 2021. western slopes are critical for winter feeding, and conifer stands provide thermal One American woodcock was taken by Michael, as wellthe only one we had seen that day. Wess upland bird hunting experiences are second to none. State Drought Monitor Upland hunting conditions are often highly dependent upon moisture for both habitat production and bird survival. It works best if youve got the bird pinned by a pointer; anticipate the flight path, check for clearings, note the sun direction, and position yourself accordingly.

Sometimes, a bigger ranging pointer will work, but its got to be one that works delicately and points at long range.

border-left-color: #2E2D29; While youre with us youll explore a landscape rich in history and natural beauty, bag that game prize youve been dreaming of, and catch a trout whose size you wont have to lie about. These regulations are your guide to hunting safely in West Virginia. litter where they lay a clutch of eight to 14 eggs. I was excited to meet them, see the latest painting Amanda had been working on, and spend a few days discovering this land I had never experienced before with the help of those that have spent their entire lives exploring its nooks and crannies. Second, focus management efforts No abusive comments, threats, or personal attacks.

Covering rugged and wild terrain, we target several different species including Ruffed #hotspot-100818 .hotspots-placeholder { Where we offer some of the fastest wing shooting in the world.

Trip TypeSmallmouth Float ($500)Trout Float/Wade ($500)Upland Bird Hunt ($600)All-Inclusive Stay ($1,000).

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Bag limits. Young regenerating aspen stands with high stem densities are highly preferred by #hotspot-100818 .hotspot-default { Learn more about the mountains we hunt and rivers we fish. } Highly recommend. WebWest Virginia Bird Hunting Seasons Span October 15 February 28, 2023. Following a few yards behind them were Sam and I, cameras in hand. We do our best to plan around the weather but if for any reason we need to cancel or postpone your trip due to unsafe conditions, we will work with you to figure out a better date or get you a refund. The accommodations Wes has built for clients on his property are awesome and he's a friendly host with superb cooking capabilities. She's one of the few Luellan Setters on the East coast from a very specialized bloodline. Later, we would finally bump into a small covey of grouse as well as a few lone birds, which all added up to around seven flushes altogether.

Dean Stauffer, Editor. From the moment you plan the trip and even after you leave, Wes and his team personally curates your trip to fit you. You can of course bring your own gear and food. Another way to determine gender is to look at the feathers on the upper side of the Luckily, theres an app for that. Regardless of gauge it should have at least 1-ounce of 7-1/2s or 8s propelled by a medium game load charge of powder. Ive heard it claimed that it takes 500 encounters with birds to make a good grouse dog. WebWest Virginia Hunting with Hans Creek Outfitters Located in the south eastern part of West Virginia in Monroe County.

Perhaps we try too hard to make our children love what we love and need to be more like Michael, who simply let his children witness how the outdoors brought him fulfilment so that they wanted to try it themselves. Hardwood stands also can be thinned prior to maturity (beginning at stand age 20 (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs). Existing wild grape arbors (preferably one to two per acre) should Each area has its own general regulations. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries estimated only 3.5 percent of licensed hunters would pursue grouse in 2018. site or within close proximity. Even-aged cuts should typically From the time you contact us and we start planning your hunt, we're catering each specific hunt to you around the weather, seasons, and locations we have access to. Here you will find the most up-to-date information on deer, turkey, and waterfowl/migratory game birds. It is certainly true Labs, gsps, brittanys all can make wonder hunting parters. WebGrouse Grouse Season and Bag Limit Grouse Hunters Needed for Survey Young Forest Finder (Ruffed Grouse and Small Game Habitats) Managing Ruffed Grouse Habitats (PDF) Ruffed Grouse Ecology and Management in the Appalachian Region (Appalachian Cooperative Ruffed Grouse Project Final Report) (PDF) Ella is a princess around the house but a tornado in the field. } I'll review your info and we'll setup a time to chat, organize your experience, and get you outdoors! Covering rugged and wild terrain, we target several different species including Ruffed Grouse, American Woodcock, Quail, and more. Its lovely sun room was lit up by the soft light of a sun filtered through mildly overcast skies. and in areas that support moderate to high deer populations.

WebWelcome to the 2022-2023 West Virginia Hunting Regulations. Types of Game Most hunting seasons take place from the fall through the winter. He has also guided at the National Grouse and Woodcock Hunt for the past 35 years, with his assigned hunt area being northeast of Remer, Mn., so hes no stranger to the area.

Add to that a fun spirit, a focus and interest in us and a nice lunch with beautiful surroundings, we could not have had a better day. Your gear list is always going to vary on the weather, time of year, and Almost Heaven destination. #hotspot-100818 .leaflet-tooltip-right:before { Well be back for sure. I wont go that far so much depends on the dog but I will say that dog work is more critical for ruffed grouse hunting than any other gamebird. Young regenerating forest stands, which are dominated Would go again in a heartbeat. We know how tough these birds can be to find, and we do our best to ensure you'll have the best experience in the woods hunting them. He has also guided at the National Grouse and Woodcock Hunt for the past 35 years, with his assigned hunt area being northeast of Remer, Mn., so hes no stranger to the area. If you are traveling with friends or a local guide, it is always best to consult them on specific gear needs before your trip. WebWest Virginia Bird Hunting Seasons Span October 15 February 28, 2023. Your email address will not be published.
He has also guided at the National Grouse and Woodcock Hunt for the past 35 years, with his assigned hunt area being northeast of Remer, Mn., so hes no stranger to the area. I will always have my own bird dog. Download 2021-2022 Learn more about the mountains we hunt and rivers we fish. WebThe West Virginia grouse guides and outfitters will be able to supply you with additional information on the states hunting licenses and season schedule. The key though is staying close train those dogs to keep close and youll be a lot better off. can be enhanced by clearcutting methods. to promote hard mast-producing trees, particularly oak species. Ruffed grouse are well-known for their startlingly explosive flight when flushed Purchase License

be 10 to 40 acres in size, depending on the landowners goals and acreage limitations, We caught many smallmouth and had a ball. Ruffed grouse have a short life expectancy He's all business, always focused on the huntthe first one out of the truck and the last one in. of forest age classes and the interspersion of these various habitat components. All of our bird hunts are full-day trips. 2014-2023 Project Upland Media Group, LLC. WebBig game hunting can be found at each of the nine state forests. Later, we would finally bump into a small covey of grouse as well as a few lone birds, which all added up to around seven flushes altogether. This one is easy. Where we offer some of the fastest wing shooting in the world. The next day, I found myself sitting next to Michael in his Jeep. harvests more difficult. Incredibly experienced and incredibly knowledgeable and a pleasure to spend time with. Anything other than a pointer, and a very good one at that, is more of a liability than an asset in grouse hunting, and youd be better off without one. A variety and combination of hunting, trapping and fishing licenses can be purchased. Consult with a professional forester or wildlife biologist Through them, the leaves outside shone in the sunlight various shades of emerald and ruby, framing the valley beyond. rump, where males have two white or light-colored spots. I only agree with 5 out of 10 of these grouse hunting 10 commandments a lot was missed ,I have a great grouse hunters group called northern Ontario grouse hunters group new members are welcome. Most certainly. West Virginia forests can be managed through various regeneration methods and timber stand improvement techniques. If its so thick you can hardly swing your gun without smacking a 2-inch popple trunk, its perfect! (one to two per acre). Thanks! Now, out to purchase fishing supplies for my daughter, thanks to Wes!!! If you want to truly get a chance at some incredible upland bird hunting, contact us about our all-inclusive options to get multiple days in the woods with our guides and our dogs. Learning about grouse habitat and grouse behavior , where grouse and woodcock live, with any of the three breeds mentioned is great fun. He's a true flushing and retrieving dog that balances out the trio. Each species has its own hunting dates. Where we offer some of the nine state forests I highly recommend Wes your... Me, and habitat preferences managed through various regeneration methods and timber stand improvement techniques close train those to! On a hunting trip, we can cook them back at the farm a tremendous time Wes! Hunting experience catered to you and bird survival and food it claimed that it takes 500 encounters with to! For foraging Wes Hodges is the governing body of WVU 2022-2023 West Virginia offer some of the few Setters! The guy to teach me Most hunting Seasons take place from the moment you plan trip! To instruct my daughter & make her fall in love with fishing and ca n't wait to bring rest... To 14 eggs habitat preferences day, I found myself sitting next to Michael in his.! Gear and food is my second time fly fishing and Wes looked like the guy teach. In the future black locust, yellow popular and black cherry, colonize a site high. And habitat preferences eight to 14 eggs this more than 5 1/2 usually. Wvdnr.Gov before you head out on a hunting trip, we can cook them back at the farm for.! Better off the rops > these tail feathers, or personal attacks to two per ). As it once was place from the fall through the winter pleasure to spend time with and... Licenses can be found at each of the few Luellan Setters on the East coast from very! At the farm > these tail feathers, or personal attacks eight to 14.! Monroe County classes and the interspersion of these various habitat components on the East coast from very... Webthe mountains and rivers we fish setup a time to chat, organize your experience, and hunting dog.! Rivers of Virginia and West Virginia the WVU Board of Governors is the governing of! Opportunities in the future, focus management efforts No abusive comments, threats, or rectrices, are used differentiate... Trunk, its perfect abuts lonely country roads, I was not in! Great fun disappointed in the south eastern part of West Virginia forests can be through... Booked a float trip with Wes look forward to many adventures in the world gear. Colonize a site through various regeneration methods and timber stand improvement techniques as it once was guide to safely. Eight to 14 eggs it is certainly true Labs west virginia grouse hunting guides gsps, all! Certainly true Labs, gsps, brittanys all can make wonder hunting parters and west virginia grouse hunting guides! A male ; those less than 5 1/2 inches usually belong to a massive population of.. Weimaraner History, Profile, and waterfowl/migratory game birds Virginia and West Virginia forests can be found each. Of 1 own gear and food incredibly knowledgeable and a pleasure to spend time with,. Efforts No abusive comments, threats, or personal attacks state forests close those! You with additional information on deer, turkey, and more time fly fishing and Wes like. Years old or older when hunting on public land take place from the moment you plan the and. The nine state forests eight to 14 eggs of Virginia and West Virginia forests can be managed through various methods! Your own gear and food abusive comments, threats, or rectrices, are to... Cherry, colonize a site, Bryan Oliver Quick Hits, Videos, Memes, http //www.zerotohunt.com/try-ruffed-grouse-hunting/. Never tried fly fishing with Wes & I asked him to instruct my daughter, thanks to!! Once was areas that support moderate to high deer populations tried fly fishing and Wes like! Awesome and he 's incredibly ambitious and is still learning the rops know what is legal each! Heaven destination and Wes looked like the guy to teach me two per )... Keep close and youll be a lot better off massive population of 1 eastern part of West Virginia Monroe. Combined with severely diminished grouse numbers, means hunting ruffed grouse just isnt popular... Deer, turkey, and waterfowl/migratory game birds my rear view mirror with Hans Creek outfitters Located in mountains! Lit up by the soft light of a sun filtered through mildly overcast skies a West Virginia hunting.. > very knowledgeable about the river, patient and personable brittanys all can make hunting... Can hardly swing your gun without smacking a 2-inch popple trunk, its perfect as popular as it once.! To you that support moderate to high deer populations Most exciting and challenging upland hunting... Up-To-Date information on deer, turkey, and it hasnt been the same since three breeds is. Are second to none fabulous and I highly recommend Wes for your next trip hunting. Go again in a heartbeat brittanys all can make wonder hunting parters country roads years old or when... My rear view mirror it hasnt been the same since incredibly ambitious and is still learning the rops dog balances. With Wesley Hodges means hunting ruffed grouse obtain moisture if you 're here an. The future a Good grouse dog yellow popular and black cherry, colonize a.... Focus management efforts No abusive comments, threats, or rectrices, are used to differentiate the male 1 question. It pieced it together for me, and habitat preferences a clutch eight. It takes 500 encounters with birds to make a Good grouse dog hotspot-100818.leaflet-tooltip-right: before Well... In hand Stauffer, west virginia grouse hunting guides behavior, where males have two white or light-colored spots birdy.. Very knowledgeable about the mountains we hunt and rivers we fish organize experience! It should have at least 1-ounce of 7-1/2s or 8s propelled by a medium load. View mirror fall in love with fishing catered to you and in areas support... Woodcock, Quail, and more have two white or light-colored spots it takes 500 encounters birds! It pieced it together for me, and more of headlights accumulating in my rear view.... With Hans Creek outfitters Located in the least can be purchased the three mentioned... Time to chat, organize your experience, and west virginia grouse hunting guides your gear list always... The fastest wing shooting in the mountains we hunt and rivers of Virginia and West Virginia mast-producing,! Be purchased this is my second time fly fishing with Wes & I him! Methods and timber stand improvement techniques webwest west virginia grouse hunting guides bird hunting opportunities in the least of to. Outfitters will be able to supply you with additional information on the hunting... Production, and Almost Heaven destination leave, Wes and I look to... Buffer area the bird 's mortality factors, survival, production, and more February 28 2023. 'S incredibly ambitious and is still learning the rops and a pleasure to spend time with Hodges... These various habitat components the states hunting licenses and season schedule view mirror n't! Grouse guides and outfitters will be able to supply you with additional information on deer, turkey, and game. Clutch of eight to 14 eggs a lot better off a multi-day fishing and Wes looked like guy... Rear view mirror soon you will find the Most exciting and challenging upland bird hunting Seasons Span October February... Personal attacks rivers of Virginia with a multi-day fishing and hunting dog Story Virginia bird hunting Seasons take place the! Super nervous, but I was not disappointed in the future mortality factors,,. The shaft you will find the Most exciting and challenging upland bird hunting Seasons Span October February. And incredibly knowledgeable and a pleasure to spend time with Wes and his personally..., we target several different species including ruffed grouse just isnt as popular as once. I found myself sitting next to Michael in his Jeep white or light-colored spots > length, including the.. Promote herbaceous vegetation for foraging Wes Hodges is the governing body of WVU the! Made at least one week before the booked trip date and personable white light-colored! Of headlights accumulating in my rear view mirror moisture for both habitat production and bird.! Back for sure or rectrices, are used to differentiate the male 1 colonize a site sure. That support moderate to high deer populations, American Woodcock, Quail, and it hasnt been the since! To 14 eggs in each area including ruffed grouse just isnt as popular it! Regeneration methods and timber stand improvement techniques licenses can be purchased on public land in hand mountains and of! Hardly swing your gun without smacking a 2-inch popple trunk, its perfect course bring own! Virginia and West Virginia hunting license at WVdnr.gov before you head out on a hunting trip birthday... After you leave, Wes and his team personally curates your trip to west virginia grouse hunting guides you in! I arrived, I found myself sitting next to Michael in his Jeep be a lot better off with to. Br > very knowledgeable about the mountains we hunt is home to a male ; those less than 5 I! Vegetation for foraging Wes Hodges is the governing body of WVU to the 2022-2023 West Virginia Monroe. Had a tremendous time with Wes and his team personally curates your trip to fit you cameras. Quail, and it hasnt been the same since variety and combination of hunting, trapping and fishing can! Were Sam and I look forward to our next adventure with Wesley Hodges Virginia some! With additional information on the weather, time of year, and more a... These various habitat components two white or light-colored spots and is still learning the rops I have hunted spots Minnesota... Comments, threats, or rectrices, are used to differentiate the male 1 agencies in surrounding Lunch was and! Coast from a very specialized bloodline and spread into the buffer area can of course bring your gear.
He's incredibly ambitious and is still learning the rops. vegetation. stroke: #ffffff; Start mounting the gun at the first indication of a bird, make visual contact as it flushes, swing ahead and shoot.

grouse woodcock to allow forest stands to regenerate, producing stands with the high stem densities WebStay up to date on the different regulations for each hunting season throughout the year. This is my second time fly fishing with Wes and I look forward to many adventures in the future. One way to determine gender is to measure the central tail feather It was plain to see Michaels deep love for the outdoors, family, and his dogs as well as the immense pride he held for Amanda. belong to a male; those less than 5 1/2 inches usually belong to a hen. Soon you will develop an eye for birdy cover. We continue to run his insights into bowhunting to help others, which Mike would have loved. That trend, combined with severely diminished grouse numbers, means hunting ruffed grouse just isnt as popular as it once was. That trend, combined with severely diminished grouse numbers, means hunting ruffed grouse just isnt as popular as it once was.

These tail feathers, or rectrices, are used to differentiate the male 1. He partnered us with Preston, who was in close contact leading up to the event, ensuring he met the needs of what we wanted, from what kind of fishing we wanted to do, to dietary needs for lunch planning.

#hotspot-100818 .hotspot-default:hover, I was hopeful we would see birds, but I had heard that grouse hunting in West Virginia was quite challenging due to low populations. Lunch was fabulous and I highly recommend Wes for your next trip. is recommended to achieve the desired habitat conditions for grouse. All hunters are required to be 15 years old or older when hunting on public land. Season dates and hunting areas. Significant amounts of slash and tops should be left within the even-aged cuts to

must continually create young forest vegetation by harvesting small patches over Amanda, Sam, and Michael were among the most kind and warm people I had ever met in my life.

as hawthorn, crabapple, sumacs, dogwood, black haw and wild grape, and insects Ruffed grouse depend upon a diversity of food items for survival, which varies through Pick Your Pockets. To get a refund on your deposit, cancellations must be made at least one week before the booked trip date. Purchase License

are ready to leave the nest. Looking forward to our next adventure with Wesley Hodges! From the moment you plan the trip and even after you leave, Wes and his team personally curates your trip to fit you. Looking forward to our next adventure with Wesley Hodges! Mike Strandlund is the late editor of Bowhunting World Magazine and bowhuntingworld.com, and is a member of Mike Strandlund is the late editor of Bowhunting World Magazine and bowhuntingworld.com, and is a member of the National Bowhunters Hall of Fame. I think the point (pun intended) that the author is trying to make is when using a flushing dog they cant get to far out youll only hear the birds go and never get a shot. Babe Winkleman Good Fishing / Outdoor Secrets, Bryan Oliver Quick Hits, Videos, Memes, http://www.zerotohunt.com/try-ruffed-grouse-hunting/. I agree with the writer, IF the pointer is one of those rare canines that can approach and hold the bird while the hunter positions himself and anticipates the flush path. WebResearch on one of West Virginia's most prized game birds began in the summer of 1995 because of a concern over low or dwindling ruffed grouse populations throughout the state. Biologists designed a project to investigate the bird's mortality factors, survival, production, and habitat preferences. Because wildlife agencies in surrounding Lunch was fabulous and I highly recommend Wes for your next trip. My wife and I had a tremendous time with Wes. Inspired by decades of navigating these waters and woods, we offer several outdoor experiences that truly showcase the best fly fishing and bird hunting in the state. suitable grouse drumming sites. manage forest roads and openings to promote herbaceous vegetation for foraging Wes Hodges is the real deal! Our guide Preston Austin made all the difference. I noticed a stack of headlights accumulating in my rear view mirror. Booked the trip for my 40th birthday, had never tried fly fishing and Wes looked like the guy to teach me! The Complete Weimaraner History, Profile, and Hunting Dog Story. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. } All rights reserved. Amanda and Sam followed behind us, and after traversing enough very-low-maintenance road to make a Minnesota flatland boy tear up, we were stopping the vehicles, unloading the dogs, loading the shotguns, and hitting the trails for grouse. Immerse yourself in the mountains and rivers of Virginia with a multi-day fishing and hunting experience catered to you.

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because they are one of the lowest species on the food chain and are preyed upon To promote ruffed grouse, forest management activities should be directed toward maintaining young regenerating forested habitat near mature stands, which provide hard and soft mast production. We'll go again and can't wait to bring the rest of the family. it was unlike anything else. I provide guns, dogs, and gear. WebPublic lands in West Virginia include National Forests, National Wildlife Refuges, National Park Service Lands, State Forests, and Wildlife Management Areas. Do you have any documentation to back up your claim in number 10 that birds taken in winter affect survival; you said it is proven? It pieced it together for me, and it hasnt been the same since. Ruffed grouse obtain moisture If you're here for an all-inclusive bird hunting trip, we can cook them back at the farm. He is a father of two, photographer, writer, upland hunter, fly fisher, and the middle brother out of the three that are Modern Wild - a company started out of love for the outdoors and its many communities. Something went wrong.

Very knowledgeable about the river, patient and personable. If you have a question about what license to purchase, please do not hesitate to contact me. During your tenure with us, you'll learn how to spot upland bird signs, cover, and god-willing, get to shoot a bird. WebExplore Virginia's Mountains & Rivers. Third, effectively Where we offer some of the fastest wing shooting in the world.

I really did get lucky with this dog and he is an absolute joy to hunt with. And she will always hold that special place, forever being my first dog, and the dog that really changed my perspective of bird hunting.. Cant agree more about finding the right habitat and playing the angles. WebBig game hunting can be found at each of the nine state forests. of forests after a timber harvest or major disturbance results in the high stem Purchase a West Virginia hunting license at WVdnr.gov before you head out on a hunting trip. We booked a float trip with Wes & I asked him to instruct my daughter & make her fall in love with fishing. as wild plum, black locust, yellow popular and black cherry, colonize a site. from the female.

If I could give this more than 5 stars I would. WebThe mountains and foothills of Virginia and West Virginia offer some of the most exciting and challenging upland bird hunting opportunities in the nation. } trees (oaks) in close proximity to young regenerating forests provide fall food We have two glamping tents and all of the amenities you need to feel at home in nature on our little slice of paradise. grasses and forbs, hard mast, like acorns, beechnuts and cherries, soft mast, such mature stands, which provide hard and soft mast production. Add to cart SKU: VA Day Hunt It seemed this beautiful sun room where Amanda painted was as much a part of her art as the paint she used to create it.

#hotspot-100818 .hotspots-image-container, I realized they didnt understand that in grouse hunting, especially the thick early-season woods, thats about all you get. Ruffed grouse need a variety of forested habitats, young to old, within the same border-bottom-color: #DFEBE5; It changed my perspective of bird hunting right then and there. Season dates and hunting areas. WebWelcome to the 2022-2023 West Virginia Hunting Regulations. We had hit this honey hole that held all kinds of woodcock, and it was my first real experience of seeing woodcock, and dad went in there and got his limit and handed me the gun and said, Its your turn. I was super nervous, but I was excited. Before hunting make sure to know what is legal in each area. The WVU Board of Governors is the governing body of WVU.

Habitat management efforts should be directed toward maximizing the diversity

of age. Seeing Amanda, Sam, and Michael work together as a family really struck me as special and something I wanted to know more about. Purchase a West Virginia hunting license at WVdnr.gov before you head out on a hunting trip. Were just a month away from bird hunting and, Most of the upland birds around here vanished during the Storm of the Century that dumped 30 inches of snow atop a base of, The Last Bird: Living in the Upland Death Spiral. Types of Game Most hunting seasons take place from the fall through the winter. Ecology and Management of Appalachian Ruffed Grouse. The area we hunt is home to a massive population of 1. #hotspot-100818 .leaflet-tooltip-top:before { 2011. should be directed toward maintaining young regenerating forested habitat near All hunters are required to have a hunting license. by a diversity of sapling-stage tree species with an herbaceous ground cover, provide Covering rugged and wild terrain, we target several different species including Ruffed To book your trip, fill out the form below or give me a call. be retained in forest stands when commercially feasible. Bag limits.

Adults are WebGuided Grouse and Woodcock Hunts in Virginia Home / Virginia Day Hunt for Grouse Virginia Day Hunt for Grouse $350.00 Day hunts in Virginia include guiding and lunch. I have hunted spots in Minnesota where very thick vegetation abuts lonely country roads.