Top-Rated Maine Grouse & Woodcock Hunt

Maine's Ultimate Grouse & Woodcock Hunt

Get ready for some serious wing-shooting action in the heart of Maine's rugged wilderness. This multi-day grouse and woodcock hunt with Maine Upland Guide Service is the real deal for bird hunters looking to test their skills against some of the wiliest game birds out there. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to upland hunting, our expert guides will put you on birds and make sure you have a blast doing it. At $650 per day, you're in for top-notch hunting, cozy lodging, and some of the best home-cooked grub this side of the Appalachians.

Hunt Rundown

Picture this: You're crunching through fallen leaves, shotgun at the ready, as your guide's trusty pointer works the cover ahead. Suddenly, the dog goes on point, and your heart starts racing. A grouse explodes from the underbrush, and you've got a split second to make the shot. That's the kind of non-stop action you can expect on this hunt. We'll be covering some serious ground each day, pushing through thick cover and working the edges of old logging roads where the birds like to hang out. After a full day of hunting, you'll kick back at the lodge, swap stories with your fellow hunters, and chow down on some hearty, locally-sourced meals that'll have you ready to hit it hard again tomorrow.

Boots on the Ground

This ain't no walk in the park, folks. We're talking about covering miles of prime grouse and woodcock habitat each day. You'll need to be in decent shape and ready to push through some thick stuff. We use trained pointing dogs to help us locate birds, so you'll want to be comfortable hunting over dogs if you haven't done it before. Don't worry, though – our guides will give you the lowdown on dog etiquette and how to work with them effectively. As for gear, bring your favorite upland shotgun (20 gauge is popular, but 12 or 16 work great too), and make sure you've got good, broken-in boots. The terrain can be challenging, with lots of rocks, roots, and uneven ground, so ankle support is key. We'll provide the birds, but you bring the sharp shooting!

Target Game Breakdown

Ruffed Grouse: These feathered rockets are the crown jewel of upland hunting in Maine. Known locally as "partridge," these birds are famous for their explosive flushes and challenging shots. Grouse prefer young forests and areas with plenty of cover, so we'll be focusing on recent clear-cuts and areas with lots of aspen and birch. These birds are masters of camouflage and can sit tight until you're practically on top of them before flushing. When they do take off, it's with a heart-stopping thunder of wings that'll test even the most experienced shooters. The satisfying "thump" of a grouse hitting the ground after a good shot is something you'll never forget.

American Woodcock: Also known as "timberdoodles," these quirky little birds are a blast to hunt. They're migratory, so timing is everything. We typically see the best woodcock hunting in October when the birds are moving south. Woodcock prefer moist, loamy soil where they can probe for earthworms with their long bills. Look for them in alder runs and along the edges of wetlands. When flushed, woodcock tend to rise straight up before leveling off, giving you a brief but exciting shot opportunity. Their erratic flight pattern makes them a real challenge, and connecting with one of these birds is a true test of your wingshooting skills.

Why Hunters Keep Coming Back

Let me tell you, there's something special about hunting Maine's North Woods that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the crisp fall air, the explosion of color in the trees, or the thrill of working with a well-trained dog to outsmart some of the craftiest game birds out there. Our hunters often tell us it's the whole package – the hunting, sure, but also the camaraderie back at the lodge, swapping stories over a cold beer and a hot meal. And let's not forget the satisfaction of a limit of birds in the bag, knowing you've earned every single one of them. It's not just a hunt; it's a full-on Maine experience that'll have you counting the days until you can come back and do it all over again.

Book Your Next Tag

Alright, let's cut to the chase. If you're itching to get out in the woods and experience some of the best grouse and woodcock hunting Maine has to offer, now's the time to pull the trigger on booking your trip. At $650 per day, you're getting world-class hunting, expert guides who know these woods like the back of their hand, and memories that'll last a lifetime. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait around. Give us a call, and let's get you set up for the upland hunt of a lifetime. Trust me, once you've hunted grouse and woodcock in Maine, everywhere else is just playing catch-up. Book now, and get ready to see why they call this the way hunting should be!