Hunt the Habitat

Jan 30 2025 25 ep. 49 mins 3
Hunt the Habitat Podcast artwork

Understanding Habitat is the key to success for Upland Bird Hunter. One needs to understand the birds needs and habitat requirements in order to be successful. This podcast focuses on how to read the forest, the land and the changes in habitat that are seasonal. This podcast will also focus on the hunting dog and how to better understand what is required of your dog in handling different types of upland birds.

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#25 Cold Snap & Grouse Hunting + Training Your Puppy to Trust Its Nose

Jan 30 2025 49 mins  
Recorded on January 21 during an extended cold snap, this episode dives into how below-zero temperatures impact ruffed grouse behavior and what that means for hunters. Key Topics:Winter Survival Strategies: With no snow for burrowing in Northern WI, how do grouse adapt? Cold Weather Metabolism: Research shows grouse slow their metabolism below 20°F—sometimes they feed, sometimes

#24 Taming Your Dog's Christmas Mischief + Caring for Senior & New Pups

Dec 23 2024 43 mins  
The holidays are full of joy, but for dog owners, they can also bring chaos. We’re diving into the wildest holiday dog mishaps—and how to avoid them. Jealous dogs. Overzealous guests. Broken toys. Injured guests. Don’t let holiday mischief derail the fun! Tune in for tips on setting boundaries, keeping calm and solutions for mishaps. Plus, as the season wraps up, it's the

#23 Winter Hunting 101: Food, Cover & Canine Care

Dec 13 2024 47 mins  
Winter brings unique challenges for grouse hunters. In the Midwest, after a dry season grouse are impacted by lack of food availability. Here's what to expect and how to prepare: Grouse Behavior & Habitat: Expect grouse to stick close to food sources like aspen buds, especially near pine corridors. As temperatures drop, they’ll minimize movement—walking to feed, sitting st

#22 Pressured Grouse, Perfect Tactics & Late-Season Hunting

Nov 15 2024 51 mins  
In this episode, Ann and Steve are diving deep into grouse hunting strategies for pressured birds. Learn the tactics that make all the difference in the woods. Learn how to read the habitat, position your dog and outsmart running grouse. Here’s what we’ll cover:🌲 Finding Ideal Habitat: Why mixed hardwoods and older aspen cuts are preferred late season cover. Shrub cover play

#21 Top Tips for Grouse Hunting in Dry Conditions + Dog Care Recovery

Nov 01 2024 51 mins  
This episode dives into the unique challenges of a warmer-than-usual and dry November. We explore how grouse are behaving across Northern Wisconsin as they adapt to dry conditions. Plus, we'll discuss how to modify your hunting strategy to find the birds. Highlights include: Late Season Bird Behavior: Birds in Northern WI have already moved to their winter habitat. This is earlier

#20 Using Soil Quality to Find Prime Grouse Habitat

Oct 02 2024 52 mins  
In this episode, we explore how soil quality directly impacts forest density and tree growth. Learn how to identify the fastest-growing aspen patches by understanding soil types. We'll discuss how even sandy soils can create dense oak cover that grouse need for sustainability. Plus, learn how to use farmland in your grouse hunting tool kit. Highlights include: The role of nutrient

#19 Nail the Grouse Hunt: Target High-Density Bird Areas & Avoid Common Mistakes

Aug 30 2024 48 mins  
In this episode, we’re addressing the common pitfalls rookie & seasoned grouse hunters face. How to avoid them for a more successful upland hunt. We’ll cover: The importance of scouting your hunting area before the season starts. How yours maps can help reduce physical scouting. Identifying the right habitat: Look for diversity in landscape, including thick young aspen, con

#18 Early-Season Grouse Strategies: Reading the Forest & Your Dog

Aug 26 2024 51 mins  
In this episode, we dive into cut regeneration naturally occurring after logging is finished. Why does density matter? Young forest density affects which cuts are the right habitat for grouse. We'll explore what the forest floor should look like for early-season grouse hunting. There are forest cover types that young broods of grouse prefer. Learn what age class of cuts contain thi

#17 Fine-tuning Your Dog's Nose for Bird Hunting Success & Fireworks

Jul 02 2024 49 mins  
In this episode, we dive into how barometric pressure changes, storms and fireworks can impact your dog's behavior. Get valuable tips to help keep your upland hunting dog calm and secure during these events. Plan ahead to keep your dogs healthy. Ann also shares the weather patterns she's monitoring for Sharptail hunting maps. Plus, we discuss the biggest job your dog should do for

#16 Teaching Your Hunting Dogs to Follow Your Lead in the Field

Jun 26 2024 50 mins  
In this episode, we dive into the essentials of training your puppies for successful grouse hunting. Learn how to build a strong bond with your pups and teach them to stay in sync with your movements. We'll also discuss the importance of managing your pup's range. Establishing the right range early in training sets the foundation for your dog's future hunting patterns. Remember, co