BWCA Small Game, Ruffed Grouse and General BWCA Tips? Boundary Waters Group Forum: Hunting in the BWCA
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Cfguy
member (10)member
  
10/03/2019 08:18AM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
Planning to get out to BWCA next weekend for some fall fishing and exploring and wondering if it's worth bringing the 12ga. I've not hunted in the BWCA before, so I'm wondering if anyone has any tips or suggestions? I'm especially interested in ruffed grouse and other small game. The only special reg for BWCA I'm aware of is that you can't hunt within 150' of a trail or portage. Anything else I've missed (other than what's in the regs)?

Any ideas on the best approach for finding grouse up there? I should also mention- this would be my first time hunting for grouse.

Thanks for any ideas, tips, or suggestions!
 
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10/05/2019 04:01PM  
Sounds like the weather might not be the best. Maybe some snow.
 
Fortunate1
senior member (79)senior membersenior member
  
10/06/2019 08:52PM  
We just got back from a good grouse hunt south of Williams. We are going to Isabella later this week through the weekend. Hunted right up to the Snake River EP last two years. We flushed a number of grouse tripping off LIS this summer. Putting an many many miles.
I have also thought about grouse hunting the BWCA. Not sure how I would start but think I would hunt the portages and trails allowing the grouse to flush and then go after them only taking a shot after well away from the portages. I have bumped grouse two and three times and successfully harvested them. I would also beat the brush while paralleling trails. I believe the laws are you can not discharge firearms within 150 yards of a portage, hiking trail, or campsite (occupied areas)
Please post your results as well as your technique. Thanks
 
Cfguy
member (10)member
  
10/06/2019 10:58PM  
Good ideas. Thanks. My understanding is that you are correct about needing to be 150’ feet off trail/portage or campsite. I’ll be sure to report back on how it goes.
 
Cfguy
member (10)member
  
10/15/2019 07:37PM  
Decided to put the trip off until this weekend I hopes if slightly more favorable weather.
 
Fortunate1
senior member (79)senior membersenior member
  
10/16/2019 07:35PM  
Last week Thursday and Friday was good weather wise. We had many flushes and good success. Saturday was slower and wet. Sunday was also wet but had a number of flushes. Staying dry was a lost cause but just adds to the experience.
Good luck with your hunt. Be safe.
 
05/20/2022 11:40AM  
Back in the late 90's myself and 2 buddies went into Moose lake (motorized) and trapped for 12 days Base camped. Grouse hunted the whole time. We ate grouse, beaver meat and fish the whole time we were there. We packed in potatoes , carrots, and onions thats it . It was the best trip to the BWCA I have ever had. The only reason we did not stay longer was it started icing up or we would have had to stay all winter.

E
 
05/20/2022 05:06PM  
Armored: "Back in the late 90's myself and 2 buddies went into Moose lake (motorized) and trapped for 12 days Base camped. Grouse hunted the whole time. We ate grouse, beaver meat and fish the whole time we were there. We packed in potatoes , carrots, and onions thats it . It was the best trip to the BWCA I have ever had. The only reason we did not stay longer was it started icing up or we would have had to stay all winter.


E"
There was way more grouse in the 90's than now.
 
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