Maine Grouse Camp
“As I huffed and puffed my way up the steep plateau, my body ached with exhaustion and cold seeped into my lungs. Still, my excitement for the ultimate game bird, the Ruffed Grouse, fueled my determination to continue searching. The sun beat down on my back, making sweat trickle down my neck as I dragged myself up the rocky incline. After a strenuous ascent, I finally reached the top and took a moment to catch my breath on a skillfully carved log. Its smooth surface cradled my weary body as I caught my breath and took in the breathtaking view below. The vibrant fall color valley stretched out before me, dotted with majestic peaks and rambling streams. After a few moments of rest, I set off on my search with renewed energy and determination. After taking a break, I resumed walking along the ridge in search of my target. My eyes scanned the surrounding area with intense focus, and there, only a few steps away, was a group of 6 grouse! My heart raced with anticipation as I slowly approached, praying that they wouldn't scatter and flee, but rather spread their wings and flush. Suddenly, like a flurry of feathers and wings, all 6 grouse scattered in different directions. With swift reflexes, I took aim and shot at one, successfully bringing it down. But the hunt wasn't over yet. Two more grouse had flown up into a nearby tree. Being a true sportsman, I didn't believe in shooting birds on the ground or in trees. So I cautiously approached the resting grouse, careful not to startle them too soon. With precise aim and steady hands, I shot twice and only one bird fell to the forest floor. This is what grouse hunting in the great North Maine woods is all about - skill, patience, and a bit of luck”
As the summer heat faded and the cool breezes of autumn arrived, my anticipation for brisk morning walks through the forest in search of Ruffed Grouse grew stronger. But this year, there was an added bonus - I had meticulously organized our first Maine Grouse Camp. With each passing day, my excitement swelled to new heights. Soon enough, I would be venturing deep into the rugged and majestic North Maine woods, on a quest for the most coveted game bird of them all - the Ruffed Grouse. The mere thought of it sent shivers down my spine. The day before our departure was spent in careful preparation, double checking every piece of gear. My reliable 20 gauge side x side shotgun, freshly bought shells, and my well-worn comfortable boots were all prepared to conquer the rugged wilderness of northern Maine. Everything was in place for our great adventure
Typically, I set out on my journey to northern Maine before the sun rises, but this time, I chose to depart the night before and split the 11-hour drive into two parts. My hunting partner, Sam, arrived and we were ready to hit the road. This was no ordinary trip; it was Sam’s first experience grouse hunting in the rugged North Maine Woods. As we loaded up all of our gear into my reliable truck, I couldn't help but notice Sam's excitement and eagerness radiating from him. Memories of my own first trip to these parts came back to me, and I couldn't help but admire Sam for his preparedness for this journey. His enthusiastic gleam and overwhelming passion for this adventure showed that he was ready for any challenges that would come our way in the wilderness.
As I filled my truck’s tank with gas and my own tank with some much-needed Java, my mind raced with excitement for what lay ahead. The first leg of the trip through New Jersey and New York promised to be challenging, but I hoped my timing was perfect enough to avoid the chaotic traffic around NYC. After a few hours on the road, we finally arrived at Kittery, Maine - our first stop for the night. The salty ocean air greeted us we stepped out of my truck and made our way towards a charming seaside restaurant. It was perched right on the edge of the water, offering an incredible view of the glittering waves. As we settled in for a delicious lobster dinner, I couldn't help but admire how food and drink always seemed to taste better when paired with a breathtaking vista. Our bellies full from our meal and the long drive, made for a peaceful night's sleep. Despite our minds buzzing with excitement for the adventure ahead, we were able to rest comfortably
The sun had just begun to rise, casting a warm glow over the landscape. After quickly devouring a breakfast sandwich and sipping on a hot cup of coffee, it was time to hit the road. But first, a quick stop in Freeport to visit the famous LL Bean store. The iconic flagship store stood tall with its rustic log cabin exterior and beckoned travelers from all around. A brief but memorable visit and then it was back on the road towards Ashland, Maine - the gateway to the North Maine Woods. As we embarked on the journey, the majestic Mount Katahdin rose before us in all its grandeur. The clear day was a blessing, allowing for an unobstructed view of the spectacular 5,280 foot peak. Its rocky cliffs and rugged terrain stood proudly against the bright blue sky, beckoning us closer to its summit. The sunlight played off the mountain's craggy edges, creating a dazzling display of light and shadow. It was a sight that took our breath away and left us in awe of nature's beauty.
The small town of Ashland, Maine loomed ahead, the last bastion of civilization before embarking on a journey into the remote wilderness. This was the final chance to gather supplies and make necessary phone calls before cell service faded away with each passing mile. The smooth pavement of the town roads gave way to rugged gravel, foreshadowing the rough terrain ahead. It was crucial to have precise driving directions for the miles that lay ahead in this isolated region. A reliable map or GPS device was essential, as there would be no signal to rely on once they left the safety of the town. The anticipation and sense of adventure grew with each passing mile, and the vastness of the wild landscape stretched out before us like an uncharted canvas waiting to be explored. For those venturing off the beaten path, it was highly recommended to invest in the official Maine GPS - The Maine Atlas & Gazetter. This comprehensive guidebook not only provided accurate maps and directions but also valuable information about local attractions and points of interest. And for added assurance, a satellite GPS was also a wise investment. Thankfully, our camp had thoughtfully provided us with detailed directions to their location.
The final stop after reaching Ashland was about 5 miles outside of town, where all travelers were required to check in with the Maine Department of Fish & Wildlife and pay a significant fee of $60.00 in order to venture beyond the gates into the wilds of Maine. At the gate, we were welcomed by a friendly park ranger. Our conversation briefly touched on the thriving grouse population in the area. As we departed from the checkpoint and delved deeper into the vast, untouched wilderness, my excitement continued to mount. The scenery was nothing short of breathtaking, with towering trees and glimpses of wildlife along the winding road, including our target, the Ruffed Grouse. After about 2 hours, we arrived at Bradford Camps, a rugged yet inviting destination nestled in the heart of nature. As we made our way into camp, we eagerly searched for our host for the week to assign us our cozy cabin by the lake that we would call home. The rustic charm of the camp perfectly complemented the untamed beauty of Maine, making it the ideal setting for our inaugural Maine Grouse Camp.
After indulging in a delicious meal in the warm, rustic and inviting dining area, we gathered around the crackling fire to unwind with cocktails and get to know the other guest at the camp. Stories and experiences of our adventures in the great outdoors were shared, building a sense of camaraderie among us. As the hour grew late, I couldn't help but anticipate the beckoning of the morning sun, signaling the start of our first day in the wilds of Maine. As I settled into my comfortable bed, a mix of excitement and nerves swirled within me. It was akin to that familiar Christmas Eve feeling, knowing that the next morning held endless possibilities. After tossing and turning for a bit, I finally succumbed to exhaustion and fell sound asleep.
The morning arrived with a burst of golden light over the serene lake that lay just beyond our cabin. The lake was teeming with Brook trout, Ouananiche, and lake trout, making me wish that Maine would extend the fishing season just a little bit longer for the ultimate Cast & Blast adventure. However, I understand and respect Maine's policies as they are crucial for preserving the native fish population in the area. It seems like we will have to plan another trip in the spring to fully experience this exceptional fishery. It was time to begin our journey into the woods. After a refreshing shower and a hearty breakfast accompanied by a steaming cup of coffee, I laced up my boots and set off to a location provided by our gracious host.
We packed up our equipment and began our descent down the trail. The ground was still moist from the morning dew, creating difficult conditions for traveling but ideal circumstances for our canine companions to sniff out any potential targets. With my trusty 20 gauge SxS shotgun at my side and two eager pointing Labrador retrievers, Jessie and Fae leading the way, I headed deeper into the woods. This was my first time hunting upland birds with Labs, so I was filled with anticipation to see how they would perform in the field.
As we trekked along the trail, our loyal labs trotting beside us, my senses were on high alert. The rustling in the brush could only mean one thing - our dogs had picked up a scent. Excitement coursed through me as I imagined the inevitable battle between dog and grouse, with the bird desperately trying to evade capture. As we got closer, I could make out Ed's lab, Jessie engaged in a tense confrontation with a skittish grouse. The lab was determined to hold the bird down for us, her muscles tense and focused. It was reminiscent of a dramatic Mexican standoff. My heart raced as Ed's son Pat stepped forward, ready to bag his first Maine grouse. But just as he got close enough, the bird took flight - not a grouse, but a woodcock. Pat took the shot and dropped the bird, while Jesse dutifully retrieved it and delivered it to hand. It may have been more satisfying than if I had shot the bird myself - witnessing the perfect search and find, the intense focus of Jessie to hold the bird and the shot and retrieve. I'll remember that moment for a long time.
As we continued down the trail, a flash of movement caught my eye along the edge of the path. We sent Ed’s two trusty Labs, to investigate. In mere minutes, their actions alerted us to their discovery - a large and burly bird. Sam, my companion on this trek, decided to venture deeper into the thick woods in pursuit of Fae's trail. As we grew closer to the source of the commotion, we could see Fae chasing down not one, but two grouse birds. With careful steps and hushed voices, we crept closer to get a better look. Sam positioned himself strategically in order to intercept the flushing birds, his hunting instincts kicking in. With a quick but steady aim, he successfully shot and dropped the first bird. The second one took refuge in a low-hanging tree nearby, causing a bit of commotion as we tried to flush it, our effects were successful as the bird took flight and with expert precision, Sam managed to shoot and bring down a double on his first attempt at grouse hunting in the Maine woods. Was it just beginner's luck? Perhaps. But either way, I couldn't have been happier for Sam's success. I have no doubt that he will be back next year for more thrilling hunting adventures.
The sun was high in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over our weary bodies. After hours of trekking through the rugged terrain, our feet were begging for a break and our stomachs yearned for sustenance. We found respite by sitting on the tailgates of our trucks, taking bites of the mouth-watering sandwiches lovingly prepared for us by the lodge. As we savored every bite, we reminisced about our thrilling morning hunt - the rush of adrenaline, the camaraderie among friends, and the satisfaction of a successful kill. Our hunger satiated and our spirits rejuvenated, we eagerly set off to another location, eager for more adventures and memories to be made.
As the sun reached its peak in the sky, I eagerly anticipated an afternoon of grouse hunting with my two companions at our campsite: Bob and Jameson. Accompanied by Bob’s two magnificent English setters - Gus, a seasoned veteran at only 6 years old, and his playful pup, Woody - we gathered our gear and prepared for our hunt. As we ventured deeper into the foliage, Bob shared that he had named his dogs after characters in the movie Toy Story, bringing a smile to my face. Along the way,I could tell that Gus was warming up to me as he expertly searched the area in front of us, skillfully quartering through the terrain. In the distance, I spotted a promising plateau and led Gus up to investigate. His tail wagged furiously, picking up a scent that could lead us to more grouse. Cautiously, I followed him and soon saw Gus lock onto something ahead. Moving slowly so as not to startle any potential targets, I approached Gus and saw six grouse huddled together with their feathers blending seamlessly into the surrounding foliage. With a steady point from Gus, I prepared for my first shot as my heart raced with excitement. A sudden burst of movement sent one grouse flying and my second shot hit its mark, sending feathers scattering through the air. But the thrill didn't end there; as a true sportsman who values the experience over bag limits, I called Bob up to join me on the plateau for a chance at the remaining birds. Two of them took refuge in low-hanging branches nearby and I instructed my friend to wait until they flushed before taking their shots. Excitement surged through me as I watched Bob aim his beautiful side x side at the grouse, but today was not his lucky day. Both birds flew away unscathed, surviving to see another sunrise.
After trekking for countless miles on tired and aching feet, it was finally time to return to the warm comforts of the lodge. A wave of relief washed over us as we settled into our cabin, eagerly preparing a backwoods old fashion cocktail. We were finally able to relax and unwind after a fruitful day of hunting, looking forward to the delicious meal ahead. But before indulging in the gourmet meal, we had some preparations to make with our successful hunt. The thought of crispy Grouse nuggets as an appetizer made our mouths water. With skilled hands, we gutted the bird using a simple yet effective method - stepping on the wings and pulling up on the legs. It required patience and precision, but the end result was well worth it. Lay your game bird on the ground, its delicate body exposed as it lay on its back with its wings outstretched. Stepping carefully onto each wing close to the body, grasp the legs firmly and slowly pull upwards towards your chests. With a satisfying pop, the insides of the bird separated from its hide, revealing the tender breast meat within.
As the sun began to set on our final evening in camp, we indulged in a feast fit for kings - succulent grouse served as appetizers, followed by a scrumptious meal crafted by the talented lodge chef. As the aromas of rich spices and roasted game filled the air, we gathered around the crackling campfire, sipping on fine wine and reminiscing about our time in the North Maine woods. Each member of our group shared stories and memories from our inaugural grouse camp, laughter and camaraderie filling the night sky. It was a truly wonderful evening, filled with nostalgia and appreciation for our experiences. I'm certain that we will all eagerly come back next year for another incredible experience in the breathtaking North Maine Woods.
If you would like to join us on next year's Grouse camp, please visit my website Riversage Outdoors & The Wandering Sportsman for all the necessary information. We hope to have you with us in the North Maine Woods!
