Maine Grouse 2024

[Bionic]

Looks like I will be grouse hunting Maine this year.  My friend and I, and wives will head up to my cabin up there, and will be hunting with his young GSP.  This will be an amazing trip.  Anyways, is mid November a good month for grouse in central/northern Maine?  We 100% are content either way as it will be an amazing few days.  My wife and I, see grouse constantly while on the trails in our side by side throughout summer, but not sure about November.  Thinking NMW as it’s right there.  

[Versatile Hunter]

7 minutes ago, Bionic said:

Looks like I will be grouse hunting Maine this year.  My friend and I, and wives will head up to my cabin up there, and will be hunting with his young GSP.  This will be an amazing trip.  Anyways, is mid November a good month for grouse in central/northern Maine?  We 100% are content either way as it will be an amazing few days.  My wife and I, see grouse constantly while on the trails in our side by side throughout summer, but not sure about November.  Thinking NMW as it’s right there.  

Nice dog! Should be a blast.
Only concern would be the weather as you get further into the season. October is prime but I’ve had great hunts in Feb (in NY, season ends Dec. 31 in Maine). I’d take a rifle too and try get on a deer track if you get too much snow for grouse. 

[Buckmaster7600]

From the time I’ve spent in Maine a guy could fill his limit from the road in an under an hour most days. Im sure the hunting must be excellent behind even an ok dog. I’d expect fast close shooting given the terrain. I’ve hunted all over the north east and if grouse hunting was my goal Maine would be my first choice!

[mowin]

16 minutes ago, Bionic said:

Looks like I will be grouse hunting Maine this year.  My friend and I, and wives will head up to my cabin up there, and will be hunting with his young GSP.  This will be an amazing trip.  Anyways, is mid November a good month for grouse in central/northern Maine?  We 100% are content either way as it will be an amazing few days.  My wife and I, see grouse constantly while on the trails in our side by side throughout summer, but not sure about November.  Thinking NMW as it’s right there.  

I've shot a few up in Maine.  Now you have to be careful and not shoot a spruce grouse, as they are protected.  Can just about pluck those off the limb with your hands, lol. 

Hope you have good weather and get a bunch.  Looking forward to the pics. 

Edited August 9 by mowin

[Bionic]

Thanks gentlemen,  We sometimes duck in the side by side as we see them all over the trails lol. Sounds like November won’t be any different! This is more of a trip to give young Waylon his opportunity to show what his dad has trained him.  I will bring up the Spruce grouse conversation to my friend, and how they are protected.  I will definitely be taking tons of pics as usual.  These last two years we have not have sticking snow until late December/early January.  

[Bionic]

My friend just asked about woodcock up there….. any input?  
 

I know Maine pretty well, but do not know bird hunting…

[Buckmaster7600]

I haven’t spent a ton of time there but I would imagine your chances of killing grouse are better closer to October because a lot of deer “hunters” that are driving the road are shooting partridge when they see them. By mid November many of the road birds will be gone and you’ll be more dependent on the dog. 
 

The  few years I’ve been up there helping for moose hunts the grouse were way more prevalent than later in the fall when I was up there deer hunting. 

[gaberdeen]

I have been going to Maine every year for the last 13 with my Braque Francais. Mid November can be very good for grouse as long as the weather cooperates. Leaves will be down off the trees making visibility better when they flush. You may have to get off the beaten track a little further as a lot of birds will have been pushed further back off the roads by hunters. Woodcock will most likely have migrated by then but again depends a lot on the weather. Good luck, you will have fun none the less.