Bell or No Bell? ACTION PACKED Ruffed Grouse Hunting & Truck Camping Part 2

[@brittlanders351]

I’m on the other side of the country hunting grouse and have to say I love your content. Something stable in an otherwise unstable world right now.

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Thanks man, always appreciate the comments and following along. Cheers to having the opportunity to go chase birds for another day no matter what the state of the world is.

[@kevinfeeheley562]

Ive been hunting Michigan birds for 40 yrs . I love your videos. Keep up the good work and thank you

[@UplanderLifestyle]

I appreciate that! Thanks for following along, best of luck in 2024! 👍🏻

[@ChristianClark-GR-MI]

I really appreciate your videos. I am a fellow Michigander and I have been getting into upland game hunting more the last few years. My young sons and I really enjoy watching your videos and appreciate your explanation of what types of cover to look for. We have been taking a trip to the UP the last couple years for a long weekend of grouse and woodcock hunting and absolutely love it. Keep up the great work!

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Awesome to hear - thanks so much for sharing that and the comment! Glad to hear you and your sons are enjoying some time in the big woods chasing grouse, special times. Best of luck to you guys the rest of season 👍🏻

[@Muskrat78]

Never thought about the chance of the bell noise cause hearing issue's cause a shotgun blast 3 yards away has probably more effect on that end. The nostalgic part of the bell is my deal and the points you mentioned about the pro's on the bell. I love to fall asleep with that sounds Bing Bing Bing. What I live for!

[@rickstanaford8307]

No bell. I like the dog quiet.... Nice dog work! love your video!

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Agreed, thanks for following along 👍🏻 new videos coming soon!

[@darendth8594]

Great video as usual. Love how you narrate the whole experience including following up on birds. You discuss the cover, the dog work and include the reality of misses. Certainly more enjoyable and more informative for new bird hunters vs the “shooting gallery” videos. Thanks. Keep it up. Have a great season.

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Daren - great to hear from you! Always appreciate the comments. Grouse hunting can get very technical, and I enjoy the process of it and talking about it. Thanks for following along and good luck yourself if you make it out in the woods 👍🏻

[@WilliamLeid-l2v]

Well done. Lots of great footage, and yes I do enjoy the informational segments at the end if your videos. After 40+ years of upland hunting I still find myself learning new ways to do it better. Yes I have always run bells in the woods. Per your last video reply to my question I did try running my 9 yr old Britt without his bell. I liked what resulted and plan to try more and with my younger dog. Keep it up Cliff. I m sure I speak for many upland enthusiasts when I say these videos are much appreviated

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Thanks so much for the kind words and comments - it means a lot. As grouse hunters were all in this together and all constantly trying to learn. It’s the name of the game. Whenever you think you’ve got it figured out there’s something else to make you re think that.

[@WilliamLeid-l2v]

Agreed Dont forget me when you decide to breed Ember again. I really like what I see in her

[@darendth8594]

Would love to have another Brit. Last one was 40 years ago in my 20s at the start of my hunting. Perhaps in retirement when I have time to devote to a dog. In the mean time I continue to learn more about the birds and help friends with dogs get them on wild birds. Great work with the dogs and the videos. Thank you.

[@sawyerplume3321]

Glad to see a new one up already! Was able to finally get Arlo his first Grouse! He pointed it four times as it ran him into the ground! Another woodcock limit as well. The addiction is real! Of course forgot the battery pack so no footage for the channel. Not running a bell tho at times tempted. I like running silent with my GPS.

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Awesome to hear man, congrats on the grouse 💪🏻

[@wendellbell6164]

Great video. I really enjoyed it. I hunt western Washington for grouse with no dog.

[@archer721]

😎👍 me too!

[@bonnienoelle]

Your best grouse hunting video yet!

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Thank you 🔥👍🏻

[@jrc4237]

I run a bell and it’s mainly so I don’t have to keep looking at my watch to see where they are and the guy I hunt with and track the dog by listening, I do really like the new style of video with your setup and habit that you look for . Keep up the great work

[@UplanderLifestyle]

I totally get that. I try to focus in on the dog a lot harder without a bell so I do t have to look at the gps as much. Thanks for the comment and following along, good luck out there 👍🏻

[@blackrabbitkennels]

At 22:58, and I'm only saying this because you mentioned not having that happen before, you probably already know but sometimes when that happens it's a miss fire and on rare occasions it can be a hang fire where there's a delay before the shot goes off. You want to be sure to give a miss fire a fair amount of time before handling it in case of hang fires. Sorry if you already know this, but I had to mention it in case you or anyone seeing this didn't. I love the videos and the dogs. I do run bells on my dogs, I'm not a fan of those beeper collars myself, I think they're annoying. Lol. Can't wait to see the new stuff you put out this fall!

[@garya9875]

This video I think was one of your best Cliff absolutely great. I use to run a bell to keep track of where the dog was.Then I got a Garmin 550+ and dropped the bell. I do believe I see more birds now and there not quite as jumpy as they was. The sound of the bell does make ya think it's grouse season. I go to the UP every year for a couple weeks and I don't know how anybody could run a dog up there with just a bell or beeper collar that's a dinner bell for the wolfs. I always enjoy your comments on the different topics. Your videos are getting better and better keep up the great job.

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Thanks again Gary, I always appreciate the comment and support. Totally agree with your thoughts. There is definitely something about the bell that makes you feel nostalgic with grouse hunting, but I enjoy the peaceful sounds of the woods without one.

[@rogerbeckner6419]

Unfortunately Ohio has almost NO Grouse and I can't get up to the UP this year. I did use a bell for Pheasants and Quail with my Brittany Gunner. This year I'm just using my RAPT 1450 and whistles. Sneakier for those running chickens! I also worry about Gunner going deaf later in life. On the other hand, on public lands here it would be better with the bell so he won't get shot by idiots.

[@andyweik4236]

I didn't read the other comments, so I apologize if this has already been said. Regarding the bird you got around 18:00, that's what's called towering, resulting from a pellet in the head/eye. Best to hit it with a 2nd shot if you can. I've had them fly straight up (2nd shot broke it) or fly up and away at a 45 deg angle and disappear as a speck in the distance. Great job on the follow up and find! Bell vs no bell: for hunting in the woods I use a bell for the instant feedback it provides. When I first started hunting grouse in the with a pointing dog in the '80s I used just a bell; about 6 years in I got a beeper collar that I would have on point-only mode, and the bell. Until 3 years ago I ran them with a bell and a beeper/e-collar on point mode; now I use the bell and the e-collar/gps. I enjoy listening to the bell as opposed to looking at the gps receiver, however the gps is a nice fall-back when I lose track of where I last heard the bell. Grouse hear the dogs' footsteps, they hear our footsteps, they hear the bell or the beeper. I haven't noticed any advantage in numbers of grouse contacts or closeness of flushes with or without a bell. Nice thing about a bell is I don't have to recharge it, never gets low on power, never points in the wrong direction, no software issues. I haven't noticed loss of hearing of the dogs that I could attribute to bell use -- all our old dogs seemed to have hearing loss regardless of bell use (including labs and border collie that never had a bell). One of the dogs seems to do well with a point mode beeper, so I may add that back for him.

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Thanks for following along! 👍🏻

[@tristanfu1055]

I have a bell on my cocker, and a bell/GPS on my shorthair. My GSP usually ranges out about 150 yards. I like the bell because I know exactly when he's getting Birdy even when I can't see him. I only use the GPS to locate him on point. Also, hunting public land in NY, there are a ton of deer and deer hunters. The bell gives them a warning that we are in the area so it doesn't catch anyone off guard. My buddies and I just had this conversation this morning. Perfect timing for this awesome video!

[@UplanderLifestyle]

All very valid points 👍🏻 thanks for the comment and following along! Best of luck the rest of season.

[@glencutrer2371]

I have run 2 different bells on my two dogs because I run them together, before I lost my Llewellin Setter. I now run a bell on my French Brittany because I usually hunt with a group of guys and she covers a lot of ground to keep track of her. I also do not have a tracker…

[@QuietglowAdventures]

This is my first season hunting, and my dog's first season hunting so we need all the help we can get (we got our first woodcock, over a beautiful point, last week). I run both bell and GPS, and like others, I really appreciate knowing to the second what he's up to in the woods. Also, the sound of the bell stopping has to be one of the greatest things in the world. Reminds me of when you nail the perfect cast when fly fishing and you're suddenly waiting for the fish to rise. As a newb grouse hunter, I've learned tons from your videos. Thanks so much!

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Thanks for the comment and following along! That was one thing I missed that I wanted to hit on. I think it is worth it to those who are just getting into grouse hunting run a bell on their dog. You can learn a lot from the dog just by listening to the bell, and in the end it will give you a better understanding of what's going on the more you do it. Best of luck out there the rest of season, sounds like you guys are off to a great start 👍🏻

[@outdoorrn2980]

Nice tree trim, and you got the bird on top of it!....and video proof so when you tell the tale and they call BS you can show them. 👍

[@michaelhyde641]

I used bells for years my main reason was to let the bears know that were in their space and not startle one when they might attack instead of run

[@uplandknight5782]

GREAT FOOTAGE AS ALWAYS!!!!

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Thank you!!

[@Ebbyman413]

When hunting pheasants and Huns in Montana, along the river delta, we put bells on the dogs to keep the moose alert to us as we go through the brush between open areas.

[@UplanderLifestyle]

You make a great point. I had a dog get attacked by a mulie doe earlier this year out west in a brushy draw. The dog had snuck up on a bedded fawn and doe, and the doe went into defense mode and tackled and started trampling my dog. Couple warning shots later the deer took off. Lucky he took the hooves like a champ and was unphased/harmed... now a moose, that would turn out ugly! Thanks for sharing, and best of luck the rest of season.

[@snapshotscorner5542]

No Bell, but might try it.. Probably best i dense forest like on your video. Where. I Hunt i Norway The wood is more open. Good video. Good jo. Enjoyed IT.

[@timharris619]

I run a bell and gps. The bell helps me keep track of the dogs without having to constantly be checking my gps.. When i stop hearing the bell I will check the gps and bring the dog in to work closer to me or head to the point. I personally have not seen where it has an effect on the birds.

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Very good way of doing it 👌🏻 Thanks for the comment!

[@mnebs]

I have two young French Brittanys, 2 1/2 and 1 1/2 years old. I was running both a bell and GPS, mostly so I could easily keep track of the younger dog, and so he could hear his sister. Since he has been checking in and not losing my location, I just started going without. The silence is great, I doubt I'll go back. Love watching your Britt's work!

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Good stuff, and thanks for the comment! That was one thing I missed that I wanted to hit on, sometimes I think it is worth it to run a bell on a younger dog while they try to navigate the woods for the first time. Thanks for following along, best of luck the rest of season!

[@kevinvenable9342]

I did run a bell for a couple years my setter was young didn't seem to ever have many close flushes I invested in a GPS collar and we'll my dog is 4 now and we pretty much get birds or at least have the opportunity to every time out now so for me I can't say with so many factors in good or bad

[@bruceking2574]

So cool watching your dog Aspen work. She is amazing. I have family who live in Buckley Mi. Hunted there for many years now. I mainly hunt quail as Kokomo my Lab and I live in So. West. Thanks for the great videos. Yeti as well is amazing. Watching good dogs work is 80% of the deal. At least!

[@UplanderLifestyle]

The dogs are what make it! Thanks for the comment and following along! I believe your season just kicked off, good luck 👍🏻

[@ventureoutdoorswithkirk]

Looks like you tried to help control the woodcock population🤣 A few birds out there, nice job.

[@UplanderLifestyle]

I trimmed so many trees Im Gonna start sending an invoice to the state for my forestry services lol 😅 I really don’t shoot a whole lot of woodcock, I try to be selective, it’s gotta be perfect dog work. We normally don’t run into a ton of them in the spots I hunt, but from time to time we’ll get into a group of them.

[@bradalbrecht3426]

Great Vid! Had an amazing day in Northern WI on 10/22/23. We must've hit the migration of woodcock as we flushed over 20 (got 5 and a grouse). Keep up the great videos.

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Awesome to hear man! Those are special days, congrats on the success and best of luck the remainder of season. Thanks for following along 👍🏻

[@roblastra6080]

Excellent dog work. Love your comments and explanations, keep them coming.

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Thanks for the comment and following along 👍🏻

[@johnlytle996]

Awesome video as usual. Always learning a bit more with each video when you hunt closer to my back yard. Your dogs make me want a pointer!! Thanks again for all the great info, awesome video!! Great shooting! Dog work is on point!!

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Appreciate that! Thanks for the comment and following along 👍🏻

[@syl19281]

Really cool hunting video 👍👍👍

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Thank you!

[@Tinfoilhat1000]

No bell for partridge, but for pheasant I do. Pheasant hunting up in New York can have a few hunters in the area, it just makes me feel like I need to take more precautions.

[@scottdinger5368]

Ran a bell in SD for pheasants, didn't see any birds in shooting range the first 2 days. I took the bell of my lab and had an excellent 8 days afterwards. That's when I trashed the bell. In PA I had success but they were PA stocked birds. But I never placed another bell on a collar afterwards

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Always good when you make an adjustment on the fly and it works out in your favor, like removing the bell. I still may run a bell from time to time in the grouse woods if I felt it was needed, but definitely not on pheasants. Their legs like to carry them too much. Best of luck the rest of the season! Thanks for the comment and following along 👍🏻

[@russbatzer6970]

Another great video man! Excellent dog work! Running a bell as of late, only because it helps me paint a picture in my mind as to what the dog is doing, and i hate looking down at the GPS all the time. But I'm thinking about adding 1 of the garmin watches myself and doing away with the bell. BTW, im pretty sure i hunted somewhere near there on the 15th. Those A-10's are a pretty unmistakable sound

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Thanks man! The bell really does paint a great picture of what’s going on. I did enjoy running the bell for a while to help me understand how the dog works in cover etc, the watch definitely makes it easier without the bell. I really don’t even find myself watching the dog on the gps that often, I’ve usually got a pretty good idea of where the dog is heading and about how far out they are. Best of luck out there 👍🏻

[@mikedziki8427]

Great as usual been a good yr so far great video

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Thanks Mike 👍🏻

[@christinamoneyhan5688]

Awesome dog ! Makes you hunt that more pleasant.👍🇺🇸🙏🏽✌🏻😎

[@Mike-us3fk]

awesome video as usual !!!! keep them coming !!! 👍👍👍

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Appreciate that! Thanks for following along!

[@deadpinecollective]

Awesome stuff

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Thanks for following along!

[@justinlachinski5303]

I really appreciate the content. Being a northern MN ruffy hunter your stuff is very relatable and I really am enjoying the extra wisdom on the videos (truck camping, porcupine, cooling down on hot days, bells, etc.). I hunt behind a chocolate lab so no bell for me as he works pretty close but I have never been a fan of the bell. Some buddies run them on their gsp's but maybe they should be considering the hearing effects for the dogs 🤔

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Thanks for following along and the comment! Best of luck the rest of season 👍🏻

[@ChristianClark-GR-MI]

We have tried a bell with our flushing dog, but do not use a bell currently. I feel like the bell is more of a distraction for the dog and for us.

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Totally agree with that. It takes a bit of an adjustment, but I feel like running a dog without a bell is totally doable and just as effective. There’s just a bit of a learning curve, like anything in life. Thanks for the comment and following along 👍🏻

[@The2birddogs]

used to run a bell but switched from setters to cockers and dogs stay close + they are flusher anyway. I do like the quiet w/o bell and if i went back to pointing dogs i'd probably get a GPS setup. Been hunting since way before gps and e-collers so there are some old habits there too.

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Totally agree with that thinking. Thanks for the comment and following along. Best of luck the rest of season!

[@redtop52]

Wisconsin I’m always worried about Wolves so I think a bell keeps them aware of the dog don’t sneak up on the wolf.

[@mikewarren9440]

Good afternoon. I live up here in northern Maine and I live to hunt every day of every season possible. I run black labs for birds, I have always used a mossburge 12g with modified choke using #4 shot. What shotgun and loads have you used and prefer. I have used the same shotgun for the last 35 years and quite successfully and think I might upgrade this year

[@jchunter14]

Love your videos I’m from northern Indiana and am interested in hunting the GEMS in Michigan Can I pull up off the side of the road and camp like you do in your videos or do I need to find an actual camp ground?

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Thanks for the comment and following along! You can camp on state and federal owned public land. If you are on state land, you will need to fill out a dispersed campsite slip to keep at your campsite. They are available to print off on the states website. Just google MI dispersed camping and you will find all the rules and regulations. Best of luck!

[@baileykenney1]

I run a bell on my Brittany, but we haven’t made our way to the grouse woods yet. After your video I probably won’t run her with a bell while in the mountains in December. However, I’ll probably continue to run her with the bell when woodcock hunting just because I enjoy listening to her run.

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Thanks for the comment and following along! Good luck the rest of season 👍🏻

[@mikedziki8427]

I have grouse hunted all my life when we did not have beepers or GPS collars the only time I have not is when I was in the military so I still use bells I have brass sleigh bells and e joy hearing them when the dog is working a bird I do not notice a difference with a bell I grouse doesn't think oh a bell here comes a dog Keep up the great work on the videos bud Mike Gryhon Shorthairs

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Appreciate the comment Mike, it's great to hear!

[@tkinsey472]

I really like the topics you include with the hunt. It makes the show more interesting. I enjoy listening to my dogs bell. You think a bell hurts the dogs hearing.? What kind of bell are you using, a cow bell? Forget the dogs hearing, they will be fine. What about your hearing after shooting for years. How about a topic on your show about hearing protection. I wish someone would have told me about that when I was your age. My left ear rings like a bell 24/7.

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Appreciate the feedback! I’ve been trying out the Decibullz ear plugs towards the end of last season. I like them more than any electric hearing protection I’ve worn. Open areas are great, but you loose some sense of hearing direction with them on the woods grouse hunting.

[@humblehuntproject3321]

Heck yeah brother, fine video.

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Thanks a lot man 👊🏻

[@kemalersintektas6585]

hello from UK🇬🇧

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Good to hear from you, thanks for following along!

[@rickcrane839]

Your Michigan covers have a different appearance from the Wisconsin covers I have hunted. Seemingly more open.

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Maybe, maybe not. I try to hunt some unconventional stuff. Things that aren’t your ‘typical’ looking grouse covers. The open areas are something I’m really trying to focus on more. You may not flush as many birds, but you get some really good shots. Thanks for following along and good luck the rest of season 👍🏻

[@terrysmiff8469]

What brand shotgun and what load?

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Weatherby Orion Side by Side in 20ga shooting 7.5's

[@jeffdavidson5762]

I run a bell I used a beeper collar and when dog shook his head it would go out. I have a gps collar but don’t like looking a handheld when hunting. The bell gives me an immediate response without relying on electronics.

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Agreed! Thanks for following along, best of luck this season!

[@bounphommarath1810]

Love that dog

[@UplanderLifestyle]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@jefflovesdogs9973]

What kind of side by side are you using? I know it's a 20 gauge because of the shells, but what make and model? You are a good shot with it. And are those Brittany Spaniels you are hunting with?

[@MikeWagner-i1m]

Great video as usual! I look forward to every one. I'm so impressed at how well trained your dogs are. Watching your videos has inspired me to purchase a Brittany pup next spring. My question is do you train your dogs or are you getting help from a pro?

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Thank you! I train all my dogs from start to finish. What you see is all on us. We’re not perfect but I try to give the dogs the best opportunities we can. We have a litter of britts for time to time. Best of luck out there 👍🏻

[@markmakela7364]

Very well done as always. What’s your definition of the north woods?

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Thanks for the comment and following along! I guess I define it as anywhere you can get into large sections of forest land that’s unbroken by farm and prairie land in the northern Midwest.

[@tajzikria5307]

Where can I get a nice Brittany grouse and woodcock dog?

[@Talons_N_Tails]

I’ve tried to run a bell.. and just felt it was loud and took away from my enjoyment of just being in the woods… almost as if it was a intrusive human noise… I even tried a small falconry bell we use on our hawks/falcons and agin I just felt it was intrusive and a distraction… I’ve gone full GPS using handheld and Garmin watch.. I love that it’s quiet and I can enjoy being in the woods with all its natural noises/sounds ❤

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Right there with you! Part of the experience is getting lost in the sounds of the woods. Thanks for the comment and best of luck the rest of season!

[@Daniel-fn4qy]

I don't run a bell on a flush dog or a pointer because I think the grouse jump quicker I like them to hold tight so I can get closer shots

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Any little thing to get a closer shot on a ruff makes a big difference 👍🏻

[@doublegun15]

I run a bell because I always know we’re the dog is and also I no if it’s moving in on a bird and if I need to correct it. Also I know if it’s going to fast.

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Very good points 👍🏻 thanks for the comment!

[@Okay17282]

33:29 how old is that aspen there?

[@UplanderLifestyle]

3 years

[@Okay17282]

@@UplanderLifestyle thanks

[@brianbaccam8007]

I’ve only running the bell on my dog in a tall n thicket grass. Otherwise I usually don’t. If that makes sense

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Right on! Thanks for the comment and best of luck in 2024!

[@jasonrichards5646]

Great video, dog work, shooting and insight into no bell. I run a bell most of the time. Near the end of the season I run no bell as the birds have been pressured for weeks and I feel it adds a degree of stealth. I'd like to use a gps but it's out of my budget right now. What gps system do you use?

[@kalebaiken3477]

Are you lining sights up on these birds. Or just quick point-n-shoots ? Glad I stumbled across your channel ! Great videos

[@oscarbauer1322]

How bad are the ticks where you hunt? Here in WI if I go on a three hour hunt I’ll find 30-50 on the dog and 10-20 on myself. Is everyone dealing with this level of a tick problem?

[@mikewarren9440]

Sorry I forgot to answer your question about running a bell on my dogs. Yes I run a small “cow bell” on their collar to keep track of them as we do use technology and location collars

[@jefflovesdogs9973]

What state are you in, may I ask? Or are you up in Canada? And if so, where? I love hunting grouse with a bird dog and have to get a new puppy as my 12 yr old Standard Poodle died back in Sep 2023, and she retrieved right at 800 birds in her career. I am down in Texas now, and will have to drive a distance to grouse hunt but I will do it. Most of mine were taken in Oregon and maybe 15% were taken in north Idaho.

[@kyoutdoors131]

Have you ever ran into any issues with the Weatherby Orion SxS? Like light striking issues? Just curious.

[@UplanderLifestyle]

I've had it happen once, but only because the primer was set just a tad deeper into the round.

[@kyoutdoors131]

@@UplanderLifestyle Nice. I'm deciding between a Tristar Bristol or a Orion SXS too. Still can't make my decision, since I've heard some light strikes issues for the Tristar.

[@kennethwhite8389]

Serious question. I've never hunted with dogs that small. Do you worry about coyotes and other bigger predators getting to your dogs on the chain unprotected? Or is that chain gang just for them to stretch their legs and use the bathroom while you're around?

[@UplanderLifestyle]

The dogs are only on the chains when I’m around, I don’t leave them tied out when I go hunting, they go back in their kennels.

[@kennethwhite8389]

@UplanderLifestyle that's what I figured it's a really smart set up I'm trying to get set up similarly

[@andrewsdrmike]

What chokes do you shoot in early season?

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Skeet and Improved Cylinder

[@andrewsdrmike]

What is the gps watch you use? When I go to Maine I run the Alpha100 and hate having to look at the transmitter to locate my dog

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Garmin Instinct. Works great in the grouse woods while approaching a dog in thick cover and you need to have both hands on the gun and not fumbling with the transmitter.

[@shorthairdude417]

New to north woods grouse hunting. I purchased a gps for my big running shorthair. He is young so I wasn’t quite sure how he was going to do. Well I definitely can’t complain when he is sticking birds. How ever I’m curious how far I should be letting him range. Is 150 yards too much? How do I know if he is busting birds at that range? It’s not the range that I’m too worried about with the gps but the speed he covers ground is astonishing. Breaking branches and such has to alert the birds but I have yet to see it happen. I did run a bell on my close working dog and it seems to help the big runner know how far he is from us, which worked well because I didn’t have to whistle or correct him as much. What are your thoughts?

[@UplanderLifestyle]

My thoughts are let the dog roll, especially if he’s young. He will figure things out as he goes. I think of it this way, if he’s going to bust birds at 150, he’s gonna bust birds at 45 yards in front of you too. If and when he does, make the correction and eventually it will all transfer together and you’ll have a dog that you can trust no matter what distance he’s at. I’ve noticed with some bigger running dogs in the grouse woods is not that they are intentionally busting birds, but sometimes it takes so long to get to a dog on point that they haven’t figured out that you’re coming, which causes them to relocate or move up and the bird goes before you get there. Time and more time spent doing it and the dog will start to trust that no matter where it goes on point, you’re going to show up to flush the bird. They just need to learn a little patience sometimes. Same thing with the dog covering ground fast, making noise etc. in time the dog will learn to be more cautious. As far as what distance is too far? It’s not how far the dog goes that bothers me, it’s that sometimes how long it takes the dog to get back to me. I usually let my dogs hit the distance they want to, but it’s a fine line of working with me because I’m trying to work objectives, and work certain lines. Sometimes when the dog goes out and does it’s own thing we get separated and I don’t necessarily want to leave the line I’m working to chase the dog. Again, with time the dog will start to see the objectives you want it in and where it’s finding birds, and it will translate to the dog working objectives in front of you without even telling the dog too. Thanks for the comment, best of luck this season 👍🏻

[@shorthairdude417]

Thanks, this is one of my favorite channels. I need to work on my shooting in the woods and how to approach a dog on a point when grouse hunting. Seems like it’s a touch different to get clean shots. Another thing I love to see is the variety of your trips. Best wishes Ps. Your boy Yeti seems like he always impresses!!

[@kevinjames8214]

Don't you just love when your dog finds a bird you had given up on. My GSP constantly surprises me with birds that i got a piece of, but not all of. BTW, what collar are you running?

[@UplanderLifestyle]

It always brings a smile to my face! Thanks for the comment and good luck to you and your GSP the rest of the season!

[@kevinjames8214]

Oh, definitely a bell. Without it, I'd never find my little grey ghost. There's been times when I've followed her collar location to her, and walked right by her, only to hear her head move (bell), and I find her tracking a moving a moving grouse with her eyes. The Garmin Pro 550+ is a great collar, but as you mentioned it's refresh time, can have you looking around sometimes. I use a FieldKing bell, which has a little deeper tone, and carries further in the woods. I usually start to look at her distance when the bell is starting to fade, and she will be out to 140yards, which is too far IMO, so I'll start to reel her back in. Last year i switched from an o/u to a sxs. I bought a nice little Rizzini 20ga, which is a joy to carry in the thick. And for some reason, I've hit more birds with it (don't ask me why) it might be the English stock being faster to the shoulder.

[@SanderfootOutdoors]

What caliber shotgun do you use? I’m thinking about getting a 28 gauge over under, I hunt very similar cover to you in northern Wisconsin and upper Michigan

[@UplanderLifestyle]

I shoot a 20 gauge. Thanks for following along man, best of luck the rest of season! 👍🏻

[@SanderfootOutdoors]

@@UplanderLifestyle awesome, thanks man! Do you have any opinion on a 28? Not sure if it’s too small or what, I always thought a 16 would be good for sharp tails/pheasants too but I’m not a super experienced huntsman, just started bird hunting 3 years ago

[@uplandwild4136]

Enjoy your stuff, but the extended chokes look odd on SXS's. I have a couple of modern SXS's but went with flush mount chokes. It's funny because I always go with extended on O/U. I guess it's what you're used to. No bell, I prefer a beeper collar because they sound great on videos! Im kidding on the beeper, I get why people used to use them but not needed today. I enjoy the sounds of nature.

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Thanks for the comment and following along! Appreciate it 👍🏻 the extended chokes on a classic SXS, nah I’ll pass like you mentioned. But these are the factory chokes and I feel like they match the gun, so they don’t really bother me.

[@michaeltrumbell9629]

I noticed on the bird where you got the bird and the tree that your dog broke point as you approached for the flush. My young Britt (15 months) did this pretty consistently this season and sometimes cost us a good chance. Is this something you’re working on? How old is your pup!

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Aspen is 3. She’s not broke to a bird walking in front of her. That bird stood up and started walking off as I got close, which is why she broke. Pretty tough temptation when it’s 10 feet in front of the dogs face. I don’t have problem with it. A couple of my older dogs are broke to it, I’ll get there with her eventually.

[@michaeltrumbell9629]

Gotcha. My girl was overcome with excitement when I’d walk into a point this season. At 15 months it’s maybe common..? Curious what sort of steadiness training you were doing at that age?

Is this in the UP or Lower MI?

[@steveillingworth5120]

What time of year was this hunt?

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Mid October

[@steveillingworth5120]

Thanks!

[@hootervillehoneybees8664]

We run Llewellyn Setter never know where she's at without the bell . She's starts crawling on her belly I can tell by the sound of the bell .. we just did 5 days in the upper and little in the lower.. we tried it without the bell we had less opportunity . Hunted 5 days dog only missed one woodcock pointed 95% of the birds . Don't matter wind direction she works with it but the bell is key for us .. even hunting Michigan pheasant cover so thick it's over your head we need the bell .. like bee keeping people think if I was bird I'd hear that bell coming it has no effect on the birds . They know we're coming.. I've shut the door on the truck only to watch all the birds fly out the end of the field. Grouse was driving down the trail noticed one sitting in the wide open on log . Not spooked at all as bunch of guys coming over the hill not 50 yards away. They had a dog with a bell.. bird didn't even stand up till they were 20 yards away. Birds will just freeze let you walk by .. I had pet grouse at a bee yard for 7 years he come visit. I have videos posted of it . He seen a dog 200 yards away he fly off or someone he didn't know he spook out . Cat he just jumped up on log and freeze let the cat walk by . Other noises didn't bother him.

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Not sure if you are running a GPS or not, but the reason I got rid of the bell was because I have the GPS to still track the dog and know where its at, it makes the bell irrelevant in the equation now. It took some time to adapt with out it, but I like our odds better now without it. I agree, I don't think the bell is just causing birds to flush wild and be spooked. But in certain situations it is adding extra pressure to the bird, especially on bigger running dogs that are making large casts and it takes you more time to get to the dog on point. We've all got our ways, and there is no right or wrong answer. I really did enjoy hearing your style, thanks for the comment and best of luck the rest of season!

[@michelburgess4246]

I use a bell on my GSP because she runs big and I can tell if she is birdy. My GWP hunts closer and I don't need a bell.

[@UplanderLifestyle]

The bell is great for hearing when the dog is working something out in front of you. Thanks for the comment 👍🏻

[@knighthawk9498]

I run a bell on my springer spaniel mainly so other hunters know it's a dog and helps me keep track of him

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Good points! Thanks for the comment 👍🏻

[@jesscobb2279]

I'm not sure what my fellow Washingtonian is talking about. I just think they're jealous cuz they know our grouse populations have been decimated. I love your videos and I get envious from time to time 😅. I have never run a bell or GPS on dog's. I've always just followed along with them. Fantastic shooting BTW. I'm off to Africa for the next 2 weeks to see my wife. I'm looking forward to watching what I miss. God Bless

[@UplanderLifestyle]

I always appreciate the comments and support! Safe travels on your upcoming trip 👍🏻

[@garys1403]

I never “run” a bell. I just put them on my dogs collar. The dog does the running, I walk.

[@JM-vp1sg]

After watching this I’m amazed how these spots look just like the grouse spots in Rhode Island. What state is this? Same type of trees, shrubs, etc. I pulled out some old pictures to show my wife. Now RI is nothing but old growth, house developments and industrial nonsense. Grouse are extinct there and they will probably never return. Very sad. Great video though!

[@AliAhmadi-hq9pj]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@sg6295jackson]

I run with a bell and GPS. I find it's easier to hear the dog and know how far it is versus looking at the device or my watch in thick cover. Additionally, it's nicer for others in your party to have an idea where the dog is.

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Good points 👍🏻 thanks for the comment!

[@grob25]

I don't run a bell, because I don't have any dogs. So, there's that.......

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Thank makes a lot of sense!

[@jameskyle9648]

No bell. GPS with watch. Silence. Can’t stand the sound of bells in the quiet woods.

[@UplanderLifestyle]

I like your style, I’m right there with ya! 👍🏻 thanks for the comment, and good luck the rest of the season.

[@WASHINGTONSTATEDOGTRAINER]

LOOKS LIKE FUN , WHAT I CAN SEE !!!!!! BUT DOESNT MAKE FOR A GOOD VIDEO HUNT FOR US VIEWERS TO WATCH !!!! THAT type of hunting is not good video for youtubers ... See i've

[@UplanderLifestyle]

It's also hard to read comments when they're in all caps and weird punctuation. I'm gonna keep making them. Thanks.

[@sawyerplume3321]

I enjoy every video. Shows exactly what hunting grouse in Michigan is. Sometimes you see them and sometimes you don’t.

[@WASHINGTONSTATEDOGTRAINER]

OK YOUR A IDIOT !!!!!@@UplanderLifestyle

[@CCockrell]

Never stop making these videos! Your my favorite upland channel.

[@WASHINGTONSTATEDOGTRAINER]

@@CCockrell your a idiot

[@jimb8904]

Hello.... my. Dad. Never. Put. A. Bell. On. His. Dog... and. I. Didn.t. put. Bells. On. Two. Of. Mine. Because. I. Thought. Maybe.... it. Kept. Them. From. Hearing. As. Well... and. I. Like. To. Move. Silent. Through. The. Woods. At. Times... without. Even. The. Jingling... but. My. Last. Pointer. And. Last. Lab. Pups... I. Tried. Bells. And. It. Definitely... helps. Keep. Location. On. The. Dog...and. I. Knew. For. Sure. When. The. Pointer. Stopped.... this. Is. The. 2nd...video. on. Grouse. I.ve. seen. Someone....using. a. Sxs.. hunting. Grouse. With. A. Good. Pointer...this. video shows. The. advantage.. Of. A. Sxs. With. A. Hangfire...... and. STill. Getting. The.shot. off. With. A hit.....have. a. Day....

[@RustySprocket]

No bell OR beeper! So annoying! With gps, it is absolutely unnecessary, and I'd say uncouth. I'm not huge on loud dogs in the kennel or at the parking spot either. Old roosters will haul ass. In Minnesota last week, I put up significantly more birds bushwhacking than I did on the trails. First time hunting the northwoods. Was shocked to see all but pavement through the timber. Our roads out west aren't as nice as your trails. Didn't see a single other person out there. Insanely easy walking. Surprised no one else was enjoying it. Good dog work, and great vid as usual.

[@UplanderLifestyle]

Totally agree with everything you said, I appreciate the comment! Aspen definitely has a set of vocal cords to her, it’s honestly just her personality 😁 I try not to park right on the places I’m gonna hunt. Best of luck the rest of season 👍🏻