#339 | Hunting Ruffed Grouse and Woodcock North of the Border with Andrew & Mark

Birdshot Podcast

Nick Larson

Sports, Wilderness, Hobbies, Nature, Science, Leisure

4.6 • 936 Ratings

🗓️ 14 November 2025

⏱️ 83 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

In this episode, host Nick Larson is joined by Andrew Lowles and Mark Symes of Ruffed Grouse Society of Canada, as they discuss the state of grouse and woodcock hunting in Atlantic Canada. They cover their unique experiences managing land for upland birds, their passion for conservation, and what makes hunting in their regions special. From forest management practices to the challenges and rewards of bird hunting in the varied landscapes of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, Andrew and Mark share their wealth of knowledge, offer advice to hunters, and highlight the exciting potential for growth within the Ruffed Grouse Society of Canada. Expect to Learn: The diverse forest types in Eastern Canada and how they contribute to grouse and woodcock habitats. The role of the Ruffed Grouse Society Canada in promoting habitat management and conservation in the region. How hunters can use modern tools like OnX to plan their hunts on Crown land and private property. The unique challenges and opportunities of hunting in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, including woodcock flight patterns and grouse cycles. Insight into how the Ruffed Grouse Society Canada is growing and how members can get involved in local conservation efforts. Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:00] - Podcast Introduction and Welcoming Andrew and Mark from [03:40] - Andrew’s Background and Journey into Grouse Hunting [07:53] - Mark’s Path from Moose Hunting to the Uplands [09:24] - Managing Forest Lands for Upland Birds in Atlantic Canada [11:30] - Public Land and Crown Land Access in Nova Scotia [14:40] - Old Farmsteads, Wild Apples, and Hidden Grouse Habitat [19:43] - Defining Good Grouse Cover and Forest Types in New Brunswick [25:15] - Private Land Regulations and Trespass Law Differences [33:01] - Regional Differences in Habitat Across Canada [35:46] - Softwoods, Christmas Trees, and Grouse Habitat Impacts [37:00] - The Mission and Growth of Ruffed Grouse Society Canada [43:03] - Habitat Projects and Access Initiatives [52:53] - Exploring New Covers and Hunter Observations [57:08] - Training Dogs and Transitioning to Pointing Breeds [01:05:00] - Hunting as a US Visitor and Guide Requirements [01:10:35] - Promoting Awareness and Conservation Opportunities [01:17:14] - Closing Remarks and Episode Wrap-Up Follow the Host Nick: Instagram: @birdshot.podcast Website: www.birdshotpodcast.com Listening Links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/17EVUDJPwR2iJggzhLYil7 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/birdshot-podcast/id1288308609 YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@birdshot.podcast SUPPORT | http://www.patreon.com/birdshot Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% on https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app Use Promo Code | BS10 to save 10% on https://trulockchokes.com/ The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: https://www.onxmaps.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	One of my favorite things about hunting sharp-tailed grouse is hunting the topography. And one of the best ways I have found to do that more effectively and efficiently is with Onyx Hunt's 3D map view. The next time you're scouting from your living room, the roadside, or when you're in the field hunting it, fire up the Onyx Hunt app and turn on the 3D map view to get an up close and in detail look at the topography of any piece of property.
0:22.6	Whether it's a gentle, rolling piece of terrain or a truly elevated and mountainous landscape,
0:26.6	you can use the exaggeration slider to fine-tune your view and highlight the topographical features you're looking for.
0:33.6	From benches to bowls to draws and drainage, get a clear picture and develop a strategy for you and your bird dog
0:39.1	To work the terrain and hunt the topography with Onex Hunt.
0:42.5	Use the promo code BSP20 to save 20% on your next subscription.
0:47.3	Download the Hunt app today and know where you stand with OnX Hunt.
0:52.7	Today is my pleasure to be joined by Andrew and Mark from Rough Grouse Society,
0:57.7	Canada. Talk to me a little bit about what that landscape is, how much public land is there and
1:02.6	what opportunities exist, Andrew. In Nova Scotia, we're pretty open access, actually. So if it's
1:08.5	forested land, then you've got 400 yards from a building, you can walk
1:12.3	onto it, basically. I would say we are a hidden gem of rough grouse in the east here. What does it
1:18.1	look like from a bird numbers perspective, just grouse in general? What are we looking at?
1:22.8	I think we've got some pretty good grouse numbers this year. It's very easy to get 50 to 75 woodcock flushes
1:29.5	in a day and you can easily see between 15 to 30 grouse flushes in a day. What do you know about
1:35.9	if somebody from the U.S. wants to come hunting there? Any other hoops to jump through, things that
1:40.2	you're aware of on how a person from the U.S. would line up a hunt in Canada? The challenge there is... Come here, I mean.
2:13.6	Good girl, sweetie. That's a big bird. That's a big dirt.
2:15.6	Wow. Hey everyone. Nick Larson here, host of the Birdshot podcast, the show that brings you conversations, stories, and traditions from all across the uplands.
2:29.3	The Birdshot podcast is presented by Onyx Hunt and supported by folks just like you via our Patreon community.
2:35.5	If you want to stay up to date and not miss any of our upcoming episodes, be sure to
2:38.8	subscribe and follow the show in your podcast player or on YouTube wherever you're listening
	...

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