About Holden
Where are you from?
I am from Minnestoa, specifically the Twin Cities
How long have you been hunting/guiding?
I have been hunting for 9 years and guiding for one.
What do you enjoy most about guiding at Pineridge?
Getting to share my passion for Ruffed Grouse, American Woodcock, and Bird Dogs.
Q&A
How did you get started hunting grouse?
I was running a NAVHDA Natural Ability test at Pineridge with my first dog Beau, who was originally supposed to “just be a pheasant dog”. I spoke with Jerry quite a bit about Grouse and Woodcock Hunting while we were up at PGC, and he convinced me to give it a try.
What keeps you coming back to the Northwoods each season?
The perpetually bemusing nature of the Ruffed Grouse, and the ability to watch the dance between canine predator and avian prey.
What makes a great grouse dog, in your opinion?
Intelligence, and more specifically, Guile.
Early season or late season, and why?
Late season…..less deer ticks.
What’s one mistake you see hunters make in grouse cover?
Grouse and Woodcock can and will run when being pressured by a pointing dog. When a dog is on point, hunters may be required to walk upwards of 30 yards in front of the dog in order to produce a flush.
Describe a perfect day at Pineridge
A nice northerly wind, bringing moderate fall temps in the 40s and 50s. Moderate cloud cover, with some good humidity and some moisture on the ground.
Favorite gun to carry in the grouse woods?
1980 Browning Citori Sporter in 20 gauge with an English stock. 26-inch barrels and fixed chokes of IC and Mod.
Coffee at dawn or bourbon by the fire?
Coffee at dawn with extra cream, just like how Jerry takes his. (Joking)
A hunt you’ll never forget?
A walk I took with my brother and some friends with my oldest dog Beau. We lost track of how many grouse he pointed, and each had our fair share of opportunities to fill our game bags with both Grouse and Woodcock. All in all, it lasted three hours, and that little dog gave us his all while showing us a hell of a time.
One piece of advice for someone new to grouse hunting
Do not be afraid to just follow a bird dog through the woods. (Make sure to throw lead.)
Best bird dog name you’ve heard?
“Damnit” Just think about it, “Damnit get over here”, “Damnit Sit”, “Damnit hunt dead”, and other great phrases.
What makes Pineridge different?
The atmosphere, authenticity, and hospitality that both Jerry and his family promote and maintain.