About Kevin
Where are you from?
I was born in Northern Illinois. Over the last serval years I have lived in Wisconsin, Iowa, Montana, and now Longville, MN.
How long have you been hunting/guiding?
I’ve been Hunting for 10 years, and guiding for 6.
What do you enjoy most about guiding at Pineridge?
The people, and everything that comes with that. The Havel’s are one of a kind, genuine people, and the folks surrounding them here at camp are nothing short of that themselves.
Q&A
How did you get started hunting grouse?
A neighbor of mine was a grouse enthusiast and ran english setters. He took me out hunting in the Wisconsin north woods with him and his female setter, fancy, and I was hooked.
What keeps you coming back to the Northwoods each season?
The birds, the covers, the challenge that comes with both of those things.
What makes a great grouse dog in your opinion?
Time in the woods, and the ability to learn and adapt. A great grouse dog has bumped birds, and made countless mistakes, but learned something each time.
Early season or late season—and why?
Late season. The dogs need to work more, and I like cold weather without ticks.
What’s one mistake you see hunters make in grouse cover?
Taking too much time to get to a dog on point. Your gun will get scratched, your eye protection will be tested, but getting up and in front of the dog as quickly and quietly as possible will make a difference in seeing the grouse and a potential shot opportunity vs just hearing it. Also, the logging roads are nice and easy walking, but you’ll find a lot more grouse in the woods.
Describe a perfect day at Pineridge.
Waking up to 40 something degrees, let the dogs stretch their legs, grab a coffee, and off to a favorite cover. Never a bad day in the grouse woods!
Favorite gun to carry in the grouse woods?
My Upland Gun Company 28 gauge Zeus, 30 inch barrels.
Coffee at dawn or bourbon by the fire?
Coffee, can’t live without it.
A hunt you’ll never forget?
Theres a long list, but my most memorable is with my dad, and my 3 brothers. They were all able to shoot a few grouse on a weekend trip over one of my Setters, Leo, 4 years ago. On the first day of the trip, my dad managed to shoot a double over Leo, which was a very special moment for me, and him as well.
One piece of advice for someone new to grouse hunting?
Spend time in the woods with someone whos been doing it a while. Knowing what type of covers hold grouse will save you a lot of boot leather. And on that note, a good pair of boots go a long way. Wet socks make for a miserable day.
Best bird dog name you’ve heard?
I’ve heard a lot of great bird dog names. I’m biased towards my own crew, so Leo.
What makes Pineridge different?
Again I have to say the people. Everyone shares a passion for the dogs, the woods, and the birds. It makes for a one of a kind atmosphere and something I would encourage anyone considering it, to come experience it for themselves.