Where are you from?
Born and raised in MN. I currently reside in Bayport, Minnesota, a small town in the St. Croix River Valley.
How long have you been hunting/guiding?
I’ve been hunting my entire life. My first exposure to hunting was on ruffed grouse in northern Minnesota with my uncle Steve and his dogs, Inga and Lucy. While that was over 30 years ago, the memories are vivid.
What do you enjoy most about guiding at Pineridge? The thing that keeps me coming back to Pineridge is the people. Moments like sharing a walk in the cover behind a great dog, a hunter harvesting their first ruffed grouse, telling tales over a glass of bourbon next to the fire at the end of the night, build real connections and some lasting relationships. Pineridge is full of great people.
How did you get started hunting grouse?
This started in my early years, dragging my boots along behind my uncle. In my high school days, it was fitting as many guys as we could, and my friends Dodge Omni to make the drive to North Central Minnesota, where we would try our luck at walking around without a dog.
What keeps you coming back to the Northwoods each season?
For me, it’s about tradition and the challenge of pursuing native birds in wild places. I’m fortunate to be able chase a wide variety of birds across the country in all types of habitat. Don’t get me wrong, I love the prairie, but there’s something very special about Ruffed Grouse, the American Woodcock, and the covers that we search for them.
What makes a great grouse dog in your opinion?
Strong German lineage ☺ I think a dog that brings balance between a natural spirit to quest for game in cooperation to do it as a team with the handler and their party. It starts with genetics and exposure before formal training, cementing the teamwork.
Early season or late season, and why?
Both. Early season is exciting, a chance to finally get back into the woods, checking known covers, and exploring new ones. In late season, the woods transform, patterns change, and we must adapt. I enjoy that part of the pursuit.
What’s one mistake you see hunters make in grouse cover?
Not being decisive and not moving with purpose. Your first few times in the grouse woods can be disorienting, especially if you’re accustomed to tall pines or open prairies. Grouse and woodcock are very adept at putting cover between them and the gun quickly. When a dog is on point, keep top of safety in mind, but move with purpose to produce the bird.
Describe a perfect day at Pineridge?
Great people gathering for a hot coffee and breakfast in the morning. Heading out into the woods for an adventure, as there is sure to be one. Resting the legs at the tailgate for lunch in the field. A final walk or two to wrap up the day’s hunt before heading back to camp. A great meal back at camp and a bourbon by the fire.
Favorite gun to carry in the grouse woods?
A nice-looking 28-gauge that fits like a glove.
Coffee at dawn or bourbon by the fire?
I don’t go a morning with a coffee, but bourbon by the fire is the correct answer.
One piece of advice for someone new to grouse hunting?
There’s a moment in every new grouse hunter’s day when they start considering their life choices. That’s part of the process. Stick with it, it is worth it.
Best bird dog name you’ve heard?
Rookie. The name I chose for my first bird dog. A nod to my lack of experience training bird dogs at that point in my life. Sure seems like a long time ago.
What makes Pineridge different?
The experience at Pineridge feels like you’re at camp with old friends or close relatives. An onlooker would have no idea that the group of hunters gathered around the fire, enjoying cigars, sipping bourbon, and telling stories, did not know each other two days before.