Talk to me about game birds!

[mainbutter]

So I'm kind of on a "bird" kick right now after flushing quite a few while out deer hunting. I keep a pair of small game arrows in my quiver just in case I come across something tasty (or even less tasty, but with something to contribute to my small collection of self-harvested fly tying supplies) but I've never drawn at a bird before.. Mostly because I don't know anything about them! I can identify a pheasant, assuming there is only one species in MN. I can identify waterfowl from non waterfowl (let's hope any 5 year old could too?). I can certainly identify a turkey.

I hunt up in Pine County for the most part, strictly with archery. Anyone want to give me a rundown on game birds in this part of the state? What is worth pursuing between now and the end of hunting season with a small game license?

Looking forward to a fun discussion

[mainbutter]

P.S.

I'm looking at the DNR's website right now.

When the WMAs are listing wildlife, what are "forest birds"?

[lindy rig]

Ruffed Grouse

[Cheetah]

Mainbutter, I flush ruffed grouse at times while scouting for deer. Sometimes you can hear them move in the leaves and then you can try to spot them for a shot before they flush. Or you might catch one on a logging road. If they aren't too skittish they might try to walk away from you and you can slowly sneak after them to try to get a shot. I've come close a few times, one of these days I will get one, but they are sparse where I hunt and don't sit still for long...

You might also come across a woodcock if you hunt near wet areas.

The DNR site has photos of both.

[Tom7227]

If you do happen to see a pheasant remember you can't shoot it unless you have a pheasant stamp.

[jentz]

Pine county!! I lived there by Askov ,Turkeys,grouse and pheasants few but some ringnecks,Squirrels, greys and blacks,cottontails and snowshoes.Where you hunting? I use fluflu arrows with blunt points.A small game point, google them.They are a blunt point with 4 strong wires off the blunt.They work great with the fluflu arrow.With a small game lisence the grouse,squirrel,bunny and hare are open fare for you.The others need a seperate lisence.