Michigan is one of the premier states to find a dog that will hunt in cover. A good Michigan cover dog will not hesitate to hunt in thick brush or cut over areas with a lot of timber piles. Cover dogs in Michigan thrive on this type of cover because they know this is where they may find woodcock and grouse. Exploring aspen thickets, edges of swamps and thick ground cover is paramount to success. At times you will also find woodcock and grouse in less dense forestry, so if one area is not breeding success, explore all options.

At one time pheasant hunting was very popular, but with the decline in the Michigan pheasant population, it has now become one of the least hunted wild birds in the state. Woodcock and Ruffed Grouse can  be hunted in most Michigan counties if the right cover is found. The best Woodcock and Ruffed Grouse hunting is done in northern lower Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, although, there are a vast number of grouse and woodcock in the southern lower peninsula if you hunt the right cover. Having a cover dog with a good nose is extremely helpful. It is one of the most fun outdoor activities during the fall. 

Most hunters use pointing dogs for Woodcock and Grouse, but their are some that use flushing spaniels and labs. Some of the most common pointing dogs used are English Pointers, English Setters, German Shorthaired Pointers and Brittany’s. There is an event every year called the Michigan  Cover Dog Championship. It is the premier Michigan Field Trial for Woodcock and Ruffed Grouse. For more info go here. 

If your are seeking a dog that is good in the cover, it may help to find a breeder who has a line of dogs that hunt regularly in the grouse woods. Dogs that are cover dogs traditionally stay in closer than those of field trial lineage. When inquiring about pups from breeders ask specific questions on whether there dogs are bred to be foot soldiers or wide running field trial specimens. Although you can work with pups and reign them in accordingly, it helps to have a dog who is a little more tuned to your needs from the start. Some hunters have pictures of their dogs out hunting and this always helps to make a case if you see the dogs in action. Pictures can help convince you that you are on the same page. 

Buy and Sell Hunting Dogs has both cover dogs and hunting dog supplies to cover all your hunting needs.