Guided grouse and woodcock hunting in classic Adirondack terrain
Adirondack Upland Game Hunting in New York
If you’re looking for authentic Adirondack upland game hunting, this is where it happens. The Adirondack Mountains of northern New York offer some of the best habitat in the Northeast for ruffed grouse and migratory woodcock. These are true walk-up hunts in wild country—no shortcuts, no preserves, just real birds in real cover.
Our guided upland game hunts are built around experience, timing, and covering ground the right way. We focus on productive habitat, seasonal movement, and adapting to conditions to give you the best opportunity at grouse and woodcock throughout the New York season.
Guided Upland Hunts
We offer fully guided upland game hunting trips throughout the Adirondacks, targeting both ruffed grouse and woodcock. Each hunt is tailored to conditions, with a focus on active cover and bird movement.
- Half-day and full-day options
- Dog work throughout the hunt
- Multi-day hunts available
- Professional guiding and local knowledge
Expect to move through a variety of terrain, including edges, cuts, and dense young forest where upland birds hold and flush quickly.
Half-Day Hunt
Trip Length: 4 hours. Two hunters per guide.
TA focused hunt targeting high-probability cover for grouse and woodcock. Ideal for shorter trips or first-time upland hunters.
Full-Day Hunt
Trip Length: 8 hours. 2 Hunters per guide.
Our most popular option. Cover multiple areas and adapt to changing conditions throughout the day.
Upland Game Package
Trip Length: 3 days, 3 nights – 2 anglers max per guide.
The best way to experience Adirondack upland hunting. Changing weather and conditions often create better opportunities over multiple days.
Hunting Day Rates
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included?
Your guided upland hunt includes an experienced NYS licensed guide, professionally trained pointing dogs, and access to carefully selected grouse and woodcock cover throughout the Adirondacks. Your guide will handle the dogs, help identify productive habitat, and provide instruction on safely and effectively hunting birds in thick cover.
Hunters provide their own shotgun, ammunition, hunting license, clothing, and personal gear.
Where do we meet our guide?
Your guide will contact you prior to your trip to confirm the meeting location and start time. Because grouse and woodcock conditions can change throughout the season, meeting locations may vary depending on where we expect to find the best hunting.Plan to meet your guide in the Whiteface/Wilmington area unless otherwise arranged
What to bring
Come prepared for an active day walking through true Adirondack grouse cover. We strongly recommend waterproof, supportive hunting boots, briar-resistant pants or chaps, layers appropriate for the weather, rain gear, and blaze orange.
Bring your shotgun, appropriate upland ammunition, eye and ear protection, valid NYS hunting license, water, snacks, and any personal medications or necessities.Weather can change quickly in the Adirondacks, so dress accordingly
What Species will we target?
Our primary target is wild ruffed grouse, the king of the uplands. During the open season and when birds are present, we may also target migratory American woodcock.
These are completely wild birds hunted in their natural Adirondack habitat. Success and bird contacts vary with weather, migration, habitat conditions, and the birds themselves – that unpredictability is part of what makes upland hunting special.
How do we pay?
A deposit is required to reserve your hunt, with the remaining balance due according to the terms provided at booking. We accept major credit cards and other payment methods available through our online booking system.
Note: Match this section to your exact deposit and cancellation policy before publishing.
Should we tip our guide?
Gratuities are never required, but they are customary and greatly appreciated when you feel your guide provided an exceptional experience.
For guided upland hunts, 15-20% of the trip price is a common guideline. Cash is always appreciated and can be given directly to your guide at the end of the hunt.
Where do I buy hunting license?
All hunters must carry a valid New York State hunting license and meet New York’s hunter-education requirements.
Licenses can be purchased through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s licensing system or from participating license-issuing agents. We recommend purchasing your license before the day of your hunt.
Can I bring my own bird dog?
Absolutely. Hunters with their own pointing or flushing dogs are welcome. Please let us know when booking so we can discuss your dog’s experience and determine the best plan for your hunt. Hunters who don’t bring a dog will hunt over our experienced pointing dogs
Do I need upland game hunting experience?
No. Our hunts are appropriate for both experienced upland hunters and newcomers. Your guide can provide instruction on hunting over pointing dogs, positioning for a flush, safe shooting in thick cover, identifying birds, and moving effectively through grouse habitat. Safe firearm handling is required at all times.
Ice Fishing For Lake Trout
I love Ice Fishing. The solitude and wide-open spaces that a frozen Adirondack lake provides is something I look forward to all year long. During the winter months there can be many different lakes and ponds to choose from, and when I have a day off from guiding we are definitely going Lake Trout fishing. There is something about jigging for lake trout that never gets old. Connecting the dots to get a nice laker through the ice can drive an angler mad. They are aggressive, strong and grow to massive sizes. They can be found all over the water column, and even when you find them, they don’t always want to commit.
Where to find them?
With any style of fishing your success relies upon knowing where and when your target species is feeding. Therefore you must find the forage base that lake trout are after. In our area we have a lot of lakes with decent Smelt populations, who like to cruise in open water in the middle of the water column. The help of a fish finder is crucial to know where the fish are, where your baits are, and how the lake trout are responding to your presentation. Drill a handful of holes around steep depth changes and hop around until you start marking fish on your fish finder. Repeat the process until you find consistent marks on your screen.
Tackle for Ice Fishing for Lake Trout
To begin I will rig some 32’’-36’’ medium heavy rods with 10lb test. Then we tie on 3.5’’ tube jigs in pearl white or chartreuse with 1/4 ounce – 3/8 ounce jig heads. Finish it off by tipping the hook with a chunk of live bait and you’re ready to go. Ill also have a variety of vertical jigging spoons and rattling rapalas to draw the fish in as another option. Lake Trout are notorious for following lures so when you see a fish approach you want to start your retrieve up the water column to draw the fish toward your bait.
Once on fish, whether you have hooked up or you see them streaking on your electronics, trends will develop what triggers strikes. The only way to hook up is to get out there and do it! Lake trout jigging can be a light carry, easy run and gun when you have just a few hours to fish or want to sample a new water. There are literally millions of Lake Trout spread throughout The Adirondacks. in addition to all the stocking listings on the www.ny.dec.gov, many waters also have native populations. Wherever you are in the park, you’re not very far from several Lake Trout jigging opportunities. Hire an Adirondack Ice Fishing Guide and allow us to show you where and how to start.
Great Family Experience
Explore the Beautiful Frozen Desert of the Adirondacks!
