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.
A 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 Hunters 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.
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.
Experienced Adirondack Grouse Hunting Guides
Our guides spend their lives outdoors in the Adirondacks. We aren’t a national booking service or a seasonal operation that shows up for a few weeks each fall. We’ve been a year-round Adirondack outfitter since 1991, guiding people throughout the mountains, forests, rivers and lakes of northern New York.
Grouse season is one of our favorite times of year. As summer gives way to fall, our focus shifts from the rivers to the woods and Adirondack ruffed grouse and woodcock hunting. We hunt wild birds in wild country, working pointing dogs through the young forests, cuts, edges and thick cover that make the Adirondacks such classic upland habitat.
A Year-Round Adirondack Outfitter
Our connection to the Adirondacks extends well beyond hunting season. We own and operate a fly shop in Wilmington, New York and guide Adirondack fly fishing trips from May through October. When winter arrives, our guides transition to Adirondack ice fishing from December through March.
Working outdoors throughout the year gives our guide team an intimate understanding of this region. We spend hundreds of days each year in the Adirondacks and watch the landscape change from spring trout season through summer, fall bird season and winter.
Passionate About Adirondack Upland Hunting
For us, a guided grouse hunt isn’t simply about putting birds in the bag. We love the entire experience—the dogs working cover, walking good habitat, an unexpected flush and spending an October day deep in the Adirondack woods.
Our guided Adirondack grouse and woodcock hunts are appropriate for experienced upland hunters as well as people hunting grouse for the first time. We provide experienced guides, trained pointing dogs and local knowledge while tailoring each day to the hunters, weather, bird movement and current conditions.
If you’re looking for an authentic guided grouse hunt in New York, come hunt the Adirondacks with a guide team that calls this region home.
Upland Hunt the Adirondacks
