Dear Grouse Hunter:

Thank you for your interest in our Northwind Grouse Habitat Maps books. The objective of these books is to provide you, the grouse hunter, with a number of maps of a given geographic area in northern Wisconsin, northern Minnesota, Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Lower Michigan, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Pennsylvania that identify prime grouse habitat.

On the sample map  (please click to reveal),  the clear-cuts are too old for habitat but you can still get the general idea of the layout and readability. We have color coded the maps to better depict the topography and to give you a good idea of the area surrounding each clear-cut. We have tried to keep the maps informative and useful, yet as free of clutter as possible for ease of reading.

Utilizing state, federal, county forestry records (Ann is a professional forester), and other resources, we have built a database of all clear-cuts that range in age from 4 to 20 years of age (dependent on the region) that can be readily accessed, some of which have received little or no hunting pressure due to the location "off the beaten path."

We include "clear-cuts" on our maps based primarily on their age or when they were last logged. In our experience we have found that there is a strong correlation between the "site index" utilized in grading a stand, soil, harvesting practices, and other factors that in turn relate to the quality of the clear cut and to the potential for birds in the area.   Each Fall we survey many of the local hunters/guides to validate our data. For example, logging methods greatly impact on what the forest floor will look like when the stand is 10 years old; whether it will be thick with grass, raspberries, etc. Our books of maps will be re-evaluated every three-five years and updated/enhanced as warranted.

The books are priced based on the number of habitat acres that are identified within the given area along with the number of maps that are included within the book.  The number of maps per book varies dependent on the proximity of the clear cuts to each other. We have tired to include within each book of maps a range of 1000 – 4000 acres of prime habitat.  In addition, each of the identified habitats includes GPS coordinates and identification of nearest access routes. Where feasible we have noted roads, two-tracks, and trails dependent on the available information. The maps are printed on 90# card stock and are coil bound in an 8 ½" x 11" format with a vinyl front and back cover for durability. The coil binding enables you to fully open the book and display the entire page without losing any detail on the margins.

In the March/April 2005 edition of the Shooting Sportsman magazine (click to see a copy) our Northwind Grouse Habitat Maps were featured in their Field Test section.  We feel Gregg Elliott wrote a candid assessment.

The cost per book ranges from $40.00 - $85.00, plus shipping & handling.  For a complete list of books click on Listing of Maps here or on the link bar at the top of this page.  To visit our Online Maps Store click here or on the link bar to the left of this page.  We accept VISA, MasterCard, Discover Card, and American Express.  Our store is a VeriSign® secure site.

The materials we provide in our books have been assembled for hunters to use as a general guide to locate habitat that is generally known to be suitable for Ruffed Grouse. We do not guarantee that you will find or shoot a Ruffed Grouse. We do guarantee, however, that the age, size, and location of the grouse habitat is accurate at the time the material was researched.

Thank you again for your interest in our Northwind Grouse Habitat Maps – "Off the Beaten Path"

Sincerely,