McFadden said there's been a slight decline in woodcock numbers every year. Even in areas where there is good woodcock habitat, McFadden said he's noticed a decrease in singing on his routes this year. A wet, cold spring is about the only thing that could hurt grouse numbers and expectations this fall. For more information on upland opportunities in the western U.P., contact the Crystal Falls field office at (906) 875-6622.

"We have a lot of swampy, lowlands that are not the best for grouse in the eastern U.P.," explained wildlife biologist Sherry MacKinnon. Where you find suitable habitat though, you will find grouse. MacKinnon said eastern Chippewa, western Mackinaw and parts of Schoolcraft counties have good numbers of birds. MacKinnon said that hunters she spoke to harvested more grouse and woodcock last season. She said that the 3,000-acre Stickler unit is managed for grouse, and she heard that grouse numbers were up considerably there last season. The prime grouse habitat that has been created there improves grouse numbers on surrounding public lands too. Most hunters reported seeing and harvesting more birds last fall in the eastern U.P. Drummond Island has always been a great grouse and woodcock destination for upland hunters.

One bright spot for eastern U.P. hunters was woodcock. "Woodcock numbers have been pretty steady," claimed MacKinnon. "Our numbers have not been down like other parts of the state." For more information on upland opportunities in the eastern U.P., contact the Eastern U.P. Management Unit at (906) 293-5131.

Much of the hunting effort for grouse and woodcock in Michigan takes place in the northern Lower Peninsula. The abundance of public lands and the proximity to downstate sportsmen makes it a favorite of hunters.

"The top of the cycle is not like the old days," cautioned Baldwin field office wildlife biologist Larry Smith. "Every peak is a little lower and a little lower." Smith said that part of the problem is deterioration in the quality of habitat. "A lot of the aspen on state lands is maturing. The oldest stuff is 30 years old. You just don't get the regeneration when you cut when you let it get that old, and having young second-growth aspen is critical, especially for woodcock." Smith said that the prospects for woodcock are "really bleak." Woodcock numbers were comparable to last spring, but still low.

Smith said that his own flush rates for grouse were up last year, but drumming counts were down this spring. He said turkey hunters and field personnel are seeing good numbers of grouse, but drumming counts don't seem to reflect those numbers. Prime habitat on state and federal lands should have better grouse numbers this fall. Look for good hunting in Gladwin, Grand Traverse, Missaukee, Newaygo, Lake and Roscommon counties.

It's rare when the stars align, the grouse cycle is near its peak and there is some good news on the horizon for pheasants. It might be a sign of the best seasons in years for Michigan's upland hunters.