I've been trying to hook up with Steve Foss (stfcatfish) for some time now, and last week it finally worked out. I met up with Steve in Ely, and Steve led me into the beautiful woods of NE MN in search of ruffed and spruce grouse. After the 3 hour hike, I was a bit later than I would have liked to have been, but with Steve's infinite knowledge of the Ely woods we still found plenty of ruffies. We also saw some beautiful deer, wolf scat and tracks, boreal chickadees, as well as numerous other creatures native to the area. We struck out on spruce hens, but we found plenty of scat and tracks. The amount of ruffed grouse spotted, and some of the scenes they provided more than made up for the lack of sprucies!

Steve's photography speaks for itself, and I can't wait to see some of the beautiful pics he took, but his guiding is equally as impressive. A great guy, and a ton of fun to hang out with. For anyone looking for a knowledge-filled trip, and the chance at some rare wildlife shots, get in touch with Steve, and I assure you that you will not be disappointed!

Here are the grouse I ended up taking on the day...



Thanks again Steve!

Matt, thanks yourself. It was a great day in the woods in excellent company. I'll get the pics up soon.

Nice Birdys...

So are you saying you had to hike in 3 miles before you got to the spot, or you hiked 3 miles to meet up with stfkitty...he's really getting to be a slave driver...

It was a three-hour drive for Matt to get to Ely. If I was a slave driver, I probably would have asked him to hike the whole way instead of drive.

Sounds to me you guy's had a great time. Steve you sound like a great Bird dog he always finds them birds. I have got none of those birds but it is nice to see the photo's and some one eating a good grouse meal. So steve if you have any birds to part with I will give all my trout to you for 2 birds at the Bash. I now you can get your own fish but I will not go bird hunting this year. I am ready to ICE fish, Well great job steve and have a great day.

Sorry, Tom, but I was acting as a guide and not hunting at all, so I have no birds.

Here are some pics. I didn't do much photography that day either, but got off a few nice bursts.

"Steve Foss, Grouse Guide" comes threw again.

What did Tracy keep saying? Something about being good luck?

I hope to get in one or two grouse trips yet this year, mabe a little early ice before Lakers get going as well.

Well done guys! A day in the grouse woods is better than a day at work.

Great photo's steve way to go MR. Grouse Guide I really like the photo of the grouse on the ground. That is too cool nice work.

Great pics Steve! They turned out great!

That bird on the ground sure let us get close before flushing. Even after flushing, she wasn't the smartest bird on the block... straight down the road!

Steve walked me a bit, but not quite enough to break a sweat!

Tom, if you want some grouse, I'll post something when I come up this winter for some trout. Maybe I'll bring you a bag of white meat...

Thanks Matt, I never keep trout for my self I give them all away. So it sounds like a deal I do not want to miss out on this one. Well thanks for the heads up just let me now and we will go fishing for some trout, Well have a great day.