The Art of Grouse Hunting: A Wisconsin Tradition
Article by Guest Contributor: VENKU.com
Tucked into the dense forests and picturesque landscape of Northwest Wisconsin, Amaazen Outdoors isn’t just another upland outfitter – it’s a passion project rooted in bird dogs, public land, and the kind of hunting experience that sticks with you for life. At the heart of it all is Brian Vander Maazen, better known as “Maze”, a guide whose soul lights up when his dogs lock on point and the grouse start flushing.
We’ve been proud to work with Maze, and every season we hear the same thing from his guests: “That wasn’t just a hunt. That was an experience.”
Where Pointing Dogs and Tradition Lead the Way
With over a decade in the guiding world, Brian’s path has been shaped by everything from turkey hunts to fly fishing. But it was the arrival of his first German Shorthaired Pointer, Miss Rebel, that truly changed his course. One perfectly held point in the woods and Maze was hooked for good.
Today, his operation, Amaazen Outdoors, specializes in ruffed grouse and woodcock hunts over pointing dogs, covering 50 top-tier locations across northwest Wisconsin. The woods are thick, the cover is challenging, and the birds flush fast – just the way Brian likes it.
You’ll be hunting behind seasoned, athletic dogs trained to cover ground with intensity and style. “Running bird dogs isn’t just part of the hunt,” Maze says, “It is the hunt.” His second dog, Miss Luna, adds even more grace and grit to the team. Watching them work is a performance.
Shotguns, Snap Shooting, and Swinging Through Cover
Brian’s personal shotgun of choice is a 28-gauge side-by-side, and it’s no accident. “Grouse hunting requires an element of ‘snap shooting,’” he explains. “The birds are fast and the cover is thick. A side-by-side gives me the best sight picture and a wider field of view to make those quick shots count.”
He recommends clients bring a lightweight, easy-swinging shotgun, ideally a double-barrel in 20 gauge with open chokes like cylinder or skeet. For shotshells, #6s tend to strike the right balance of power and pattern density.
Gear That Works as Hard as You Do
Maze is out in the woods for long stretches, often guiding every day in October, so his go-to gear has to perform. His must-haves?
● Hunt Redi upland vest – “Built well, super comfortable, and hauls all the gear and water I need.”
● Garmin Track and Train collars – “I want to know where my dogs are and that they’re safe.”
● Kenetrek boots – “I put them through hell last season and they’re still going strong.”
It’s About the Flushes, Not the Bag
At Amaazen Outdoors, success isn’t measured by how many birds you bag. It’s about the number of flushes, the dog work, and the memories made in the woods.
“Grouse hunting is humbling,” Maze says. “You’ll miss. Everyone does. But when you’re out there, standing under golden tamaracks, hearing that sudden flush, and watching a dog do what it was born to do – that’s what makes the day.”
Brian takes his role as a guide seriously. “We know our clients are spending their hard-earned money and vacation time to be here,” he says. “We never forget that. Our job is to make sure they leave with stories, not regrets.”
Public Lands, A Hunter’s Legacy
Maze is also a vocal advocate for public land access and conservation. He supports groups like the Ruffed Grouse Society, American Woodcock Society, and Pheasants Forever, making sure these lands – and the traditions they support – are protected for future generations.
Whether you’re a seasoned bird hunter or taking your first walk behind a pointing dog, Maze will tailor the hunt to fit your experience and goals. And if you’ve got your own dog, he welcomes that too. Brian’s guarantee to all hunters? “We will see some beautiful places, some good dog work, some shooting, but most of all, we are going to have a memorable time chasing the king of gamebirds in the Northwoods.”
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