Hey Uplander's, hope all is well. Although warm for the time of year usually, I got the itch Monday since I was off and decided to do the drive up north. Woke up early and noticed it was raining, for once I was praying the weathernetwork was right in forecast as it called for 30% POP up there. Had to past Orilla to clear the rain, got to my spot (no rain :D) for 7am...all 4 grouse were dashers, and not your typical dashers...full on sprint then into hide mode. With the cover being so thick it proved very difficult busting them, chased one into the bush in the hopes it would flush no luck and lost in the cover. After 3 hours of walking called it quits, managed to get one driving as it flushed from the side of the road onto a cedar branch. So upon gutting I noticed a few parasitic worms squirming around inside its stomach and decided to discard the grouse, took a quick blood smaple for the West Nile Virus study and left...to be honest I never really noticed this before, guess I'll have to pay better attention....anyone ever noticed this on grouse?
Thx
ps. about 60%-70% foliage still on the trees with about 3/4 of the trees coloured…leaves are dropping, another heavy/windy rain should have the bulk down. Dress light as even the slowest of walking will cause sweating until the temps drop
Good luck & be safe!
