adventures in the uplands
So went on a bit of an adventure yesterday. Falls in the air with an early drop in temp so went in search of grouse a little further than I normally drive. Destination was a provincial park second only in size to Algonquin. When I got there was extremely disappointed in our public access system. Got there to find the park is essentially locked down by a ring of private landowners that have posted their properties. Essentially the only access is by helicopter, boat in where the public road crosses river or lake, or the 1 trail access point jammed with people. Let the dogs out for a pee break and headed back home.[COLOR=#353C41][COLOR=#353C41] On the up side did stop at my primary spots to at least let the dogs run as it doesn't open till next week. Was very impressed and excited for the up coming season as looks like another round of selective harvest of pine has occurred. Lots of new raspberry and shurbery is coming up and although walking will be a pain as all the limbs have been left in place the cover has been refreshed. Trail was marked by fresh moose and bear tracks so looks like the area has been relatively undisturbed. Dogs put up a woodcock and a family of grouse. The woodcock would of been an easy shot but the grouse I think would of left unscathed and me embarrassed. Dogs pointed well enough and the first one came up with a riseing crossing shot against the rows of pine timber. These shots usually leave me with and empty gun and no bird. than in succession had 4 grouse take flight all straight away shots following the open row. May have to rethink my strategy next Friday pass on the first flush and wait on the follow up
