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Sept 25th can't come fast enough. As in the past starting my thread to keep my hunts together and for those who want to tag along vicariously. Will be getting the dogs (and myself ready) for the hunt.
Something new this year added a double 28g as woodcock, setters and doubles seem to go hand in hand.
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Just got my wing envelope pack today, talk about waiting till the last minute. Put in a call for more envelopes as they just sent me 5.
Hey maybe we can get out for a hunt. My munster is a real boot licker and needs to find her legs
So figure the bush would be a mess with the wetter then normal summer so a walk around Hullet seemed a decent option. Didn't expect a full day outing as warm temps and less than fit dogs and hunter had me thinking a few hours should be more than enough. Good too see quite a few guys (and one gal) out and about. Never made it to the lots on conservation road as at the worst of time those lots tend to be the busiest. Most lots already had 2-3 cars parked so when I got to the bathroom lot and found just one vehicle figure good enough for my needs. Nova worked the perimeter and after Stella the fence rows but to no avail.
If I were to head out tomorrow pack lots of water for the dogs as its drier than I would expect. Pack the bug spray as the mosquitoes are thick. Went through 2 changes of hunting clothes as was drenched in sweat. Finally don't shoot the pheasants on the road!:scream:
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Its kind of disgust me one has to be asked not to do it but seems to be enough of a problem MNR were out doing a sting.
I miss upland hunting, been while since I cooked up a ring neck, keep up the posts!
Trying to hold off going to my go to spots so figured good day to do a bit of sight seeing. Down loaded a few forest maps and went off too seek some new locations. Stopped at the first spot and didn't have to go any further. As soon as Nova hit the ground was already on point. Some how missed the shot but caught the recovery on vid. Dogs each ran for an hour and by than I was popped. Got hot real quick and the bush was dry. Going to add this spot to the rotation especially if we get a bit of rain. Forest is thick and green so hitting birds is going to be real tough until we get a bit of frost. Really enjoying the 28g think I made a good decision switching.
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It's insanely dry. Got the pup into a couple woodcock last weekend close to water (no gun though). Yesterday we went to one of my spots that usually holds grouse and a ton of woodcock because it's so wet and it was unbelievably dry. I could've worn running shoes. Not a single bird to be found. Really hope we get some substantial rain soon.
So is it really Oct 1? Got to the bush in a light fog and by the end of the hunt it was 22'c and only going to get hotter for this week. Wasn't really excited to head out today but figure If I hit my wettest spot and plan my route carefully could puddle jump the bush before both man and beast burn out. In the end glad we made it out as was a good day managed 6 grouse contacts and 9 woodcock finds. Nova had a good run however it was the Stella show today with 3 clean grouse points. When this heat breaks and if we get a bit of rain it should be awesome next week.
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I saw your rig parked on my way by this morning. Glad you had success! Maybe I'll find time to get out one of these days.
FFF has a refined eye for woodcock cover. He looks for and finds them in places that I would likely overlook.
With the rain all night figured it would be a wet go so opted for a gentlemans hunt today. Picked a spot that had plenty of access roads, atv, and motocross trails. Gave the dogs a free run to covered the bush as I walk the paths. Had only 5-6 finds none of which gave a clean shot as the birds were under head high pines. Packed it in at 1:30 when a cloud burst dropped another round of rain. Leaves are starting to fall but the birds aren't on the move yet. Did manage a grouse recovery off 27 just at the Innisfil border road kill is better than nothing LOL
You give me to much credit. I just put the dogs down and they do all the work.Quote:
Originally Posted by ninepointer
The cool thing about woodcock is they can be anywhere. Sneaky little buggers.
Gave up hunting Saturdays as it was always a challenge finding a quite spot to do my thing. Had a rare Saturday off so with it being the least rainy day figured go out and at least see who else is out and about with their dog. Surprised to see no one out. Where did everyone go? Has our sport been reduced to popping a couple of release birds and call it hunting? Its bitter sweet for me as I had the whole bush to myself but sadden to think my be the last of my kind.
Well for the report. Finally starting to feel like fall. Dark skies on the drive up opened up to bright sun for the start of the hunt. Was finding a bird here and there and had me thinking not much movement was going on till I found a point that held a cluster of 6-8 that made for a few minutes of mayhem. When the smoke cleared two were in the bag. Think next week should be go time as temps have fallen, rain has come, and the leaves are falling. Just hope they stick around for an extended time.
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Nice work!
As for the lack of people running dogs, I've spent a lot of time in the bush over the last decade in different townships and can count on one hand how many I've encountered. The most common I see are road (trail) hunters on ATVs.
keep it up FFF. I enjoy reading your posts. I agree we upland hunters are a dying breed. I can not convince my friends to chase birds in the bush. I will admit to chasing waterfowl more these days then upland. I do still plan on chasing grouse and woodcock this season but need to dial down my expectations as cover and land to hunt them seems to be disappearing faster then I can find it.
Being North of Norfolk you have almost unlimited public access.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pigeoneater5000
Cashing in my vacations days as its getting close. Fantastic day to be out in the woods. Cool temps, clear skies, and minimal wind made for a good walk. Plan was to hit all my spots where migrants usually pitch down. Found one here one there with no sign that they have come or gone. Finally connected with a grouse though it was in the air truth be told its wasn't on the wing either. We had already moved several grouse but luck wasn't on my side. Stella got a bit birdy and a grouse broke cover and fluttered up into some low branches than flew off. Mean while Stella went on point and as I was approaching a second bird flush straight up into a pine. Rationalized the gimmy as well the bird was pointed and I still had to test the 28 load on grouse. Came across a ground blind with a pile of corn and camera if you recognize stella in the pics pm me as will be hit the spot a few times over the next couple weeks. On a curious note one of the Woodcock looked a little more blue back never really notice the variance or I'm just seeing things.
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I'm watching your thread closely FFF. I'm not seeing migrants yet either. Hoping to get out tomorrow morning if the rain cooperates.
Friday the 13th wasn't unlucky but sure was a weird one. Another gorgeous day to be out. Head out to check out some new haunts as not much is happening. Put Nova down at the first spot and started finding birds here and there thing was for the life of me couldn't hit a darn thing. Not talking those partial birds for a fraction of a second but shots clear and away. Got back to the jeep and went off with Stella and couldn't miss. Don't know why shot better over one than the other. Moved to a second new bush and meet a couple of motocross guys there who asked what I was up to. Said a bit of grouse/woodcock hunting to which they asked what cover do they like. Did my best Babe Ruth impression as I pointed to a clump of poplar just behind parking lot. Put Nova back down and was pleasantly surprised to find a bunch of birds right were I said. They were there for a while as the floor was nicely white washed. Nova pointed bird after bird and still couldn't hit a thing. Finally flushed one and saw I touched it but it didn't fall. Went in the direction last seen and soon enough Nova found the winged bird and brought it too me still alive. His usual goofy happy go lucky expression had a bit of disgust and kind of said "dude if this is the best you can do lets pack it in". Hope to redeem myself Sunday.
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wow weather man couldn't be more wrong today. Got to the bush just in time for the rain to start. A cold rain that chills you to the bone. If the woodcock weren't on the move would of left right away. Put Nova done as usual found some birds, plenty of splash on the ground but be it the rain, wind, or just new arrivals they just didn't play well. Got back to the jeep ready to leave but Stella begged for a run. Found a few more birds but seemed more like work than play. Got a couple however sorry no pictures as soggy woodcock and muddy dogs wouldn't make a pretty picture. This week if you can better get out and enjoy the flight as I think its not going to last long this year
Was out last Thursday in prime woodcock habitat. Only put up one bird with no shot! No migrants yet...... I have a feeling we will be hunting these birds into November. Deer season puts a damper on things!
Maybe towards the southwest but the north east things are moving quickly I believe.Quote:
Originally Posted by Frank16
Slim pickings today. Moved only 5-6 birds and was only able to knock 1 down. Slow trickle of birds coming down so not hitting numbers but the hunting still is enjoyable.
Dogs covered alot of ground today and were to tired to pose for a pic.
Got out on Tuesday (the 17th) to check out a new tract I thought had the right combination of habitat. Managed to get on two grouse, took one home. Just walked the trail no bush whacking or dog. My dog is out west learning how to be a gun dog and my job was to find her a place to hunt when she returns. Hopefully I did. Can't wait to officially join the upland fraternity. Thanks for all the updates FFF, love to see it.
Welcome to the club. Tell us a bit about your dog.Quote:
Originally Posted by kooka
Thank you, thank you. She is a 2.5 year old GSP who's prey drive was all visual and didn't have any wild bird exposure. She'll be coming home in a few weeks from two months in Ssaskatchewan where she has been chasing and pointing countless birds and now knows what she has to do. I'll be doing my best to keep her on birds whenever I can, then next spring will focus further on her foundation and proper habits.
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Was a head scratcher this morning deciding between heading northeast or south west. Had a good north wind with a touch of cold should of moved them down however haven't seen any round the house and its crazy mild this week so maybe held them up. Figured try north as can always go south later in the week if it doesn't pan out. Good news finally shot better over Nova went 3 for 4 however couldn't hit anything over Stella who pointed 5 woodcock and a few grouse. Birds weren't where I expected them. Was going to check more dry edges where migrants usually pitch down. Plans changed when Nova pointed the first bird basically sitting in water. All the birds were nestled on tiny high spots surrounded by water in the middle of the bush. First bird was a male though seem like more hens around. Can't say where we are in the migration seems a steady slow slide of birds.
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Its definately a slow trickle of birds coming through when the winds are right. My fear is the migration will most likely hit the week of deer season like it has the last couple of years.
I agree with you. Should see if we could start a petition to move the control week ahead.Quote:
Originally Posted by huntervinni
It is somewhat later this year as it starts on the 6th so we might have a chance if the weather cooperates as well. I remember back in 2015, I was still shooting woodcock on Nov.14!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers
So got an invite to poke around Haldimand for some woodcock today. Skies cleared as the sun came up as we set off. Kicked up a good number of woodcock and a grouse. Managed to knock down 9 before my partner had to go. Was still early so decided to make a run west to Norfolk to check out some old haunts and look at some new locations. As I pulled into the first location a grouse flushed across the road. Kicked up a couple of woodcock however wasn't able to connect. Cut short the old haunts as really was curious about another spot however didn't pan out. Sorry no pic as was to much on the run today. Maybe my partner might add one if he sees the post.
This mild weather really doesn't seem to have them stacking up in any one location yet.
Today had all the makings for a great hunt however think the woodcock didn't get the email. Found some jumpy birds knock down 2. Had a couple of chances at a grouse to no joy. Going to try and squeeze out 1 more hunt Friday but I think the party is overhttps://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...e871821d_z.jpg
So the Sunday before the control hunt has me hitting up Hullet and this year was no exception. The adventure started on the drive up. Passed a pickup/deer collision just pass the truck stop on the 401 worst part was the deer was turned into hamberger so the poor guy couldn't salvage a couple of back straps to sooth his misery. Just north of Kitchener hwy 8 was close due to what appeared to be a tanker fire. Detour kind of took me through Timmies so grabbed a Coffee and carried on. Got to Hullet and the plan was simple a leisurely stroll around hitting the fence rows and fields as the dogs deserved an easy day after a good season of chasing woodcock and grouse. Put out a couple of birds and released Nova. The first bird dropped into a valley where to my surprise found what look like the the telltale sign of a missed woodcock flight. Recovered the bird than Nova went to work digging around the willow bottom. All the beaver slides and deer trails had splash some still looking fresh. After a while got hard keeping track of contacts but between the two must of had atleast a dozen woodcock contacts, 4 grouse contacts, and most surprising 2 roosters and a hen. By the time I got back to my plant the hen was gone so theres at least 1 more hen out there. Pretty much had the place to myself though did see a group with a golden, talked to a guy with Munsterlander just heading out. The only other guy I talked to had an 8 month old short hair learning the ropes and to his dismay had found and caught 2 pheasants. Said they seemed like young birds and never tried to get off the ground.
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Its been a really crappy year for woodcock. I hit 3 spots Saturday and only put two birds! I'm convinced they changed migration patterns! I have been hearing guys getting into birds in SW Onatrio. Otherwise its been a quiet season.
We've had good, but short season. It was insanely hot at the start and very dry throughout. We found fewer birds in the usual spots. I pretty much hunted one location every few days.Quote:
Originally Posted by Frank16
I'd say it was an average season leaning on the good side. It was a long season never hit a "flight" but had consistent contacts from beginning to end. In the usual areas found less but more towards different spots within the primary location. Found birds in random new to me spots and found birds when I didn't expect them. Found early birds held tight however towards the end tended to move more. Really enjoyed carrying the 28g this year. Now if the snow holds off and after the control hunts over looking forward to a grouse hunt or two.
Who says it’s over ? ;)
Right,,, still putting up birds...... the difficult part is the deer hunters that believe they own every woodlot regardless of permission or ownership.......Quote:
Originally Posted by ninepointer
I like it when I am deer hunting and the dogs come through, it gets the deer on their feet and concentrates them in areas where the dogs don't go.Quote:
Originally Posted by BDH
And we are still putting up birds..Nov 16th ...even put a couple grouse!Quote:
Originally Posted by Marker
Wish I had the day off got tomorrow off but think its a bust with the rain hope to get out Sunday. Where abouts are you finding them?Quote:
Originally Posted by BDH
Haldimand - Grand River....
thxs for the update thats what I would of guessedQuote:
Originally Posted by BDH
I'm planning on hitting south of here tomorrow cuz their deer season isn't till December. Hoping to be able to throw a couple in the pan tomorrow afternoon.
so how you make out?Quote:
Originally Posted by Cass
To nice of a day to be at home so grabbed the dogs and headed for Hullet as it never fails to entertain. Today was no exception as saw it all today the good , the bad, and the ugly.
The good
Put Nova down and he got right to work finding 5-6 woodcock. Only problem none really want to fly. Took considerable effort to get them up as they rather run around the dog than take off. Managed 2 one of which is the smallest bird I've seen. After we got our fill took Nova into the fields and see if any pheasants were around unfortunately the cupboard were bare. Talked to a couple of other hunters and they to agreed nothing about. Got back to the jeep and took out my BYOP and put them out. Stella enjoyed the run and seem to reward me with an encounter with a grouse where I was able to lay eyes on it.
The bad
Guess someone got tired of their rooster and thought it a good ideal to set it free at Hullet. With Stella's help did my best Rocky impersonation and rounded up the bird. Going to make a fine soup.
The Ugly
Got to the end Conservation Rd lot 406550 just in time to see a couple guys pot a pheasant in the closed youth hunt zone. Pulled into the lot got out and waved the guys over. They came out to ask whats up to which I pointed to the public notice sign of the closure. They tried to play the honest mistake as they didn't "see" the signs. Thats when the third guy came out to which couldn't help notice the nice new FOH cap. Had all the excuses
1. been hunting here 30 years
2. called and verified it was only the 18th
3 . no kids around so was good too go.
Pointed to the sign read closed 18th and 19th and advised everyone should be aware and follow the rules regardless their affiliation.
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Sounds like an interesting day! I like the bonus rooster. Too bad about the other nonsense, at least you have something to show for the effort and the dogs had a good day.
Nice work.
Was fishing the other day on the walleye closer in the kawarthas the guy next to me had no clue about balsam lake having a complete different slot size.
I've fished it 15 years and I still check every year for all the lakes I fish. Some people just don't seem to be that responsible lol.
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you give'em too much credit. They KNOW the rules they just choose to ignore them knowing they won't be caughtQuote:
Originally Posted by fishfood
So….I will address this directly. The area you are referring to is posted as closed for both Saturday and Sunday. This is done in case there is a weather event on the Saturday and the hunt has to be shifted to Sunday. It is impractical to run around on a Saturday re-posting for Sunday if there is a cancellation, so we go ahead and block both days. It is a given that if the youth hunt is completed on Saturday, the area no longer needs to be closed on Sunday. Some of the people who volunteer on Saturday enjoy a hunt there on Sunday and clean up the birds that are leftover.Quote:
Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers
As I have stated before, if you were a paying member of Friends of Hullett, if you participated in the Pheasant Challenge program by buying tickets, or volunteered with the youth hunt, you would know this. Instead, you continue to passively aggressively criticize the area and yet, you go there and gloat about your “body count”. You even counsel people on how to get a release permit for that area and put out your own birds in a ridiculous defiance of the volunteer program there. I am highly suspicious that you knew all along there was a youth hunt on Saturday and specifically attended on Sunday just to confront people and make this post.
I will concede that it would be preferable to have the signage removed late on Saturday, so there would be no confusion about a Sunday closure. Perhaps you could volunteer to do this? I volunteer at the OFAH sponsored youth hunt along with many other people. Hopefully we inspire some young hunters to take up the sport rather than making a narcissistic thread about my own hunting season so I can brag about how many birds I shoot.
As I have said before, I have Pheasant Challenge tickets for sale. If you want to support the program, just let me know where I can send them. That is if the is post is even allowed to survive. I expect you will exercise your power as a moderator and remove it…again.
Oh, and FYI, I did not hunt at Hullett on Sunday.
Great information dilly. Thanks.Quote:
Originally Posted by dilly
I thought Hullet was a place for all and not to be monopolized for the benefit of a few. I hunt Sundays as its my day off from work. I followed the posted signage as I do try to work within the rules and regulation of the area. To have the area posted as closed and allow entitled people to access it is unfair. FOH actions denied me an opportunity to hunt some preferred woodcock areas. If you provide me with the written documents I'll volunteer to remove the signs myself.Quote:
Originally Posted by dilly
As far as my post it is a forum to share stories isn't? My post is for those who enjoy the outings of others. Wish you would do the same instead of pan handling for your own self interest.
not that I want to get into whatever is going on here, but if the signs are official signs and are posted in public areas than they should be followed by everyone. Now if you need to be a member to use this area and no one else is allowed than I guess it would be ok if the signs not taken down
Who are these "few" you speak of?Quote:
Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers
How am I "pan handling" for my own self interest?
" As I have said before, I have Pheasant Challenge tickets for sale. If you want to support the program, just let me know where I can send them. That is if the is post is even allowed to survive. I expect you will exercise your power as a moderator and remove it…again."Quote:
Originally Posted by dilly
I will not engage your comments any further as its only designed to be argumentative and not conducive to the type of forum I want here.
The irony you seem not to see is that without contributing nothing to the site you still come here to continually passively aggressively criticize the content. Almost feel sad for you as your "do as I say not as I do attitude " detracts from the good you do.
That seems to be the message being played out. Thing is its crown land open to all with the mandate no fees for use to be charged.Quote:
Originally Posted by sabmgb
So think today I can say the birds have moved on. Haven't had a hard freeze yet but the sand has run out of the hour glass. Made an outing today before some wet weather sets in. Kicked up 5-6 birds but was a tough go. Still some grouse and put&take pheasant if the snow holds off but the days a sure numbered.
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Hit 2 different covers today, pup was on the ground for close to 3 hours. Not a single woodcock moved. Think it may be over.