finsfurfeathers 2024 Upland thread

So starts another season for me and time to start the daily hunting report. As usual if you're interested in sharing stories, seeing some pics of happy dogs, or just wanting to get a feel of what's going on stay a while and enjoy. All others please hit the ignore button at this point.
Left the GTA in warm temps and a light drizzle but the weather man promised cool morning temps and clear skies. Hunt started well enough with the bush thick as ever and would say drier than I'd expected. Nova ran well enough but only managed 2 woodcock finds. The first gave no shot on the initial flush but on the reflush had a glimps so let the 28g bark once. At last no joy as Nova returned with no bird. The second Nova had pinned down however as I made my way to flush it the woodcock took off running right at Nova who made an uncharacteristic jump at the bird so no shot there. Finished his loop with a bird watcher/photographer out and about. Nice enough guy however did suggest an all black outfit might not be the best outfit to wear during the hunting season.
Switched spots to put Stella down and as I was walking in encounter three young guys finishing their morning duck shoot. Was a little surprise didn't find anything. Stella did put up a couple of wood ducks out of a beaver pond and a grouse did flush wild but strangely slim picking. Got a little warm by 11 and all three of us had a nice walk so called it early with dreams of cooler days and more open canopy to come.
On the up side a logging crew recently went through so should rejuvenate the bush to come.
No pictures today as photo ops didn't present itself today.

Great report. The gardener in me loves this weather, the hunter in me wants some hard frost and good wind.

Last weekend we flushed a dozen or so woodcock, the bush is incredibly dry.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Birdbuff

Great report. The gardener in me loves this weather, the hunter in me wants some hard frost and good wind.

Last weekend we flushed a dozen or so woodcock, the bush is incredibly dry.

---

I'm with you on that, planning on friday to be up your way, weather seems to be sliding into more favourable climes

Great report as always. Gonna try to get out Saturday for some grouse and woodcock

Temps are really supposed to drop next week with crispy mornings. That should make bush stompin' a lot more comfortable.

Couldn't ask for more prefect conditions this morning. As the season is still early thought I'd prospect a new bush today. On the drive in took a liking of the cover along the secondary access gates however the road was too busy and not alot of shoulder space to safely get the dogs out so venture forward to the main parking lot off a secondary road. This area was less appealing to me. Bush look both too old and too new at the same time but figured worth a look as was already here. Put Nova down and set forth to explore. Was looking for edges, points, and openings favoured by woodcock but never came across anything. Mostly it was homologous cover that kind of held promise but was short on rewards. Nova did manage to find one but didn't offer a shot and didn't sit long on the reflush. Though with further investigation I'd get a better feel of the area I'd seen enough to put this bush further back in the rotation and made my way to another spot. Put Stella down in a bush i found last year the just screams woodcock. Again though not a lot of joy. Pinned one that gave me a decent shot but whiffed. Again no grouse encounters though. One can only hope that the cooling weather next week will get the birds moving.

Fall is in the air but the bush hasn't gotten the notice. Thick and green making it hard to see the birds. Managed to find some figure 5-6 woodcock and a couple of grouse. Scratched down one to get the ball rolling however its only going to get better. Dogs were tired so not in the mood for pictures
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...ae8598f826.jpg

Listened to an arborist on CBC Country a month ago, she said that the trees would drop their leaves very quickly as the rain this year was so intense and run off so fast the trees were actually not getting enough water so would drop early and color's would not be vivid this year. So far she was dead wrong. Spotted my first grouse of the year under a well used apple tree.

I haven't been out hunting yet this year, but have been out every weekend this fall scouting for deer, hiking with the dogs, and building a new trail up at the cottage, etc. Haven't seen a single grouse. Hoping that's just because it's been so mild.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Shoreline

I haven't been out hunting yet this year, but have been out every weekend this fall scouting for deer, hiking with the dogs, and building a new trail up at the cottage, etc. Haven't seen a single grouse. Hoping that's just because it's been so mild.

---

the grouse encountered were in 10 foot young pines. With the dog on point couldn't see her or the grouse flush yards infront of me. Birds are around but don't think they'll be easy to find

Nice to start seeing some colour on the leaves and the kiss of frost was encouraging but the black clouds on the horizon literally dampened the mood. Put Nova down as usual and covered alot of ground but was surprised not even to move one bird. The real disappointing part though was when I ran into a pair of ignorant dog walkers. Was on my way out down the path when a pair of terrier/pit/lab mix dogs showed up in front of me. Quickly heeled and leased Nova and yelled out to call their dogs back. No response and no one visible for a few minutes. Kept calling for the owners to control their dogs to no avail. Finally this pair showed up and leashed their dogs. Of course the worst kind of owners imaginable they were actually irritated that I asked them to control their animals. All the while saying they are friendly however the raised hackles on their backs belied that statement. Not wanting the experience to leave a bad taste in my mouth made off to another forest. Put Stella down and shortly ironically ran into another dog walker with a Corgie. She though was doing it right. Leashed her dog, was wearing high vis colthing and even went so far to poop and scoop. Chatted a bit and she told me of an incident were a Golden chased her dog. Parted ways and went back to looking for some birds. Moved only 4-5 birds none giving a shot though. Called it quits just in time as when we got back to the jeep the sky opened up and a downpour with hail came down.
So the stage is set figure within the week birds should be coming down hoping with this rain they'll stage up a bit before moving on.

Just found out one of my public land hot spots has been closed for logging. That’s okay, it’s the previous logging in there that made it a hot spot.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers

Nice to start seeing some colour on the leaves and the kiss of frost was encouraging but the black clouds on the horizon literally dampened the mood. Put Nova down as usual and covered alot of ground but was surprised not even to move one bird. The real disappointing part though was when I ran into a pair of ignorant dog walkers. Was on my way out down the path when a pair of terrier/pit/lab mix dogs showed up in front of me. Quickly heeled and leased Nova and yelled out to call their dogs back. No response and no one visible for a few minutes. Kept calling for the owners to control their dogs to no avail. Finally this pair showed up and leashed their dogs. Of course the worst kind of owners imaginable they were actually irritated that I asked them to control their animals. All the while saying they are friendly however the raised hackles on their backs belied that statement. Not wanting the experience to leave a bad taste in my mouth made off to another forest. Put Stella down and shortly ironically ran into another dog walker with a Corgie. She though was doing it right. Leashed her dog, was wearing high vis colthing and even went so far to poop and scoop. Chatted a bit and she told me of an incident were a Golden chased her dog. Parted ways and went back to looking for some birds. Moved only 4-5 birds none giving a shot though. Called it quits just in time as when we got back to the jeep the sky opened up and a downpour with hail came down.
So the stage is set figure within the week birds should be coming down hoping with this rain they'll stage up a bit before moving on.

---

I had a nice experience with someone a week ago when I was out as well. Indy and I had been out for about an hour and only had a couple grouse flush from about 50ft up in a tree. We had been pushing looking for some more grouse but it was getting dark so we started to head down the trail home when a guy with a small short snouted dog (couldn't really see it through the long grass) popped up. He immediately stepped to the side and leashed his dog. I recalled Indy and leashed him. We chatted for a few minutes and went on our way. It's always good to see proper etiquette when you are out and about.

We also got our on that rainy day. Managed to get one woodcock after bumping it the first time. And a really good point but wild flush on a second. Would have been a better day I think if it didn't downpour on us

Waiting on the birds to come down thought today would be a nice day for a walk around Hullet. It also gave me an excuse to see if I could indulge a bird hunting fantasy. Left the GTA a little later than I usually like as I prefer starting at sunrise but as it turned out could of slept in today. Had the place to myself and pick one of my preferred parking stake. Put Nova down and not 10 minutes into his run came out of the fence row plastered in blood. Neck and shoulder looked like a horror show. Oddly didn't seem phased by it. Heeled him in ,leashed him up and quickly made my way to the jeep. Wash and toweled him off to try and find the wound but could find it. Watched him for a bit and didn't see any new blood so let him rest while I put Stelle down. Managed to find one woodcock but after the initial flush and 2 reflushes it finally went to parts unknown. No pheasant seen and no shots heard. Got back to the jeep and decided to check around and see the the other lots looked like. Swung back to the original spot just in time to see a grey truck drive down the field. While I waited for the truck to return gave Nova another look over and it appears he either cut or torn and ear. As it turned out it was the release truck putting out birds at 11:00 am. With one dog already burned and the other cut up decided it was time to see if I could track down my goal. Turns out the hungarian partridge I want to buy weren't available this year. Oh well there's always next year (and I'll make sure to call first)
.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ninepointer

Just found out one of my public land hot spots has been closed for logging. That’s okay, it’s the previous logging in there that made it a hot spot.

---

They have been doing alot of cutting. Some lumber some thinning some clearing of dead trees. One of my spots was closed up to the 25th however the cut was completed and clear so opened back up.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by anglodrkns

We also got our on that rainy day. Managed to get one woodcock after bumping it the first time. And a really good point but wild flush on a second. Would have been a better day I think if it didn't downpour on us

---

Ya they don't sit as tight on the reflush. Going to give the dogs bed rest tomorrow, looks like Sunday is a write off if Nova's cut heals up and the weather breaks for Monday may get back after them.

No better way to burn off that extra helping of turkey than take a walk in the wood. Left early and headed to a spot as close to home as possible as figured wanted to be on my way home by noon to avoid the crazy holiday traffic. Prefect conditions for a run and with this weather birds had to be on the move. Put Nova down and off to the races. It quickly became apparent birds are starting to move down as were finding them in classic migrant locations. Nova was finding quite a few however his pace and range is typically in that 70-80 yard range and by the time I get to him the bird is stale. Almost all were runners and had a hard time setting up for the shot while trying to kick them up. Managed two by the end of his run and switched him out for Stella. Went back over the area with her as she's usually in the 30-40 yard range and I'm sure she has part ferret in her as them runners were quickly put in place. Managed another two before we had enough and called it a morning. The one surprising thing is essentially had the area to myself can't imagine an uplander doing anything else on such a fine morning.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...5582e82737.jpg

Great stories so far. Keep them coming please!
I was fortunate enough to be a part of an archery moose hunt in WMU 60 from October 5 to 11.
Spent every single day in the woods and flushed a total of four grouse, and zero woodcock.
My 11 year old GSP is quite slow now and he was never good at finding woodcock anyway, but I intend to take him out soon and let him be happy in the bush!

Went to Tiny this morning. The dog and I had the place to ourselves. Moved 6 pheasants. Left with 3 empty hulls and one bird in the vest.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ninepointer

Went to Tiny this morning. The dog and I had the place to ourselves. Moved 6 pheasants. Left with 3 empty hulls and one bird in the vest.

---

why you bothering with pheasants when woodcock are around....or our you just keeping quiet on that? looking forward to the pm

Hard to be glum after a good run in the woods but ya a little disappointed. Went to my prime woodcock spots to hit all my go to /favorite/ guaranteed points only to find one here and there with no real sign they have been around. Can't be to early, doesn't look like I missed them scratching my head as to why the cupboard was scarce. Managed to scratch down two before running out of gas and calling it a day. Of note leaves are changing colour however not much is falling. Also the area is unusually dry. Places I needed hip waders to cross now can be managed with tennis shoes,
OH well always next time.

Took my 9 month old out for her 4th hunt of the year. Attachment 44899
She's starting to put it together. I'm only shooting pointed birds at this point. Found one hen yesterday that sat nice and tight for her. It all came together.
Mike

I like the picture, nice looking dog.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Deerman

Took my 9 month old out for her 4th hunt of the year. Attachment 44899
She's starting to put it together. I'm only shooting pointed birds at this point. Found one hen yesterday that sat nice and tight for her. It all came together.
Mike

---

Looking good. Always nice when things come together :thumbup:

Thank you. She is definitely fun to work with and sometimes smarter then her trainer!!

so another day hunting in a tee shirt. moved maybe 4-5 birds only one gave me a half decent shot with no joy. Terribly hot and dry not seeing any significant movement of birds so really have no idea if its still early or have missed the boat. Leaves are just starting to drop its calling for rain and a cold front to swing through. Who knows maybe it'll give'em a bit of a push and bump up the trickle up to a stream. The only good thing its keeping the season going longer.

We were out Saturday and put up 4 birds. All big birds so I have to assume they are local hens. If it doesn't get cold up north the birds aren't moving. Looking at the forecast and temps for the next couple of weeks doesn't look promising either. Still hovering close to 10 degrees and no frosty nights will keep the birds from migrating. We may just have a late season, or a freak cold spell will push the birds out fast! Happened two years ago. We missed them by a day! Bush was full of chalk everywhere and birds where gone! That was Nov.12 2022.

Worked a historical hotspot yesterday. Moved 2 widely spaced hens. Zero chalk. Yet to see any evidence of migration.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Frank16

We were out Saturday and put up 4 birds. All big birds so I have to assume they are local hens. If it doesn't get cold up north the birds aren't moving. Looking at the forecast and temps for the next couple of weeks doesn't look promising either. Still hovering close to 10 degrees and no frosty nights will keep the birds from migrating. We may just have a late season, or a freak cold spell will push the birds out fast! Happened two years ago. We missed them by a day! Bush was full of chalk everywhere and birds where gone! That was Nov.12 2022.

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ninepointer

Worked a historical hotspot yesterday. Moved 2 widely spaced hens. Zero chalk. Yet to see any evidence of migration.

---

Glad to hear everyone is having similar results hate to be the odd man out.

Same here , worst start in a few years now - just a 3-4 flushes total in 4 outings. Not finding birds in places I could almost guarantee a flush year after year. I am sure they haven’t passed yet, and likely will be a 2-3 day frenzy and they will be here and gone in no time. I think these warm temps will just hold them in place a while longer, but hopefully a few start trickling through … hoping to get out in the next day or so and again early next week .

Lorenzo

With wet weather called for the afternoon got on my way early to be at the bush for sunrise. Prefect conditions today. Frosty morning, calm winds, and a good leaf drop opened the canopy. Dropped Nova down as usual and started to prospect the bush. moved a few birds but really not what I was expecting. Moved to the next section that always held promise and put Stella down. Ran into another hunter running a nice looking pudelpointer and commiserated over the scarcity of birds. Parted ways he went one way I went the other. Moved a couple of birds before Stella made the hunt that much more exciting. Locked up and as I closed in the flush what I thought was a woodcock only to have a grouse slip out behind her turned to salute the bird only to have a woodcock bust out in front of Stella catching me flat footed. I asked her to try and find them one at a time. Finished the loop and moved to another corner that always held a few. Put Nova back down and again only found one lone bird. Stella still had a bit of go in her so Hail Mary one last spot. Put her down and was surprised in fairly short order locked up. Was able to connect on the first flush only to have a second bust with no shells in the gun. She combed the area and found another single and a pair. Dropped the single however the pair went off unscathed.
With the skies darkening packed it in for another day. Interesting site was a flock of about 20 teal pitching in a small pond, figured they would of moved on by.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...f643096518.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...960cdc4175.jpg

Nice pics FFF! I was out again today but same story - beautiful weather and pushed hard for three hours but just saw 2 woodcock in very thick cover. Two nice points by my Britt, but could barely shoot in there - so neither ended up in the bag. Nice day to be out anyway.

Neither snow nor rain nor wind stays these swift flyers from launching from their pointed coverts. But nary a woodcock to be seen…https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...cfbd0081b9.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Feeling satisfied with all the yard work I accomplished today, I decided to treat me and the dog to a quick hunt on public land close to home. Saw 6 woodcock in 2 hours, all widely scattered singles.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...b177cf588b.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

So seen three woodcock in the predawn darkness before leaving the neighborhood so expectations were high. Definitely birds on the move however as the new ones come the current ones are leaving. The start of the hunt sure was crips to say the least but still great conditions for a walk. Started todays hunt where I left off last time. Didn't find them were I left them though. First bird was in the slop of a receding beaver pond. So continued on down the forest an area haven't hunted as its been to wet in previous years. Eventually found a few birds that according to the splash have only been around for a day or 2. continued on and before long Nova ran up on a grouse held his point but may have been a little close as the bird bust just before I got to him. Stella's run was a little more surgical as I want to hit spots where migrants drop in and although found a few more couldn't close the deal.
Honest folks really not limiting myself to two just seems that's how its been working out.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...08192c2999.jpg

I am seriously starting to think the woodcock population is in serious trouble! Everybody here, and people I have spoken to, have said the same thing. Spots that once held birds are dry. I really think it's time for OFAH and the Ruffed Grouse Society/ American Woodcock Society to get involved with our MNR to fix this issue. But I guess that is a long shot!

I'm not sure if climate change has anything to do with it, but I have been seening woodcock on my back lawn here in Mississauga throughout Aug and Sept. 5 or 6 at a time every day or so. I got the impression they were heading south early. First time in 30 years at this house I have seen any woodcock.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Frank16

I am seriously starting to think the woodcock population is in serious trouble! Everybody here, and people I have spoken to, have said the same thing. Spots that once held birds are dry. I really think it's time for OFAH and the Ruffed Grouse Society/ American Woodcock Society to get involved with our MNR to fix this issue. But I guess that is a long shot!

---

So yes the population is down but what is this "issue" that needs to be fix? There are a lot of reasons one may not be seeing the same numbers as old.
Talking to dad in years gone by woodcock were gone by thanksgiving you'd hit a day or two with crazy numbers of birds than they were gone. Today from the opener till second week of nov you can hunt 'em.
I think we are still seeing the same number but they are trickling through with no major staging till the hit the lake. Is it climate change to blame who knows. Place I hunted yesterday typically could close my eyes go to my go to spots throw a stone and hit a bird however had follow the dogs to spots untried and found them there.

Nope didn't want to go out today. Forecast 22'C with a humidex of 27'C :scream:. Dad reminded me its Oct 30 and the days are numbered. So packed the jeep and off we went. The first spot held a ton of promise as minutes into Nova's run went on point and I flushed a pair of woodcock however connected with neither. The rest of the circuit was a bust to my surprise. Found a nice natural euro mount and ran into a pair of russian ladies looking for mushrooms. Have thought the perfect partner would be a mushroomer. Often see 'em however carrying a basket is out of the question. Figure with a 'shroomer if we see 'em they can pick them and if the dog goes on point can send them in to flush the bird. Anyways chatting with them they said didn't find any which was no surprise as its been too dry and warm for fall. Anyways off to the next spot but was disappointed as all though midweek the warm weather brought out the atv/motocross guys. Put Stella down and she did find birds managed to connect with 3 before the heat forced us to both tap out.
Friday calling for perfect conditions so will be back at it then.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...88e8c9acd8.jpg

Last season I hunted 6 different spots that have always held a very good number of birds. I saw a total of five birds the whole season. I am venting because I'm a member of OFAH, and they made this big deal about cutting down brush and trees in crown properties to help get the small game population the habitat it needs to survive. Has it happened NO! Instead we keep losing grounds to hunt and old bushes keep getting older. The habitat, in my opinion is slowly starting to disappear impacting woodcock nesting grounds. Something needs to be done to help create suitable habitat. Why can't our MNR do what they do in the US?? They have incredible habitat management programs. Our MNR don't give a rats about small game. Its all about Moose, deer, turkey and waterfowl.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Frank16

Last season I hunted 6 different spots that have always held a very good number of birds. I saw a total of five birds the whole season. I am venting because I'm a member of OFAH, and they made this big deal about cutting down brush and trees in crown properties to help get the small game population the habitat it needs to survive. Has it happened NO! Instead we keep losing grounds to hunt and old bushes keep getting older. The habitat, in my opinion is slowly starting to disappear impacting woodcock nesting grounds. Something needs to be done to help create suitable habitat. Why can't our MNR do what they do in the US?? They have incredible habitat management programs. Our MNR don't give a rats about small game. Its all about Moose, deer, turkey and waterfowl.

---

Have to agree the MNR for all intensive purposes has become a hands off custodian. Aside from collection fees and law enforcement actual hands on wildlife management little to none. All other organizations can try and prompt them but without major funds coming in don't see it happening. On the plus side though have been seeing more cutting and forest management in Simcoe county forests that has improved habitat

With the deer hunt starting tomorrow figure this maybe the last kick at the can. Made my way down to Hullet too see if any woodcock stuck around and if not play with some put and take. The place was pretty quiet as sounded like a few guys enjoying some waterfowling but the uplands were lonely at least for sunrise. Worked a couple of areas and found some birds managed two
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...0f2324b76f.jpg
but whiffed on some gimmes. Sad to say it continued when I moved out in the field
https://youtu.be/NShlrIjW0uA
Midmorning had a few guys out saw a nice short hair and a couple of Small Münsterländers.
Also good too see some young blood out with his grandpa.
Time to give the dogs the week off and hope the snows hold off

A friend near Huntsville had male woodcock behind his place today. In a normal year they’d be south of there by now.

So to nice of day to be stuck at home. Normally don't think of going out during the control hunt but found a place that didn't allow deer hunting. So headed south west with dreams of hitting some woodcock staging before their flight over the Lake. Well not what I expected. Dogs found 1 cottontail, a rooster left over from the last release I guess, 2 does in their bed, and only 4 woodcock. None of which gave me a shot. Little surprised as expected to see more sign of woodcock. The few splash that I saw were old and nothing fresh. Really doesn't look like they have arrived much less pushed through.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers

So to nice of day to be stuck at home. Normally don't think of going out during the control hunt but found a place that didn't allow deer hunting. So headed south west with dreams of hitting some woodcock staging before their flight over the Lake. Well not what I expected. Dogs found 1 cottontail, a rooster left over from the last release I guess, 2 does in their bed, and only 4 woodcock. None of which gave me a shot. Little surprised as expected to see more sign of woodcock. The few splash that I saw were old and nothing fresh. Really doesn't look like they have arrived much less pushed through.

---

Well I for one am a little happy they they haven't gone through yet as it means more opportunity to get out after them and get Indy more experience. It's always exciting when you run into some of the wildlife to. Hopefully its not a bad sign of the years to come though, just a one off weird year

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by anglodrkns

Well I for one am a little happy they they haven't gone through yet as it means more opportunity to get out after them and get Indy more experience. It's always exciting when you run into some of the wildlife to. Hopefully its not a bad sign of the years to come though, just a one off weird year

---

Don't get me wrong not complaining. Given the choice of a 1 and done season or a constant trickle for an extended time I'll take option 2. Its just when you think you got them figured out they'll throw you a curve.

I've been thrown those curves a lot in my past hunting career and that's why I love these little guys soooo much! Since mid October I've been thinking to myself that its going to be a trickle year and I don't think I'm wrong yet. Enjoy the extended season and wish them safe travels south through the gauntlet they have to pass to get to their wintering grounds.

Was out yesterday. Put up two birds, but based on the good amount of 2 day old chalk marks birds are starting to push through. This week will be crucial as snow is in the forecast for next week. Birds will be about two days ahead of that front.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Frank16

Was out yesterday. Put up two birds, but based on the good amount of 2 day old chalk marks birds are starting to push through. This week will be crucial as snow is in the forecast for next week. Birds will be about two days ahead of that front.

---

Thanks for the heads up will be heading out tomorrow and that sounds encoraging

Sadly I might be too busy to get out this next week. Hopefully I can squeeze in another day before they pass.

I was pretty annoyed this weekend to see my go too spot entirely closed for logging. Absolutely no access. Couldn't they have waited another couple weeks

So with the control over headed out to see where we are at. Ran Nova through the better woodcock spots hoping to find some birds but unfortunately the cupboard was bare. Heading back to the jeep Nova went up into an open meadow hill top surrounded by evergreen shrubs pretty much the driest spot in the area. Went on point so had to follow him up. What seemed like five minutes of point and shrub stomping which had me thinking we were trailing a hare doesn't out pop a woodcock. At last it was the only one to be found. Figure a change of plan was in order so dropped Stella down and work primarily towards a grouse hot spot for me. As luck would have it she managed to point one that held long enough for me to close the deal.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...242975544b.jpg

So made a run to Hullet. Scoured the area and sad to say came up nada for woodcock. Looks like the birds have cleared out for another year. Sure there may be a few along the north shore of Erie but looks like I'm done. Time to switch gears looks like grouse and pheasant till the snow comes.

Following the thread, and always happy to see that people are getting out and enjoying some hunting success here & there! :)
My own season has not been the greatest so far, mainly because I did a solid week of archery moose hunt and then participated in the
rifle deer season for many days in the past two weeks. In between, I managed to get one ruffed grouse, and saw zero woodcock this whole
season so far. I intend to go after some grouse before the Controlled hunt starts in December. No harsh weather up north yet and I have the
snow tires on so it's only the matter of finding the gas money...

ps. I tried many different ways to post the photo of my harvested bird, without success. It shouldn't be THIS hard for someone who's been using computers for 40 years.

pps. Using advice from fff (below) I managed to post this picture after reducing the size of it a few times...


Attachment 44920


https://imgur.com/gallery/yRfOrxC

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hawkman

Following the thread, and always happy to see that people are getting out and enjoying some hunting success here & there! :)
My own season has not been the greatest so far, mainly because I did a solid week of archery moose hunt and then participated in the
rifle deer season for many days in the past two weeks. In between, I managed to get one ruffed grouse, and saw zero woodcock this whole
season so far. I intend to go after some grouse before the Controlled hunt starts in December. No harsh weather up north yet and I have the
snow tires on so it's only the matter of finding the gas money...

ps. I tried many different ways to post the photo of my harvested bird, without success. It shouldn't be THIS hard for someone who's been using computers for 40 years. }:-/
https://imgur.com/gallery/yRfOrxC

---

good to here you've been out enjoying the outdoors.
As far as posting pics ya this site is crap. with pic size limits and file storage it isn't worth it. that's why I've gone third party. I use flicker its free to use and at least for me not that hard to navigate Once you get the hang of it its just a matter of uploading there, copy the link and paste it into your thread. Pictures uploaded can be as big as you like and once pasted into your thread don't have to squint at those tiny postage size pics this site uses.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers

good to here you've been out enjoying the outdoors.
As far as posting pics ya this site is crap. with pic size limits and file storage it isn't worth it. that's why I've gone third party. I use flicker its free to use and at least for me not that hard to navigate Once you get the hang of it its just a matter of uploading there, copy the link and paste it into your thread. Pictures uploaded can be as big as you like and once pasted into your thread don't have to squint at those tiny postage size pics this site uses.

---

Thanks fff. When it comes to sharing pictures, I have used many different ways before.
In the past few years imgur has been my preferred site for posting photos, but right now, nothing seems to be working for me.
I'll try to get onto flicker now I guess, but not too happily!

ps. using your advice, I managed to post the photo after all. :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hawkman

ps. using your advice, I managed to post the photo after all. :)

---

you're welcome though you still made me squint :scream:. Nice looking bird they don't come prettier than that.

Well almost pulled the trigger today but wimped out at the last minute. With rain forecasted for Sunday going to officially call it an end to the season. For me was a decent season of following the dogs through thick and thin. Other than being an usually warm one the season was enjoyable and always feels way to short and fleeting. Time to clean the guns , breakdown and put away the upland gear and dream till the fall.