Early birds

My brother and I headed north for some early grouse. This year the temps were in the mid-high teens and with some colour on the trees it was better conditions than the last 3-4 years of high temperatures. The problem was the bugs were thicker.

First birds of the season
http://i.imgur.com/yKfnsrc.jpg


http://i.imgur.com/2uwp5ig.jpg

Brother's first bird
http://i.imgur.com/mRJUKWV.jpg

This one fanned its tail out all on its own.
http://i.imgur.com/uNGfTEi.jpg

Late day spruce.
http://i.imgur.com/YWnMUwi.jpg

Nice pics, did it feel weird with the warm weather

For us the last 4 openers/close to openers has been over 25 degrees so morning single digits and then a high of 16 degrees was welcomed. I'm in the stage of family life where my falls are busy with kids sports so I can't be as picky about my get-a-ways.

Awesome pictures. I’m officially jealous. Can’t wait to get out there myself. I hope we start to cool down some. I’d much prefer a cooler extended fall.

do you use a dog at all to flush? go by sound/drumming or just stroll along and wait for the birds to fly off?

Very nice, enjoy the grouse dinner.

Great stuff!

Seeing this thread has me convinced to head north this weekend to explore a new area. I just can't wait another week to get out. :thumbup:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dean.f

Seeing this thread has me convinced to head north this weekend to explore a new area. I just can't wait another week to get out. :thumbup:

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I concur the images are sure inspiring however with highs mid to high 20C with humidex pushing 30 the dogs and I will take a pass until it cools off a bit.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ben1983

do you use a dog at all to flush? go by sound/drumming or just stroll along and wait for the birds to fly off?

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No dog. The only drumming my brother heard was when I was taking a nap and it was too thick for him to go find it. We look and listen for them. The frost has started to work on the underbrush but it is still thick. We'll hear the odd one purring. The ruffies up there don't let you get too close to them (but nothing like down south) the spruce grouse hold until you get uncomfortably close.

thanks for posting the pictures. I love the first partridge hunt, even if i am sweating buckets by the end of the day

Nice report and photos. :goodstuff:

I always get very tempted to go after grouse in September, but force myself to wait another couple of weeks!
I can distract myself by thinking about waterfowling or fishing instead, or just come here and read the forums! :silly: