An introduction to grouse

[adipose]

Just back from my first time grouse hunting.

A big thanks to fellow board members and previous trip
reports for helping in successful hunt.

The initial idea was to paddle canoe, make short portage and
travel 3 lakes in. After hearing forecast tho i played it safe; car camping it
was. Weather overall was def winter-like up there (WMU31). With one
night dipping down to –14.! So glad id brought hot-tent.
New Remington 870 in 20 gauge with 26’’ barrel and modified
choke worked well. Was looking at the Savage Stevens Model 555 O/U
but that would have been an additional 500+ $.....maybe nxt yr.

Id left Southern Ontario just after 6 am and got to the site
around 3:45 pm. Had enough time to set-up tent/tarp and get my wood cut. That
night a low pressure system came through dumping about 5 cm of snow. (welcome to
winter!) I spent the nxt two days covering many kilometers of
trails/forest with not even a hint of a bird.
Was pretty tough goin with snow on the ground walkin with
winter boots/ multiple layers. Iam sure birds were there but to my inexperienced eyes/skill
set, they were non existent. Started to think these mythical birds as being as elusive as
those non co-operative winter specs.
Not until the third day did they start to appear.
I walked approx 5 k everyday and usually saw some birds. Was
awesome taking everything in.Was so fortunate to also have met local trapper and wife too.
What an incredible pair they were.Gentleman is 71 and worked at a dizzying pace. Felt bad asking
him so many questions as he was very busy and with daylight at a premium (especially
after time change) he was so nice to accommodate all my inquiries.
Once again i was so blessed to have spent time in the forest,
making friends, getting a few of these beautiful birds,
and taking in one last paddle. Cant wait till nxt season!

[Species8472]

Great job! That fry pan looks pretty tasty.

[fishhawk]

Love the tent set up, looks warm.

[kickingfrog]

That's a tougher intro to grouse then many of us had I'm sure. A little snow is nice, a lot is a pain.

[400bigbear]

Well done and congrats .

TD

[JMatthews]

Great pictures. looks ,like you have a great setup.

[adipose]

Thanks kindly guys.


Hi Species,
These were done up in Cajun style fish
crisp. Def tasty. My favourite way to do so
far is light olive oil,salt /pepper,garlic
and rosemary.

[welsh]

Nice report. Here we have an outdoorsman who hunts like an actual outdoorsman. You earned those birds.

[blasted_saber]

Birds were likely holed up tight to the trunks of evergreens protecting themselves from wind and snow and as northern birds dont usually flush, you wouldn't have spotted them.

Glad you finally found some and it looks like a great trip

[adipose]

Thanks guys.

Incredible how these birds can disappear like that.
Have to say, while those first two days
were certainly challenging. It was very cool
to have been covering ground in the snow blanketed
forest. Saw two very close/ fast rabbits bolt in front of me.
(no shots taken) i was wayyyyy too slow. lol

And when weather did turn, it was so exciting to
see birds. I count myself very lucky.
Had friends up in area on quads (lg group) earlier in month
and they saw 8 all wknd.