An introduction to grouse

[Sharon]

That's a great story. Only one thing missing - a bird dog.

[yellow dog]

Very nice pictures reminds me when I use to take clients out on overnight camping trips dog sledding . Everything always taste better cooking over a woodstove or fire pit.

[kickingfrog]

Very nice pictures reminds me when I use to take clients out on overnight camping trips dog sledding . Everything always taste better cooking over a woodstove or fire pit.

There is a quote that goes something like: Hunger is the best sauce.

[kickingfrog]

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.

I was out on Friday after a 6-8 inch snowfall. I flushed a heard of birds on an "island" surrounded by beaver meadows and ponds. They turned into ghost because they didn't leave the forest but I never saw a single feather or heard a flush after the initial ones. That missed shot will haunt me until October if that's the last time I get out this season.

[adipose]

Hi Yellowdog,

thanks!
have to agree, food does taste better cooked
over woodstove or campfire.
my favourites are walleye, specs and now grouse.
heck, even toasted bagels and cheese are inspiring.

Hi Sharon,
thanks! having bird dog would be awesome.

Hi KF,
i recall that quote as “hunger is the best chef”
but i may have it wrong.

hope your able to get out again.
your reports are always very informative and great reads.

[ET1]

Adipose

Glad you enjoyed your first grouse hunt and impressed with your outdoor accommodation skills.
I have shot a number of grouse over the years and missed a good number too.
The most memorable grouse hunt etched in my mind is not one that I did but came across while moose hunting. An elderly couple were walking the logging road I was on returning to camp as they were looking to tag a few grouse for their Sunday dinner. They were enjoying a moment in time traveling the logging road together as they had throughout their lives. The gentleman was carrying a single shot 410.
Hope when age doesn’t allow me to work the woods anymore but my health still allows mobility I too hope to still enjoy such a hunt.


Ed

[zoli 16ga.]

x2 - '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.'


Every bird I've flushed in the last two weeks, with significant snow on the ground, were from single large pines, about 10ft. up.
Not much of a chance for my mutt either.

D.

[TurkeyRookie]

Well done. Love late season grouse hunting, everyone else has moved on to other things. The weekend warriors got their fill, the moose hunters got their itchy trigger fingers scratched before heading off to camp, and the fairweather boys are in front of the fireplace at home.

Perfect time to get out on snowshoes and make tracks.

My favorite days are cold nights, cool mornings with sun, they hang out in the bare tree tops sunning themselves. Got a few more hunts to go with my lil guy and dog before the season is out.

[captain cotton]

Great job on the hunt. Looks like you had quote the time up there, not to mention you bagged a nice spruce grouse. Congrats and welcome to upland game hunting!

[adipose]

Thanks guys!

Thats a great story ET1. Thanks for sharing.
I also hope iam able to enjoy our outdoors
well into golden yrs.
And thanks for tips guys. Ive gotta a lot to learn.
Wish i had not waited until my 40s to start
this old tradition. Everything in its time i suppose.

I guess as the season winds down it becomes even more
challenging. Id sure love to get up for last hunt on shoes
and perhaps be there for opening day of specs!