Tough Year in Zone 48 west

[DanO]

Just thought I'd update the conditions. I'm hunting an area I've hunted for over 45 years. The spaniel I'm using is trained and experienced. I know there are lots of leaves on the trees but boy is it tough. I haven't seen or heard a grouse in two days of walking areas that I usually see a good number. I would blame the leaves but the dog neutralizes that visibility factor. Haven't heard a shot either.

Hope other areas have better bird numbers. Maybe their still in brood groupings so if you see one you see 6 but if you don't find the group you see nothing.

How are others doing?

[finsfurfeathers]

Will let you know Sunday heading out for Woodcock then however last couple of years has been a bonanza down here.

[BDH]

I have a camp in 48 west (Trout Creek) and the spring saw birds, but as the summer came so did the hawks and by Labour day I saw no birds , just hawks.

Dick

[kickingfrog]

My brother has been up there the last couple of days. Waiting to hear back. Not sure if he's O.D.ed on grouse... or starved?

[joe16]

how far north are the woodcock at this time of year FFF?

[greatwhite]

I'm assuming you mean wmu 48?? Going there tomorrow for grouse.

[finsfurfeathers]

how far north are the woodcock at this time of year FFF?

Further than I like to drive LOL. Hunt a bush relatively close to home start with the few resident family groups and by thanksgiving the flight starts adding to the numbers after which head southwest to stop them at the border. In years past would go up past port severn to hit the central opener however always was a mixed feeling hunt. great to be out but the birds where always thin pinned feather birds making less than ideal table fair. Even this weekend may concentrate on grouse as they never really fill out till Oct. May just sample a couple and see how they are ripening.

[joe16]

Yes i figured as much , its early and so most woodcock further north still, and why i asked

although there are some more local ones i run into from time to time, i ll likely be out hearing grouse (leaves) this weekend

[DanO]

You and a million other guys GW. That Bissett area was a lot less crowded 20 years ago. I hunted Big Shingle Road and the general area last week. Not many birds but lots of ATVs and crown land camping. Somebody let the word out!

[kickingfrog]

My brother didn't see many birds either. He got one.