never thought it could happen

[Russell E. Cleary]

When a guy like me can shoot the daily limit (4) of Ruffed Grouse (Gray Phase), it can only be due to a great guide (former Air Force MP); great dogs (“Hank” in the photo), a reliable gun (VH-16-0) and a whole lotta birds.

SOMEWHERE in the Maine’s North Woods.

[Dean Romig]

That’s fantastic Russ!

Congratulations on a “Red Letter Day on Grouse”!!






.

[Reggie Bishop]

Very nice! Thanks for posting!

[Daniel Carter]

Congratulations on a great day, more to come i hope.

[Randy G Roberts]

Congrats indeed Sir. Great day for sure.

[Brett Hoop]

Bonasa Bonanza! Congratulations. To me it seems like I am witnessing a miracle every time.

[Eric Eis]

Have to say I've never limited out either...Congratulations Russ

[Gerald McPherson]

WOW; Hank sure looks like a stem winder of a bird dog. Those used to be called Rip Raps down here. I've not seen one in many years. Great hunt. Stumpstalker and Stemwinder.

[charlie cleveland]

great looking dogand a nice gun....you should remember this hunt for a long time....charlie

[Russell E. Cleary]

Gerald:

I like those descriptions “stemwinder” and “Rip Rap”, but they never would have occurred to me. However, when “Hank” and his other Elhew pointer kennel-mates go back down to South Carolina for another Winter of working at a Quail plantation, maybe those terms will resurface.

Although trained on Maine Grouse, they are equal-opportunity bird finders.

[Shawn Wayment]

What a day!

[Gerald McPherson]

Rip Rap was used referring to the black and white colors. I've not heard it used in at least 35 years. Is Hank black and white as he appears?

[charlie cleveland]

that wordingrip rap was used in my neck of the woods too...i have not heard these words used in probably 40 years...charlie

[Russell E. Cleary]

His owner answers:

“He is white and black (dominant color stated first).

Hank's sire is Grand National Grouse Champion Wild Apple Jack. Hank
runs a close gun dog race so is just the ticket for the foot hunter in
the grouse woods.


MK” [Mark Kingsbury]

REC

[todd allen]

That is a beautiful pointer! A great day, for sure!

[Mark Fulton]

Nice pictures Russ. Reminds me of my younger days in Maine doing the same thing with my dad. Keep up the good work & keep the dog busy. Thanks for the memories ... Mark Fulton:)

[Mike Franzen]

You had a great day for sure Russell. Elhew pointers, 16 - O frame, Maine grouse hunting, limit of birds! Wonder how many will ever experience a combination like that again? You had the best of everything and your shooting was superb.