Interesting Day!

[Mark Landskov]

A great day for Ruffed Grouse hunting. It was 45 degrees with plenty of sun. About 10 days ago, while walking one of my favorite trails, I came upon a Shetland pony that had been put down. Today, the ravens were making an unbelievable racket as I approached the horse. I was chuckling, thinking about a 'Doubles' pin for ravens! Well, about 25 yards from the corner where the horse was, I met a very large timber wolf. We stared at each other for a second or two and he began pacing back and forth, seeming rather annoyed with my presence. I have seen a few wolves before, but not that close. I think I will leave the horse alone for awhile, as we also have bobcats and lynx in the area, too. Uff da! I did mange to bring home two grouse, although one had worms. Yuck!

[Dave Suponski]

Great story Mark! Can you tell me more about the worms? I have never shot a grouse that had any type of parasite.

[Mark Landskov]

The worms are like real fine spaghetti, maybe 1 mm in diameter. They range from an inch to almost 2 inches. They dwell between the skin and the meat. The MN DNR website said that there are no issues, as long as you cook the meat properly. I still toss them out. They do not burrow into the meat or organs, but it still kinda creeps me out. This is probably the 3rd bird in the past three seasons that I have found the worms.

[Mike McKinney]

I shot one in the UP like that last year. I had never heard of it, but it looks awful and sure didn't make it to the pot.

[Russ Jackson]

I have yet to find a bird with worms or any parasites other than tics in the feathers . I surely agree they wouldn't make it to the oven here either !

[Mark Landskov]

I drove back to see if the horse was still there. All that I could find were a few tufts of hair from the tail. The wolves must have dragged the carcass into the woods. I caught a glimpse of a wolf that was pert near all black. I have heard of them living up here, but never saw one.