Rick,That was great and oh sooo true....:whistle:

Dave, that clearing is exactly where that turkey launched from last fall :o

I know Dean. I took this picture right after we finished laughing....:rolleyes:

fellows that some advice i just got...yall answered my questions to a tee...yall surely do have some pretty country to hunt in up there..it sounds as if mr grouse is one tough cookie...yep think ill stick toquail and dove those grouse are to tough for me....now if i could recall a few years...boy 25 ft corn and falling backwards to see if the covers is rite.... thanks fellows.... charlie

Hunting Grouse, Woodcock or any upland bird for that matter without a dog is just an armed walk in the woods/fields. A good dog is far more important than the gun, I'd rather hunt with a solid pointer and an Iver Johnson single shot full choked 12GA than a Holland & Holland Royal 20 with short tubes, open chokes and no canine companion.:nono:

Boy, that's the truth!:bowdown:

I'd even take that one step further...I wouldn't consider hunting without a dog. For me, it's all about the dog.

agreed, the dog, bird and gun trio - the whole thing is not complete if ones missing

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/g...ecropped-1.jpg

Yup, dogs are fun to watch but, in my opinion, not absolutely necessary to the hunt. It's all a matter of opinion and what one considers as the "essence" of the hunting experience. I've had dogs, Brittanies and labs, and I can easily do without a dog. Most times I prefer an "armed walk in the woods" than to constantly be looking for my dog or listening for his bell or beeper. I trust my own "bird sense" and do acceptably well in pleasing the person who I do it for. No offense intended to anyone who does it primarily for the "dog" experience.

No reason for anyone to take offense - I hunted without a dog for a few years.(there is actually one of the few funny stories from a bad marriage in there) I just prefer it, just as I prefer a double over a pump or semi auto. To each their own sport when honestly persued.

Maybe "why a dog" (apologies to the Marx brothers) would make a good thread to while away hot summer days.