Well, it's definitely not too warm in the north country right now. We arrived on Saturday to spitting snow and rain, and Sunday's high was 29 degrees. Bruce must have taken the snow with him -- hallelujah -- as we found only traces and wet conditions.

Too early to tell about bird numbers, but we flushed 9 on Sunday hunting about 4 hours, and yesterday, after the sun finally came out, we had a nice two hour hunt during which we flushed 12 grouse. Our Alder had 5 nice points on this hunt, but her handler (yours truly) got no shots from her points, and, predictably, missed a wild flushing incomer on his only chance. That's grouse hunting.

We have very spotty cell and internet service, but I will try to send another report or two...and hope that Harold and others will share their north country grouse hunts also.

Sure am glad I don't live in such cold and "snow country"....!

Well, Richard sure has me pegged as an October snow wimp. I like my Octobers brisk and colorful.

The vagaries of grouse hunting are part of the appeal. One day we hunt all day and flush 9 birds, and then the next we put up 26. Certainly the wind, 25-plus mph, is part of the mix. And then there's the lack of chances at birds. In spite of flushing 26 birds yesterday, only three offered shots, and unfortunately, none over two nice points by our puppy who is still figuring out what's going on, but knows to stop and point when he smells grouse. Oh, to be able to shoot one for the young guy.

We've also encountered a good deal of evidence that there was a strong windstorm with one trail almost obliterated by large downed trees. The good news is that the grouse like hiding in the blowdowns.

We are also getting into some woodcock and they are offering opportunities, although typically tough in heavy cover. With birds in the bag, chances for the dogs, and weather that's the kind you live the rest of the year waiting for, I'll take a snowless, calm, brisk day in the Minnesota north woods!

We are looking to meet PGCA member Jeff C. next week for lunch at one of the local eating spots. It will be nice to swap stories with a fellow hunter-collector. I should note that I've been using my go-to grouse gun so far on this trip -- my 1930s John Dickson and Sons box lock 28 bore. At 5 lbs. 3 oz. it's a nice all-day carry gun that kills birds just fine when I can "see" them. I'll break out the Parker DH 16 later in the hunt for its inaugural outing.

P.S. Bruce, sorry that the weather played havoc with your recent hunt. It's clear to me that bird numbers are up over last year.

Below:

1. The Rice Lake Duck Clubhouse, far back on a two track.
2. Getting through the blowdowns is worth it -- there's grouse there.
3. Our girl, Cedar, and one of "her" birds.

I find grouse hunting in the snow can be very exciting. They often launch from a snow-covered young spruce in a white explosion challenging you to come quickly to your senses if you want a shot at all. It’ almost more than my senses can take - I love it!
But I’m with you - The Autumn colors - Autumn smells - and the “walks in the woods" daydreaming of past hunts and hoping to repeat the best of those times, now with my eager setter, really does it for me.

The fact that yours is a Gordon is, of course, quite fitting.





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We had tried some of the backroads after the big wind storm and had not been able to get through the blown down trees. I made a mental note to bring a chainsaw next year.

My conclusion is the same, bird numbers are up over last year, which was a terrible year, but still not the numbers we would like to see.

Bruce, coming out of a cover one eve after a big storm, I found a tree lying across the road--bigger than I could move myself. I had a 30' tow strap with me , fastened it it around the tree and then to the truck. I was able to snap the tree in half and get thru.
Yeah, a chain saw is a good idea. Im thinkig one of those electric ones might be good--keep the gas/oil fumes away from the dogs.

Yes, get a nice quiet cordless electric chainsaw. We had one in Montana while doing some gold exploration a few yrs back and cut and dragged trees off the trails we took into the hills around Phillipsburg. I was impressed with how well that little saw did.

I looked at a couple of battery powered saws when I was getting my mower serviced, have to say I was impressed. Like to try one for the weekend........Shop said no to that idea !

We are doing well up here in the Sturgeon River State Forest. I took 5 Ruffs this week, and a Spruce Grouse. That is the fourth Spruce Grouse for me in the past 20 years!

Mark,

In all of our years in Northern Minnesota chasing grouse, we've never had a chance at a Spruce Grouse. We even rode up to the International Falls area a couple of times hoping for a chance. I keep hoping.

As for our trip, we have had all sorts of weather and weather conditions. We took an off day on Thursday when the temperature rose to 73. Our aging legs enjoyed a day off. This morning we are waiting out a snow squall with its high winds and pelletized snow blowing sideways. Interestingly enough, the sun is shinning while it's snowing. I'm sure the birds are hunkered down as are we.

A good sign is that we are getting up broods of birds, sometimes three and four at a time. I'm still not getting many shots, and yesterday when I had some shots, I failed miserably to hold up my part to he pointing dog-hunter agreement. Fortunately, the dogs don't care. I'll bring out the Parker DH 16 for next week's hunting, and set aside my go-to grouse gun (a Dickson 28).

This weekend is the annual Minnesota Teachers Association meeting, so kids are off from school and riding roughshod over the trails on four-wheelers. We hunt the non-motorized areas during this stretch, but there is a marked increase in hunters during this weekend.

The dogs are getting used to this new routine, and are excited to be able to hunt every day. It's difficult getting three dogs enough time out (and the forth, a "retiree," time to walk a trail or two). We logged over 10 miles yesterday according to Elaine's gps, and the dogs ran nearly three times that as the tracking collars show. Oh, to have four young legs!

I really appreciated Dean's lines about Autumn hunting. I feel that anymore I'm hunting experiences more than birds, stockpiling memories for the off-season...and the day when I may not be able to go any more.

Well, the snow has stopped, and the woods are calling. I hope Harold can let us know about his hunt, and I'd love to read of anyone else's (and thanks again to Mark for sharing his good fortune).

1. The morning ritual -- letting the dogs out first thing at the local gravel pit -- this time in a snow squall.
2. Yesterday was warm enough that the dogs sought out water to cool themselves off.
3. My little Dickson. It's taken more grouse for me than any other gun, and it's been my go to grouse gun for nearly 40 years.
4. Although leaves have mostly fallen (or been blown off!), the tamaracks still have good color, and remind me of Aldo Leopold's advice that the best time to hunt grouse is when the tamaracks are "smokey gold."
5. It's not often that you get a point just out of the truck and on a well groomed trail like this. Unfortunately, or perhaps predictably, the bird got up without offering a shot.

pictures right out of a storey book....great reading and pictures...thanks fellas....charlie

Our second, and last, week is winding down and for us this has been a good trip with generally lots of birds flushed and some decent work from our dogs. The weather provided almost everything, but was basically cool enough to be comfortable while walking hard, and damp enough for scenting conditions to be good for the dogs. Throughout the trip we've found what I've concluded are broods from a late hatch, frequently flushing multiple birds from finds. The birds we've killed have been very young ones for the most part. Our best day, this past Tuesday, produced 42 flushes.

This current week has been one of firsts. My first grouse taken over a point by our pup, Aspen, who improved with every outing (but is still very much a puppy). That first bird for Aspen, which he brought to hand, was also the first shot fired from my new-to-me DH 16 (straight/splinter, two triggers -- the way I like them). This gun fits me well and shoots high, made for rising birds. It's about 1 3/4 lbs. heavier than my Dickson 28, but was still a joy to carry. Made in 1904, I can't help but think that it's original purchaser would have been a kindred spirit.

We also were able to meet PGCA member Jeff Christie and his hunting buddy, Darren, both from northern Iowa. Jeff showed me one of his Parkers, a family owned gun originally purchased in a small Iowa town just a stone's throw from where we live now. Quite the treasure for obvious reasons. We enjoyed meeting Jeff and Darren.

Elaine and I have logged over 80 miles so far with three days of our trip remaining. We are tired, but content, as are the dogs (who logged about 3-5 miles for each of ours). I hate to see the trip end, but will look forward to next year with optimism and anticipation. In our family, there's October in Minnesota, and waiting for October in Minnesota.

Photos:
1. What a treat to take Aspen's first pointed bird with the first shot fired with this old Parker. Almost as good as winning the Billion Dollar Lottery...almost.

2. PGCA member Jeff Christie, his hunting buddy Darren, Elaine and I were able to meet for lunch. One of the highlights of my trip.

3. I have a reverence for trees, especially ones like these that, for whatever reason missed getting cut back in the day. We run upon these virgin pines every now and then, and not far from where we stay is the "Lost Forty," a 40 acre patch of virgin pines that, through a clerical error, was never cut. It's a trip back in time to walk among these giants.

4. Yes, sunset photos are a cliche, but for me, every one is different, especially when it comes after a long day with Elaine and the dogs doing something we love so much. (Note: We stopped no traffic in taking this photo from the center of the road...the benefit of being in the middle of the northwoods.)

Here's a postscript to our hunt. We are now home after one of the best October hunts we've had in years.

Jeff promised to send me a picture of the Black Duck of Black Duck, and true to his word, he did. A real pleasure to meet another Parker man.

I'm still hoping that another Northwoods hunter will post a report or photo to help ease the pain of another October gone.

On to the quail cover of Missouri!

Photos:

1. The Black Duck of Black Duck (Thanks, Jeff!!)

2. Cedar in Cabin #6...I assume dreaming of grouse, the Northwoods, and next October.

3. An October sky, something to remember until next year. There are far too few Octobers

I have been swamped at work, and physically beat up since my return from 2 weeks in the UP. It was a great trip, with a few snafu's. I had better weather than those of you who headed north early in Oct., but still was a little wet.
My main goal was to get my 2 female 15 mo old setters, Willie and Doodle into birds. Goal Accomplished!! I took up 2 greenhorn pups and brought back 2 birddogs. It took the first week to really get them going, but oh my, when the light went on in their pretty little heads, they took off exponentially. I could rely on getting several shots each day over their solid points--they could not rely on me making those shots, however enough were made to make them happy. This was all on grouse, as the woodcock had pretty much departed. Besides finding birds, they will now automatically Back each other, or my other dogs, they also are nicely retrieving, and did a good job of finding "dead" birds that did not cleanly drop. The old reliable veterans Betty and Fancy did there usual good jobs as expected. Betty at 14 still amazes me with her grit and determination--she cant hear, but nothing wrong with her full choke nose.
I mostly used my little VHE 20. A beat up little gun whose original 28" tubes were cut to 26.5, no finish left on this gun, but so comfortable to carry and shoot. A little German 16 hammer( 5 lbs 13 oz) with 30" cyl/F was the only other gun used.
I had fish dinner one Friday night with Rich Anderson, at the Ace of Clubs bar in Sagola, and got to see Kenny Graft also.
I hunt long and hard, and into the second week knew something just wasnt right. I used to run marathons for Sh*ts and giggles, and now felt like I was at high altitude and couldnt get enough oxygen, and my chest was aching.
Basically developed a walking pneumonia, and left one day early to come home. Not to worry, I am back to my old self, and ready to head off to Kansas after pheasant and quail. Well, enough of my drivel, I will post a few pics each day of the trip. Hope you enjoy!
Willie's first grouse culminating a retrieve to hand.
Doodle's first grouse also retrieved.
Willie looks like a magazine cover on point--hard to take pics when a young dog is pointing like that!

Betty and Fancy--dont know if they really like me, or just want the treats in my pocket.
Betty wit th only woodcock I shot at on the trip

My friend Terry, going in over one of Fancy's points. When not hunting birds with me, or persuing monster whitetails, he may be your pilot when you fly United Airlines.
The view from the living room Of camp.
Terry shoots an old Berretta BL4 20 ga, that was his high school grad present.

Harold...sounds like an awesome trip minus the crud! Glad you're back to normal. Love it when a pup turns the lights on!

Yep, for me the best time in a dog's life is when the light bulb comes on for a pup. It sure is an exhilarating time for me and I think for the dog as well.

Good to hear your trip went reasonably well.

Hey, Harold,

Glad to see your posts and the wonderful pictures. Sorry about the health issue you experienced, but it sounds as if your trip was a great success otherwise. To have your pups into wild birds is like a booster shot of experience for them. I sure enjoyed your pictures. Those are beautiful dogs.

It's snowing and the temperatures are dropping quickly here in Northern Missouri. We'll pause from quail hunting for the deer opener tomorrow, but will head to Iowa for some bird hunting next week.

I think you should encounter cooler weather in Kansas over the next few weeks. I hope you'll post more news of that hunt also.

Did you get to hunt over Kenny's Gordon? I've corresponded with him several times and have seen pictures of her (Miss Ruby as I recall).

Good luck with your future hunts!

Harold i look forward to everyone's hunting posts but none as much as yours. Great dogs and photos, thank you and good luck in Kansas.

Great report and pics! Love those Setters!

What great pics folks are posting. Not a grouse in sight around here. Going to be a boring winter if I don't have a passel of ruffies to keep fed. Back to the chainsaw issue: I just bought a Stihl 140 cordless chainsaw and it absolutely kicks butt! I cut down a 50ft tall, 14" aspen with the 12" bar in way less than 30 seconds. I am going to love this baby! Two friends watching went right down and each bought one for themselves.

I felt the grouse numbers were maybe slightly down from last year, but not much. Of course I spent a lot of time with young inexperienced dogs on the ground so maybe not. I HAVE HUNTED this particular area every year since 1986, so am very intimate with the area.
Garry, I did not get to hunt with Kenny and Ruby, but when Ruby and my Fancy were pups we met up at a preserve and worked them together on pheasant. I am looking forward to hunting with her in Kansas.
Willie seemed to do a little better on grouse than Doodle, but I took both dogs out to my club for pheasant Wed. Doodle seemed to do better on pheasant than Willie. Willie glides thru the cover like a Cadillac, while Doodle runs like a monster truck. Doodle is a little sprite of a dog, maybe 30 lbs, almost pure white, and lots of personality.
Richard, that chainsaw sounds great--I think I know what I want for Christmas.
I'll post more pictures if I get them downloaded to my laptop this weekend.

So, Richard, that Stihl cordless is robust enough for us that don't make a living with a chainsaw? You should draw a commission from Stihl, because it sounds like several of us may buy one off your experience.....

All the best,
Dave

Richard, how long does the battery last with a full charge, I mean how long of a running time?

my docter want let me run a gas chain saw any more on acount of a defliberater they installed in me....no welding not suppose to ride lawn mower.....maybe i could use a cordless chain saw..i believe richard has some thing going here...charlie

Charlie - my brother in law has one of those and when it goes off it knocks him right on his butt.

He was at work one day when it went off and he went down... his foreman came over to help him back on his feet again and it went off again and because his foreman was holding his arm the foreman got knocked on his butt too.





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mine aint went off yet dean and i hope it doesnot sounds like your uncle and his foreman had a rough time...i had to wear one of those life vests that will give you a good shock if it goes off.. i was home from the hosipital 2 days and that vest went off abulance came and got me to the hospital we went again while i was on the operating table it went off again ...doctors and nurses could not get this thing off me for being shocked too...the vest went off again and then again the shock broght me strait up from the table..they said i set a new record for the times my heart was pulseing over 300 beats a minute...this vest saved my life for sure...but the electric shock is a rough one...i stayed in the hospital 3 weeks....the doctor the day i was released that he did not know what was wrong with me and that my heart was pumping on 15 percent and that i was in a delicate situation....that was 2 years agoand by the grase of GOD i am pumping on 25 percent now but thats tops they say...yesterday evening i went a short deer hunting...did not see anything but felt good to be in the woods again...even bought some 12 ga slugs to shoot in a 10 ga parker let yall know how this turns out...sorry fellows for running on.....charlie

Well 25 percent is better than 15 and 15 is better than nothing.

Stay well and don’t over do anything.





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The "bird belt"--a great way to carry birds on warm days( there is a necker on each side, + game straps.
There has to be a bird around here somewhere.
Betty, age 14, got a little tired while on point, so she "set" for a while--no loss of intensity otherwise, and yes I got that bird. Fancy is backing.

you have a very smart dog...i too use my behind more these days aint a sign of getting older or weaker just getting smarter....good pictures.....lovely dogs.....charlie

Great photos! I wish all bird dogs could go as long as Betty, and I hope she has more years to enjoy. I know it's difficult to get all of the dogs good hunting time as you are transitioning to the next generation. Looks like you are doing well at getting everyone some time in the coverts, Harold.