Both Willie and myself tired out after yesterdays 7 hour hunt. Didnt leave the cabin until later in the morning. Went to a favorite spot, but moved no birds until getting deep into the cut, and then Fancy pointed 2 groups of 2 birds, got a snap shot that connected. Fancy is now 9 yrs old, but still hunting well. She is a great dead bird finder and retriever. Moved several woodcock, but passed on the shots.
Moving to a different cover, Doodle got the call. Fancy and willie move thru the woods elegantly, like ballerina dancers. Doodle moves like a demolition derby car, or a roller derby player. She is a great retriever however. Moved 10 grouse with 7 of them pointed, and killed 2, this time with the little VHE 20 that got out for the first time this trip. Also moved 6 more woodcock. 14 grouse and 9 WC moved for the day, with 3 grouse taken.

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Thanks for sharing the pictures of your hunts Harold, some day a trip to the UP will hopefully happen. Flushing 5 grouse per day in Pa would be a great day, I’m jealous.
Stan

Harold, your pups must really be fine grouse dogs. What a joy to hunt grouse with a dog that knows how to handle Mr. Ruff.

We have warmer temperatures and a bit of rain to send your way from Northern Minnesota -- enjoy!

Another very productive day.
This old cut never ceases to amaze me with the number of grouse it still holds. It has lots of Hazel brush thru it and is adjacent to a lake.
Couldnt hit anything with the hammer 20 today, which had been a magic wand, so switched over to the 28 Dickinson for 2 more grouse and 1 WC. Weather is warm, still moving 8-10 WC/day, but concentrating mostly on "big bird" covers.

Today's pictures

I love the color variations of the northern grouse. These were taken on a staggered flush, the gray hen first, followed by the brown cockbird.

Color phases

Stopped in to see COB{ Rich Anderson ) at his hunting cabin in Channing today, it was his 70th birthday and looking good. He is heading back home in the am. It is now hot and dry up here, unlike the snow of 10 days ago, but still finding good numbers of birds. Wearing down, but still getting out there all day, cause there is no longer any grouse season back home.