New Bird on the List
 

So my to-do list while I still can is to shoot and have mounts of all species of North American grouse. I have a few to go, but here's one on my short list. The Himalayan Snow Cock, huntable in a limited range in the high mountains of Nevada. A big bird, about the size of a sage grouse ( small turkey size) that lives above 8,000 ft, so you have to climb for them.

So, this 2013 fall is already full for me but 2014..... And I am friends with a local wildlife biologist/bird guy in Elko. And Charlie says he is game for it at 73 years old, so we're going and I know Dr. Dick will throw in for anything adventurous.

Are they all taken with a Parker shotgun Bruce?

Absolutely. A Parker 16ga.

Wish you guys luck, I have been told that it is very rough hunting for those birds. Good Luck and stay safe

My best wishes as well. Sounds like hunting a flying chamois in the Alps. The challenge should be worth it. Pretty bird. Absolutely- be safe!

When I was a kid I did some roped climbing in Yosemite, but this is just a slog up, and up and up. I might need to lose a few pounds.

I've hunted ruffed grouse in wet snowy thickets with downed timber and thorns and rocks and assorted nasties, and you fellows who live up there willingly do that and think its wonderful , so what's the problem with 8000 ft and climbing? Maybe we are all a little touched in the head?

And I've climbed and hiked 5 miles to 8,000 or 9,000 ft just to flog the waters with a bamboo stick in pursuit of 8 inch fish.....now that is really crazy.:)

Going after sage grouse again next month, skunked a couple times and out of range, but we know where they are on 5000 acres and I figure we can surround them. We just have to be wary of the grizzlies, wolves and don't let the dogs out at night because of big mountain lions.

You probably gained those pounds eating pork cutlets and corn dogs during/after RAGBRAI in Iowa. Not to mention the beer. My bet anyway.

This year I plan on having a few slugs and or buckshot discreetly available when hunting grouse in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Wolves are rapidly becoming a fact of life. There are a lot of fishers around and they aren't fun loving either.

The country looks spectacular. Hell- the view is worth the climb. The birds are merely a additive bonus.

[quote=Jeff Christie;112166]You probably gained those pounds eating pork cutlets and corn dogs during/after RAGBRAI in Iowa. Not to mention the beer. My bet anyway......


Can't/don't do that, but this is sublime:

Glad my buddy Charlie was not along because he is always taking a picture of me eating an ice cream cone, sundae, etc.

And....... there were Amish ladies selling slices of homemade pie. Rhubarb, cherry, blueberry, blackberry, peach, gooseberry, raspberry.
So I weighed 168 when I started, biked 450 miles, burned 3000-4000 calories per day , and came back at 172.

8000ft is the elevation of many of the valley floors in the basin and range of Nevada. I love that ice cream machine! I have found so many of those old stationary engines up here while working I lost count decades ago.

I have a few patients that were "grousing" at me today. Want to add them to your list??

this should make for a all time great hunting storey in the parker pages..i hope ya ll get the elusive bird..get one for the rest of us...have a great trip and a safe jorney to all... charlie

Only if they would make a worthy mount.

Hmmmm, maybe I could invite myself along?

Anytime, Dave.

And from another friend. A trap range with a view:

No pesky horizon to lose the target at that trap field.. Wow what a view.

Used to shoot clays in Oregon that way. You run out of gun long before the clay hits the ground. Fun Fun.

So a couple of us were talking and mentioning between ourselves that the forum has been a bit lacking and decided that it needed some content that was fun, interesting and Parker gun or hunting/collecting related. So here is an attempt and I'm glad to see people have participated.

The balance is to write something interesting without narcissistic ramblings and without mundane comments that nobody cares about. Efforts from others are always appreciated. Post photos.

How about Quail and Chachalaca, Ortalis vetula, in the Rio Grande Valley Bruce?
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/landwate...achalaca.phtml
I would strongly advise staying north of what passes for an international border however.

Absolutely Drew! In fact, several of us are talking about exactly that, and hunting the AZ Patagonia highlands and around Globe in Jan or Feb. Quail, chachalaca and chupacabre. Warmer there than in Alaska, Rich!

The wiley but elusive Arizona chupacabre!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZej2cs3VsA

I'm in brother! Quail season goes to the end of Jan. in AZ; I believe until the end of Feb in TX.
AZ G&F has yet to establish a Chupacabre season.

Don't count me out on that hunt yet Bruce. I'm home from the mine early and writing drill summaries as fast as I can....

I love each and every one of those pies. I would have gained 20 pounds a day...

Dennis

CH likes a little sweetness also:

Bruce I can't wait to see the pics from that trip,good luck and be safe

I will be doing a "bucket list" hunt the first of the year, a Quail hunt at Pine Hill Plantation with Shooting Sportsman magazine. It's part of their readers and writers wingshooting program. I have it narrowed down to a 28ga day, hammer gun day, and maybe an English gun day with the H&H and a Charles Boswell both 20's. Somewhere in there I need to fit in Gunner's Gun also.

yep gunner s gona be mad if you don t use his gun...sounds like its gonna be a good hunt...charlie

Snow Cock hunting over in Nevada sounds like it could be interesting, fun and lots of work. Those birds hangout in the same terrain as the mountain goats. It isn't just high altitude but high altitude hunting the steep, rock strewn cliffs.

I look forward to the photos and stories.