Opening Weekend in Grouse Country
 

A memorable weekend to say the least. Beating through the thick Southern NY grouse covers while the foliage is still dense, my 3-year-old French Brittany, Finn, and I put in the miles with my 26” VH 20 gauge.

We only managed to flush two grouse. The first was nothing more than an ear shot, but the second happened to be this beautiful red phase bird. I’m beyond blessed to have been able to take such a special bird with good dog work and ol’ reliable by my side.

Needless to say, it was all worth it. 🪶🍂

Thank you for your post. Made me smile! My season starts on October 11 with my invite to lower Michigan, about one hour south of the bridge. Bird numbers are good and with my two young setters we surely will also be blessed be the Lord willing....(-:

Looks like good weather , good bird, good dog , good gun. you are blessed !!

In a prior life I would have been out there very near you, William. Hunted the Southern Tier for almost 50 years, always tried to psyche out the weather in timing the first hunt: go opening day when its usually too warm and the leaves are still on the trees or wait till later when the air is chill and the leaves are mostly down. After trying all combinations over the years we just decided to go whenever we felt like it and wound up never regretting it. Wonderful country and wonderful birds!

You’re livin’ right, William. Being blessed with birds, a good dog, and a good gun is indeed a blessing…but having the gratitude for it makes it even better.