First Blood

[Dean Romig]

My grandson Cam has been going to grouse camp with me for a few years now, and last fall, just before the opener, the family heirloom Parker VH 20 was passed on to him. It was purchased from A&F in NYC by his great-grandfather in 1942 as a used gun.

Well, Cam has taken a bunch of shots at grouse both last year and this season too, never being able to connect (I think that is something all of us grouse hunters have experienced at one time or other).

Saturday morning as we were hunting an alder-choked brook bottom Grace slammed into a classic point with the woodcock about two feet off the end of her nose. I told Cam to pick an open route and move in for the flush. The woodcock was pinned and wouldn't flush until Cam just about stepped on it.
Up it fluttered almost into my face but veered away and was towering over the alder and birch tops when Cam's gun spoke - a clean miss - but then he shot again and the woodcock tumbled. Grace found the bird and was mouthing it but was so excited she wouldn't pick it up as it was still alive.
I reached for it and that's when Grace decided to grab it. Cam was really happy but not nearly as happy and proud as I was! What a great day!

I sauteed the breasts that night at camp and Cam loved them!


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