Old Friends

[TARNATION !!!]

Ah the infamous cell phone un-asked for rotation. Will fix that when at home

[C.O.B.]

Thats a nice print Jack. When they burst out of a snowbank or anywhere else for that matter it will test your cardiac rhythm.

[TARNATION !!!]

Yes they do. I have had to adjust that rhythm several times a year but normally with roosters. I had a marvelous hunt in snow with Jim back in the late '70s. It was a bright sunny day and there had been a fresh snowfall overnight. We were on a hillside that sloped to a creek. It was rooster country. A completely snow-covered hen flushed close to me. Then a rooster too far away to consider. As I worked down a bit of a trail another rooster burst from under the snow sending the freshly fallen flakes in great profusion, giving the effect of glittering diamonds against the brilliant clear blue sky. It was an awesome sight, never repeated so far. My daughters heard this story many times and when they saw the grouse flushing from snow, they couldn't resist sending it to me. Good daughters for sure. BTW, I wasn't so awe-struck as to not send a flock of #6 pellets through that beautiful scene resulting in a fine meal enjoyed later. Cheers, Jack

[C.O.B.]

A grouse that flushes from a tree above you will rearrange your heart rate as well. Daisy was locked on point staring directly at a big Hemlock. She wouldn't budge, I looked up in the tree and didn't see anything. I circled the tree and still couldn't see a bird....until it flushed and then just for a second. That has to be the hardest shot in the uplands. Moral of the story....always trust your dog.

[Brush Buster]

Originally Posted by Rich Anderson

A grouse that flushes from a tree above you will rearrange your heart rate as well. Daisy was locked on point staring directly at a big Hemlock. She wouldn't budge, I looked up in the tree and didn't see anything. I circled the tree and still couldn't see a bird....until it flushed and then just for a second. That has to be the hardest shot in the uplands. Moral of the story....always trust your dog.

Rich ,It surely will test your heart rate and also your shooting skills ! After 50 Seasons of chasing Sir Grouse I have yet to ever bring one to bag that flushed from a tree limb above my head !

[C.O.B.]

I can't recall making that shot either Russ and I've tried it many times. Maybe that's why the Yoopers (people who live in the Upper Peninsula) shoot them out of the tree

[todd allen]

Originally Posted by Rich Anderson

Thats a nice print Jack. When they burst out of a snowbank or anywhere else for that matter it will test your cardiac rhythm.

I agree, on the cardio-shock that a grouse flush can cause. Especially, when you don't know he's there.
The worst scenario, for me at least, is when I'm out still-hunting for deer, and while my gaze is fixed on distant scenery, an unseen grouse busts out from under my feet.
It's what I imagine defibrillation feels like!