A month in Northern NH

[Chris Pope]

Spent the month in northern NH with several buddies and got home to SC last night. The birds were very kind to us this year. Plentiful flight birds and terrific grouse numbers given how poor the numbers were last year. Thought I’d share a couple photos:

1. 6 year old “Arcas” with a grouse and his 1 ½ year old buddy, “Fish”;
2. “Fish” with a Woodcock;
3. Hunting Dogs are NOT allowed on the furniture at camp (unless they’re tired from hunting);
4. Spotted this grouse the day before season opened along a forest road;
5. My buddy Larry, 83 years old and still taking grouse.

Departed Monday with 2” of snow/ice on my vehicle. It didn’t melt until we got to upstate NY.

[Rick Roemer]

Nice pictures. Congratulations. I’ve always wanted to travel into upper New England for birds. Just need the time.

[Reggie B]

Thanks for posting your trip! Those pictures do speak volumes don't they!

[Kevin McCormack]

Given the vagaries of cover cuttings and regrowth, and especially of climate changes, I think this is the way to do it - spend at least a couple of weeks, even better the month, exploring for grouse and taking whatever flight birds arrive while you're there as a bonus in your woodcock bag. Our two one-week forays years ago into far northern NH and VT were neatly summed up by the locals as, "Oh, man! You should have been here last week!"

[Chris Pope]

Originally Posted by Kevin McCormack

Given the vagaries of cover cuttings and regrowth, and especially of climate changes, I think this is the way to do it - spend at least a couple of weeks, even better the month, exploring for grouse and taking whatever flight birds arrive while you're there as a bonus in your woodcock bag. Our two one-week forays years ago into far northern NH and VT were neatly summed up by the locals as, "Oh, man! You should have been here last week!"

You're so right. Back when I was working and living in Central NH we would travel up north only to spend 2 days hunting. It could be hit or miss. And we dreamed of retiring to spend more time afield. Now our spouses are so gracious to allow us to travel and be away for extended periods (what I mean here is that they are grateful to be rid of us for an extended period!)

[mobirdhunter]

Chris, I enjoyed your pictures, being partial to those with dogs in them. Too bad you can’t load that water retrieve video.

Hope things are okay at home. MacQuarrie’s Mr. President declared, “Always good to get away, always good to get back home.” My sentiments exactly.

[Chris Pope]

"Mr. President declared, 'Always good to get away, always good to get back home.' My sentiments exactly."

Amen! Love MacQuarrie. Thank you Garry.