Rocky Mountain Grouse - Scouting begins..

[David]

The Grouse season starts in a quick five weekends up here so I decided to try a few new areas to see what we could kick up. Got up a few single males and a couple of broods that are still together. The first year birds look small. I wonder if some late snow in the spring set them back a few weeks. Just enough summer rain has the flowers popping still. Tried two spots between 8,500 and 9,500 feet. both had birds and we put up ten in total in two outings most would have been tough shooting but a few would have found the pot i think. Had to like the guy that flushed up and sat in a tree posing. Don't do that next time I see you! hah. There is still snow in the high peaks above us and might make it to the first new snows.. Some photos, a blister from new boots -dang , and some tired dogs. nice.

[mobirdhunter]

Beautiful scenery.

Just wondering what the temperature and humidity was. Here it’s over 90 for both. Definitely not scouting weather.

[David]

Originally Posted by Garry L Gordon

Beautiful scenery.

Just wondering what the temperature and humidity was. Here it’s over 90 for both. Definitely not scouting weather.

Great question - with the altitude we are already in the low 40's overnight and highs in low 70's. Humidity is currently low 20% . I left at about 7:00Am to get out early and wrapped before 11AM.

[Harold Pickens]

Great looking dogs and beautiful horizons. Here in West Virginia which was once a storied grouse mecca, that might be a whole seasons worth of flushes.
Keep us posted and envious as your season commences.

[mobirdhunter]

Oh, for cooler temperatures and lower humidity!

[Lloyd McKissick]

This really gets me going, thankyou!





The ruffies of the Great White North have spoiled me a bit but I still remember chasing "Blues" out here. All my old coverts have mostly been run over (by all the growth on the Front Range) but... I surely appreciate the reminder of those fun past hunts.

It used to be birds in the morning and then trout in the afternoon on those "opening" weekends.


Tricos!

[David]

Fantastic photos Lloyd - though I may have progessed to the - Grouse in the morning - Nap in the afternoon - phase of life.

[Lloyd McKissick]

Fear not David....I appreciate a good nap now and then too.