Grouse and Woodcock Shooting

[Dean Romig]

Yup, dogs are fun to watch but, in my opinion, not absolutely necessary to the hunt. It's all a matter of opinion and what one considers as the "essence" of the hunting experience. I've had dogs, Brittanies and labs, and I can easily do without a dog. Most times I prefer an "armed walk in the woods" than to constantly be looking for my dog or listening for his bell or beeper. I trust my own "bird sense" and do acceptably well in pleasing the person who I do it for. No offense intended to anyone who does it primarily for the "dog" experience.

[OH Osthaus]

Originally Posted by Dean Romig

I trust my own "bird sense" and do acceptably well in pleasing the person who I do it for. No offense intended to anyone who does it primarily for the "dog" experience.

No reason for anyone to take offense - I hunted without a dog for a few years.(there is actually one of the few funny stories from a bad marriage in there) I just prefer it, just as I prefer a double over a pump or semi auto. To each their own sport when honestly persued.

Maybe "why a dog" (apologies to the Marx brothers) would make a good thread to while away hot summer days.

[ch]

Humm, I guess if you have not hunted grouse you have not hunted at all. Swells.

[C.O.B.]

I have trudged through the fields hunting Pheasants as a much younger person when there were Pheasants to trudge after and I have busted through the Alder thickets for Grouse all with out the benefit of a dog, but no more. I enjoy a fine shotgun ALMOST as much as good dog work. If you companion is well trained you both will spend more time hunting birds instead of each other. Then there is the issue of finding birds as the worst dog has a better nose than we do (Dean may be an exception) and what about the cripples that the dog can find far better than us. I can recall on more than one occasion where the dog has returned with a bird that I though was missed. Last but not least is the pride in hunting with a companion you have trained and cared for possibly for years, given and received unconditional love and respect for each other abilities and faults.

At the end of the day an "Armed walk in the woods" is better than no walk in the woods but a walk in the woods with a fine shotgun and your best friend scouring the cover for scent...priceless.

[ch]

Well said Richard, Hate to here about Gunner. Last season I was hunting some tall thick stuff lot of birds in it couldn't see out. Shot at a couple we move on hunt some more spots around the tall stuff. Get done, me and Sam head back to the pickup Sam points I walk up nothing flushes something moves Sam grabs it it's a phesant I didn't even know I got. Broke wing broke leg still alive moving on one leg. A fine moment in hunting. I have hunted a lot without dog. But the man dog team is very enjoyable.

[C.O.B.]

My little buddy Gunner. I have shared a hunt with no finer companion and been privaledged to do so for 14 seasons now.

[Opening Day]

Rich looks me as if you are bothering Gunner from his nap taking his picture and in that last picture he is saying "Get Lost"

[Dean Romig]

Grouse chicks have hatched and most of the best New England coverts are being pounded with torrential downpours...

One of the biggest causes of grouse chick mortality is pnuemonia from these long soaking rains.

[OH Osthaus]

Originally Posted by Dean Romig

Grouse chicks have hatched and most of the best New England coverts are being pounded with torrential downpours...

One of the biggest causes of grouse chick mortality is pnuemonia from these long soaking rains.

sadly too true

as one biologist said

"a wet chick is a dead chick"

[ed good]

nice thread! brings back lots of memories...