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teamasc
Forum Admin
1127 Posts |
 Posted - 10/18/2007 : 21:15:22
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Talking to Kuch today, I realized I hadn't posted this report on here. Last week 10/11-10/14, went up to Evart on the NW side to hunt grouse with a group of friends. Had as many as 5 hunters and 4 dogs during the 4 days.
First day was great. Lots of flushes and the dogs were really nailing the birds. I quickly shot a limit of woodcock and missed a couple grouse. Leaves were still on pretty thick, so the shooting was tough. After lunch, headed to some new spots, and after a great morning with 12 grouse and 15 woodcock flushed, we only managed a woodcock flush on the eve hunt. My buddy Bill who hadn't seen much in the morning, came bac to the truck with 4 grouse and 2 woodcock. He had found a pocket of grouse and hit the only four he even saw. In all, he had 25+ flushes in about 2 hrs.
Second day was slow for everyone. Fair numbers of birds, and a few shots, but I managed a woodcock, and Bill did, too.
Third day, had 4 fast grouse pointed and flushed, without even seeing them. Was frustrating not getting the dogs a retrieve or even a shot after the good work. One was less than 10 yds from me when it flushed, but I never saw a feather. Later, my setter pointed a grouse that flushed in the open. Only problem is he almost hit me in the face and I missed two quick shots, only to be watching with an empty gun as he soared across a wide open field.  We flushed half dozen more grouse later in the afternoon, but I just could not connect on any.
4th day we were all beat. Hunted the morning with my buddy Glen. Tried some new spots, and flushed 5 in the first 2 hrs. Only saw 2 and both were fleeting glimpses as they didn't let the dog get within 40 yds of them. After another 2 hrs, we called it a day and headed for home without any more birds flushed.
In a nutshell, bird numbers do appear to be up slightly, but are far from the peak numbers of 30+ flushes I am used to getting around that area.
Will be in Hillsdale this weekend for the pheasant opener. A lot easier to hit them than those darn grouse.
Todd Alexander
ASC Membership Services Manager
talexander@team-asc.com
www.team-asc.com
734-552-4839
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