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2 members (FlyChamps, 1 invisible),
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guests, and
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robots. |
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Key:
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Global Mod,
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Forums10
Topics38,614
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Most Online1,344
Apr 29th, 2024
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 322
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 322 |
Where will all you Grouse hunters be on September 15th?
Myself I have mixed emotions of where in Michigan to hunt. I thought of seeking permission to hunt on the grounds of my youth, the area still holds some birds, but I believe I will go back to the area south of Marquette where I lived so many years. The U.P. beckons in a way only those who have lived there probably understand.
I go forth on this date not so much because the hunting is good, but out of pent up desire to be in the woods with dogs and gun again. The air does not yet have that crisp fall scent, but knowing where some birds lay for later in the year is not a bad thing, and the memories are always there.
As the day approaches I have been getting prepared: trying to work the dogs as much possible in this years brutal heat; purchased two mixed flats of RST paper hull shells; been bugging the Smith to get my new gun finished; checked boots to make sure soles ok; checked gear to see what additions needed; and I have been reading Burton Spiller to properly set the mood.
Where ever you all venture on your opening day enjoy.
Chicago Mike
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 401
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 401 |
No birds in the UP. Just ticks and wolves now. Go to Minnesota.
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 646
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 646 |
No birds in Michigan period, go to Wisconsin. :-)
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 322
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 322 |
Such a valiant effort to deter but one hunter, and Erik you don't appear to live in Michigan. http://www.doublegunshop.com/forums/images/icons/default/grin.gifgrin As a side note if you cant find birds in the U.P. you are not looking in the right places.http://www.doublegunshop.com/forums/images/icons/default/laugh.gif laugh
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 401
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 401 |
I grew up in Michigan and have hunted grouse and woodcock in Michigan to no avail 20-30 days/season every year. It's too bad that there are no birds but the memories are important. You being a FIB  and all, you should not be calling my credentials into question. It was bad enough to have to put up with Illinois drivers in Michigan when there were fewer of you. I just know that you'd be a lot happier in Minnesota or Wisconsin.
Last edited by Erik330; 08/22/07 07:05 PM.
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,155
Member
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Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,155 |
There are no grouse in Minnesota. Drought dried up their little skins, and flooding has now washed their little corpses away.  The smart grouse hunters are all heading for Canada, or Maine or somewhere, and only us peasants are left to wander forlorn in the lifeless coverts, behind our puzzled dogs. Oh, sure, I'll carry the little Bernardelli 20ga., just for something to do with my hands. But whether I'll even bother to load it is anyone's guess. 
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 332 Likes: 1
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 332 Likes: 1 |
Ah Grousemas, which falls on Sept. 15th this year. As always I'll be in square miles of knee-high brome grass wishing I had binoculars to watch the pointers as they interact with young Prairie Chickens. This year it's time to finally blood the Bayard 16 bore.
It is always a ........wait a minute. You guys aren't suggesting that the only "Grouse" that is hunted is a Ruff are you? You wouldn't do that, would you? Nah, you all would rather hunt blues and sharpies and chickens and sage hens and all the rest, wouldn't you?
Last edited by steve voss; 08/22/07 08:31 PM.
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 322
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 322 |
Steve: My thoughts were on the ruffs, but a sharptail grouse, or Prairie Chicken as people in the plains states call them is certainly a good way to spend September 15th. What do you folks call true Prairie Chickens?
Erik:
I grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan and hunted grouse in the Manistee National Forest. I left for awhile and then lived in Michigan again from 1981 to 1992 in both Traverse Ciy and Marquette. Unfortunately, I now find myself back in Illinois. Funny how there are never any grouse anywhere in the United States.
For the life of me I can not figure out how to add the smiley faces?
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,794 Likes: 773
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,794 Likes: 773 |
Opening day is overrated. 'Skeeters you can put a saddle on, and 1 qt. capacity ticks, to go along with birds that are mostly invisible in the cabbage, and dogs working in the heat. Good chance I'll be in the boat that day, surveying the changing colors along the shores of one of the Apostle islands. I have had a wonderful run of good weather over the years right around grouse opener, there just doesn't seem to be much difference between the warm and cold fronts on lake Superior during that part of the month, making things pleasant. The bugs also seem to be on vacation in that part of the world, at that time, as well.
I'll report exactly where the birds aren't, here in Minnesota, one month or so later. The bird counts, pheasant and grouse, sound promising.
Best,
Ted
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,250
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,250 |
After reading this and knowning the few non-hunted quail I have left, glad I started taking-up ducks.
My three Labs and I can always find some action if wanted.
Nice traditions with all the trappings in fowling here in the flyways.
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