First Impressions
Our first days of the Vermont grouse hunting season are now in the books, and it's been a solid start so far. A good number of grouse, and even a few woodcock (the season starts on Friday, October 1 for them), have filled the sky escaping us over the last two days. As grouse are inclined to do, they gave my clients Vince and Brad precious few realistic shooting opportunities however - at times running out way ahead of points (yes, they're already doing that), or quickly putting a tree, leaves, or other vegetation between them and the hunters, so "good" chances have been few and far between.
While yesterday's weather left a little to be desired, as a fast moving front came rolling in with some showers yesterday afternoon, today's weather was nearly a perfect fall day - a light breeze, some sunshine, and temps in the mid to upper 50's. Though it was very pleasant conditions, we still went through lots of water - dogs, hunters, and guide alike. The foliage? There's still plenty of it, but it is changing quickly, and the leaves seem to be dropping a bit faster this year due to the drought we have been in. There's still plenty of cover for flushing birds though, at least for a few more weeks.
All three dogs got their work in over the last two days, with Bode's session yesterday through heavy spruce cover in the light rain, and Rosie's romp this morning through nearly perfect regenerating poplar cover as the standouts. Both encountered a lot of birds, and had a fair number of points, but some of the grouse were up to their usual chicanery. While both Vince and Brad got a couple shots each at fleeing grouse, it was Vince that connected on one of his efforts, bringing down his first ruffed grouse ever - a great memory to reminisce about back home in Virginia.
All three dogs got their work in over the last two days, with Bode's session yesterday through heavy spruce cover in the light rain, and Rosie's romp this morning through nearly perfect regenerating poplar cover as the standouts. Both encountered a lot of birds, and had a fair number of points, but some of the grouse were up to their usual chicanery. While both Vince and Brad got a couple shots each at fleeing grouse, it was Vince that connected on one of his efforts, bringing down his first ruffed grouse ever - a great memory to reminisce about back home in Virginia.
We have another day in Vermont tomorrow, then will be turning our attention to our New Hampshire coverts, as the grouse and woodcock seasons open on October 1. We have a very busy next six weeks ahead of us, but I'll do my best to check in at least once a week to provide updates.
The season and conditions change fast as we go along - we're in the early season now with all of the foliage still present, but once that drops, we'll enter into the next (and my favorite) phase of the grouse hunting season - late October and early November hunting. The final phase is of course when the snow flies - winter grouse hunting.
The season is upon us and more updates will be forthcoming as time allows ...
The season and conditions change fast as we go along - we're in the early season now with all of the foliage still present, but once that drops, we'll enter into the next (and my favorite) phase of the grouse hunting season - late October and early November hunting. The final phase is of course when the snow flies - winter grouse hunting.
The season is upon us and more updates will be forthcoming as time allows ...
