Leaves!
There are many factors that may make the difference between successful grouse hunts and those ventures that turn out to be particularly frustrating. Early on in the grouse season, warm temperatures and abundant leaf cover are often the greatest hindrances for dogs and hunters. We have been very fortunate so far to have cool temperatures early this season, with most days topping out in the mid-50's, usually with some moisture and/or clouds. In short, it has been nearly perfect conditions for the dogs to work and get a nose full of bird scent and stay mostly cool at the same time.
Monty, Rosie and Bode have all run hard this week and we have been rewarded with good work from all three at times. Whether it has been on grouse or woodcock, each have had several sticking points on birds that neglected to get out in time. Which brings us to the dreaded never-ending foliage problem ...
Unfortunately, many of our leaves have not dropped yet, so it is extraordinarily thick out there to try to get a visual on a flushing bird. In less than a second, it seems, they are away from danger (us) and in abundant security, safe within a forest of trees and leaves. The main problem is that we have not yet had a frost of any kind, and definitely no "killing" frost yet. The trees are happily swaddled in their blanket of leaves, and it looks like this might be a problem for a while, as it will stay mild all of this week.
Monty, Rosie and Bode have all run hard this week and we have been rewarded with good work from all three at times. Whether it has been on grouse or woodcock, each have had several sticking points on birds that neglected to get out in time. Which brings us to the dreaded never-ending foliage problem ...
Unfortunately, many of our leaves have not dropped yet, so it is extraordinarily thick out there to try to get a visual on a flushing bird. In less than a second, it seems, they are away from danger (us) and in abundant security, safe within a forest of trees and leaves. The main problem is that we have not yet had a frost of any kind, and definitely no "killing" frost yet. The trees are happily swaddled in their blanket of leaves, and it looks like this might be a problem for a while, as it will stay mild all of this week.
The last three days have been in New Hampshire, but we will be back in Vermont this week on Tuesday.
I have not noticed much of a difference yet between the two states - lots of foliage out there, as well as a decent amount of birds. The grouse have been found mostly in singles or pairs, but we did flush a group of four in Vermont early last week. Woodcock sightings should improve as the weather gets colder, especially to the north of us.
There were lots of hunters out this weekend, but maybe the wet weather kept some people out of the woods. We heard some shooting today, but nearly none the first two days of the season, perhaps further testimony that the birds were being heard and not seen by everyone else too.
Let's hope the visibility gets a little better soon ...
I have not noticed much of a difference yet between the two states - lots of foliage out there, as well as a decent amount of birds. The grouse have been found mostly in singles or pairs, but we did flush a group of four in Vermont early last week. Woodcock sightings should improve as the weather gets colder, especially to the north of us.
There were lots of hunters out this weekend, but maybe the wet weather kept some people out of the woods. We heard some shooting today, but nearly none the first two days of the season, perhaps further testimony that the birds were being heard and not seen by everyone else too.
Let's hope the visibility gets a little better soon ...
