Little Blast and Useless Cast

[Maggiemollie]

Subject says it all. In NE VT for week. Weather thinks it's mid July. Way too hot.

On the way up stopped at my usual spot in St Johnsbury. Immediate raised a woodcock and downed him with th Franks's former M12 20g.

That pretty much has been it. Haven't raised a grouse. I'm not the best grouse hunter but at the place I am staying there are probably 6-7 other hunting parties and if 1 put up a grouse that was good. Ran into a camper in the Bill Sladyk WMA that I met last year and he has been there since Saturday and hasn't seen a grouse. Of the 5-6 other hunting groups that have been close to him he has heard 3 shots total.

It's dismal. Today I probably drove 30mi of logging road hoping to see something along the road and saw nothing.

Took my boat as well. That has been a big fat bust. Dogs swam. I got a sunburn. Who would think Oct 4th on the Quebec border one would be in swim trunks and no shirt getting sunburnt.

[Silvers]

Sorry to hear Ron but unfortunately such is grouse hunting nowadays in much of the northeast quadrant. Oh there seem to be pockets of grouse here and there but without lots of pre-season scouting it's pretty tough to find those areas. Not practical for those who drive many miles for their bird hunting vacations to old time favored spots, only to find a dearth of birds. Here in PA and despite all the loss of habitat and WNV excuses by our game people, and the self-serving calls for "habitat improvement" by the RGS, this long time grouse hunter believes there are other factors at play against our favored game bird. frank

[Jeff S]

Too bad Ron. We all typically make plans way in advance and weather can be a fickle thing. Earlier this week it was over 80 in Michigan’s U.P. Unbelievable!

[Maggiemollie]

Today was better. Literally parked at the entrance to the campsite and hunted along some swamps. Put up 3 grouse and fired at one. The other 2 stayed on the ground before the dogs finally caught up and by that time it was 100' away from me. Also out up several woodcock and got one with my Lefever Grade I. Maggie (brindle) actually found it and went on a short point before flushing. It was in thick mucky brush and at first I though she might have been stuck. Some pics. Swimming after the bumper in Norton Pond and then getting a burger.

[Maggiemollie]

Tired after a long day, geese that show up after early season and leave before regular season, and the woodcock.

[Jeff S]

Looks like beautiful area Ron. I hope you found your time outdoors relaxing and refreshing as opposed to a typical day “in the shop”.

[44whiskey]

thanks for the pics and report Ron,keep em comming