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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,617 Likes: 1026
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,617 Likes: 1026 |
Coloration of these northern birds tends to be the grey phase, w/lots of mixed phase birds taken as well (a mix of red and grey phases). I would guess this hen is a mixed phase bird. Red birds are not as common as is seen in the more southern and eastern forests. Here's one of the sub-adults headed for cover. 
Last edited by Lloyd3; 07/29/15 09:38 PM.
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,617 Likes: 1026
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,617 Likes: 1026 |
Mea culpa! I went back through my pictures and I'm fairly sure these birds are Spruce Grouce, not Ruffed. You northern boys should have caught me on this one.
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 810 Likes: 15
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 810 Likes: 15 |
I shot a spruce grouse up in Alaska while on a moose hunt. I must say that they are one of the more tasty varieties!
-Shoot Straight, IM
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,723 Likes: 126
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,723 Likes: 126 |
Mea culpa! I went back through my pictures and I'm fairly sure these birds are Spruce Grouce, not Ruffed. You northern boys should have caught me on this one. Can't fool the Southern boys though!...Geo
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 238
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 238 |
[image]  [image][image]  [image] A couple closer shots of an Alaska Spruce grouse. I know, not a double, but another fine fowling piece.
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,617 Likes: 1026
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,617 Likes: 1026 |
Glad to hear the Alaskan versions are toothsome. The Sprucies I've taken in Minnesota are dark meat birds that aren't terrible, but are nowhere near as good as Ruffies as tablefare. Males are easy to discern; the hens can be another matter.
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 238
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 238 |
Hard to beat a patridge at the table.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,719 Likes: 1355
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,719 Likes: 1355 |
FWIW, I never can tell which version I just shot at, and always make positive identification after the dog retrieves it.
Either version is good to eat. The ruffed is better. There are a lot more ruffed grouse in the areas I hunt in.
Best,
Ted
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