Looking forward to the grouse season in Michigan's U.P. I have my lodging set up for the month of October and early November and will probably go early just to scout out some new cover. I have come into an old-timers triple secret maps for several areas I frequent and I made it to several of those spots last season. They were productive and the anticipation is killing me.
I sent off my young setter to boot camp. He is the first dog I have ever needed to send to a pro but he is too headstrong for my training methods. He has a good skill set so I am anxious to see how educable he is. My other two pups are getting old so the youngster will see plenty of work his second season. Buzz, the trainer swears he is working at 30 to 35 yards if you can believe that.
I already took my 16 to the gunsmith and he gave it his blessings after dripping a few drops of holy water on the stock. It beaded nicely and the fortune teller I took along gazed into the small pool on the stock and sang the praises of the forthcoming season.
So we are all in for a good season and if it should not measure up to the fortune tellers vision we need to remember that a bad day in the field beats the hell out of the best day in the office. Of course for us retired folks they are all good days albeit some are better than others.
May the Grouse gods be with you, for if you can hit a grouse on the wing you can slay all comers. For what it is worth the fellow who started this thread can hit more than his share of grouse on the wing. He also has some really nice dogs. Now, I only hunted over 5 or 6 of his 14 but those were nice pups.
Mike
