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Most Online1,344 Apr 29th, 2024
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,756 Likes: 748
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,756 Likes: 748 |
...the grouse population on the rebound in central MN. Had a WONDERFUL day of hunting here today (Saturday) just the dog, I, and my century (give or take) old 16 Tobin. I stole off between coats of varnish on the woodwork for the baby's room, and in 2 1/2 hours moved four birds. I was presented with shots at three and collected one, a young bird. I moved one woodcock, which I didn't take (easy enough shot) since the dog didn't handle it well, and I have been passing on the little guys since their numbers seem to be waning.
A nice reward, and better than the last few times I made it out the previous season. The number 7 Westley Richards 2 1/2 loads did their work superbly (when I did mine)
Hope you guys are doing as well, or better. I love it here. Pheasant opens in a few weeks, and I can't wait. Best, Ted
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,250
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,250 |
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,001 Likes: 65
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,001 Likes: 65 |
Similar day in Wisconsin. Moved 15 grouse, saw two, bagged one. Took one woodcock, but I could have taken a dozen. I'd say the upswing has begun. Fall colors are spectacular.
I'll be in MN for the pheasant opener.
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 5,021
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 5,021 |
No pictures Ted!! And no Darne??
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 614
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 614 |
Been the same in northeastern Michigan. Flushed about eight yesterday and two woodcock. Only really had about 3 shots, bagged one This was around 8:30-9:00AM. I havent been able to get out in the afternoon/evening, but am planning on it tomorrow. Will post pics if I shoot any. Darn leaves still havent fallen and the ferns are still up! Thank you cyl imp cyl
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,756 Likes: 748
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,756 Likes: 748 |
I only had 2 1/2 hours-I brought gun, ammo, dog, dog bell, compass and a sandwich and water. Sorry, no camera. The Darne will be along for pheasant opener. Best, Ted
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 5,021
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 5,021 |
Ted, what does this Tobin weigh after you restocked it, Nice job by the way!!!!! Does your Tobin feel better than a Darne is it lighter, faster to the shoulder? I've heard, correct me if I'm wrong that Woodcock leave a very heavy scent that scrambles even the best dog sniffers, is this what happened?? All the best
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,756 Likes: 748
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,756 Likes: 748 |
The restocked Tobin weighs 6lbs, 6ozs. I didn't do it, Randy Murray, of The Dalles, OR did it.
It is a little heavier than my 12 gauge R10, and a little lighter than my Bruchet R 16 12 ga. magnum.
The guns get to the shoulder as fast as I get them there, I guess. A little slower than when I was 21!
If there is an easier bird for a dog to work than a woodcock, I don't know about them. When I was having trouble with my Gordon setter pup bumping birds, Norm Sorby told me to take him woodcock hunting. The bumping went away after a day. The birds are steady, stinky, and a pup can figure them out quickly, on his own. Best, Ted
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 67
Member
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Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 67 |
Last Sunday, in Manitoba, 6 of us got 10 sharptails up in a 2 mile walk, of which we bagged 9. A "covey" of 4 produced 3 on the flush, and a walk-up on the spot the last one landed ended badly for the bird. We followed that with a "covey" of 6 which stayed together after the flush, resulting in 5 more birds in the bag.
I'd been led to believe that grouse would flush more wildly, but these birds didn't flush until 10 or 20 yards away. Since I have only hunted grouse that one time, I'm interested in finding out if that is typical for sharptails.
Thanks,
Todd
Youth is stolen by Wisdom.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 606
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 606 |
Ted, I have to agree with you. I hunted bear last week, about 75 miles northeast of here. The property was crawling with ruffies. I must return this weekend with the 16 bore hammergun!
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