Well, grouse season is now over...

[grouseguy]

for me anyway. Sunday, the 24th, was my last day, since I have to work all week. I decided that since it was going to be my last day grouse hunting for the year, that I would spend it with an old friend, my nine year old english setter, Jim. He and I have logged many miles and many birds together, and it just seemed right to leave the other dogs in the kennel, and spend a day with the old man, and I'm glad I did. We flew seven grouse, and he had solid points on five of them, with four providing shot opportunities, and two actually made it to the game bag, after they were retrieved to hand. As an added bonus, he also nailed a woodcock on its way back north, which I flushed and enjoyed as it twittered off.

It was a beautiful day to be outside, and a near perfect end to a good season overall. It truly was one of those days that I will look back on and remember for a long time.

Now comes the long off-season, but this one should be filled with anticipation for the future, since there are two good females that have been bred to Jim and due to deliver within the next few weeks. I plan to pick a pup from each litter, and see if they can grow up to provide days like their father did yesterday.

[GSP]

Glad you had the hunt you did. It is hard for people that don't have dogs to understand. I hope you and Jim have many more good hunts together.

[CSS archer]

Sounds like a great day grouseguy. It looked like it was to be a little warm for grouse hunting Sunday so I went to a bowshoot.

I will be taking off work and hunting Wednesday and Thursday though. My 8 1/2 year old setter is starting to get a little arthritic after a long days hunt, he still acts like a 2 year old for the first 4 or 5 hours though. I got into some woodcock last week myself, they are neat birds to watch.

There's nothing like climbing to a setter on point and anticipating that grouse flush!

[grouseguy]

GSP & CSS, seems like you both have a good understanding of what is so special to me about this sport. The dogs and my relationship with them are 90+% of the enjoyment of the sport for me.

And CSS, that anticipation thing, really got to me on one bird Sunday. You know what its like to "read" a dog that you have hunted with for several years. Well, on the second bird pointed, I walked in on a point in a cedar thicket that had been logged a few years ago and the old tops were covered in honeysuckle and Jim was "cocked and locked", and I just knew the bird was there and close, but unlike most grouse it didn't want to flush. So I did my best rabbit hunter impersonation and started kicking brush piles. Jim never moved, but with each kick his eyes bugged out just a little more in anticipation. I kept wondering where the grouse was, but was ever more convinced by his intensity that it was right there...somewhere. Finally, I kicked the right tree top, and it boiled out right off the toe of my boot. At which point, I mounted the gun and missed with both barrels a going away "easy" look. That's when the real humbling part comes...when you have to face your dog, with him giving you that "I can't believe you missed that" look. Those are the moments that you never forget.

[grouseguy]

GSP & CSS, seems like you both have a good understanding of what is so special to me about this sport. The dogs and my relationship with them are 90+% of the enjoyment of the sport for me.

And CSS, that anticipation thing, really got to me on one bird Sunday. You know what its like to "read" a dog that you have hunted with for several years. Well, on the second bird pointed, I walked in on a point in a cedar thicket that had been logged a few years ago and the old tops were covered in honeysuckle and Jim was "cocked and locked", and I just knew the bird was there and close, but unlike most grouse it didn't want to flush. So I did my best rabbit hunter impersonation and started kicking brush piles. Jim never moved, but with each kick his eyes bugged out just a little more in anticipation. I kept wondering where the grouse was, but was ever more convinced by his intensity that it was right there...somewhere. Finally, I kicked the right tree top, and it boiled out right off the toe of my boot. At which point, I mounted the gun and missed with both barrels a going away "easy" look. That's when the real humbling part comes...when you have to face your dog, with him giving you that "I can't believe you missed that" look. Those are the moments that you never forget.

[GSP]

I was thinking yesterday about this same thing. I can put money on my older bitch when she points and her eyes are locked on one focused area. It is funny how you get to the point with a dog that you, "just know". I was at the Clay farm WMA during the pheasant hunt and she pointed along side a ditch, there was nothing there except a patch of fescue about the size of a basketball. My buddy kicked it and nothing came out. I could look at her eyes and tell she had a bird nailed down. We tore the clump apart and still no bird, but she never moved. I finally dropped to a knee and looked under the clump. There was a hole in the bank and a cock that had a broken wing had back up into. I was able to reach the bird and pull it out. By then I had an about 6 people gattered around watching. One of my proudest moments. I "just knew" she was telling the truth.
One of things that you just have to be a dog man to understand.

[grouseguy]

Hey GSP,

What day were you at the Clay pheasant hunt? My wife and I were there on Saturday with Jim. We saw some groups hunting gsp's, we may have passed each other and didn't know it. We were the last truck parked all the way back the gravel/dirt/mud road next to the Licking River and we hunted those food plots next to the river.

[GSP]

I was there on Sat also. We were parked at the begining of the 2nd area. I was running 3 GSP's. We were right beside the road most of the time. We were in a black/silver GMC. Actually we (3 of us) limited in less than a hour. I let my dogs work for 3 other groups that were dogless. Had a blast.
I hope they do it again.

[grouseguy]

I agree, it was a lot of fun. We also took our limits in about 50 minutes. They were the first pheasants that my wife had ever shot, and she is planning to have one of her roosters mounted.

We also plan to put in for the quota hunt again next year, but may ask a couple of our friends to join us to make it last longer.

[GSP]

It was too short. In an hour the party was over but you and the dogs were still all dressed up and no where to go!
Hope that do have it again. I've heard through the grapevine that they may not do Clay next year. Cost too much?? I would hate losing a shoot of this quality. (If anyone from the Dept is reading this please don't pull the plug. Talk to us. There are ways of making it work.)
Grouseguy, I hope to run into you and Jim out in the field one day.
Pardon my dogs if they point at Jim as to say, "what's that big hairy thing with a long tail"?? <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> You know how those GSP's are.
Do you know Birdman, who posted on this site yesterday?

[grouseguy]

It was my understanding that we had an unofficial 3 year committment on the pheasant quota hunt for the eastern part of the state. It may or may not be at Clay, even though I personally was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the WMA, but may be at another eastern KY WMA to try to increase participation. Buford Clark does an excellent job with the food plots, plantings, etc. at Clay and IMHO doesn't get the recognition he deserves for the hard work he obviously puts in. I wish we had more just like him to put on the other eastern KY WMA's.

As far as Jim and GSP's...he's used to them. A couple of my close hunting buddies hunt GSP's and I own one that serves as the official "greeter" and all aroung "yard dog" at our house.

Yes, I know Birdman personally. He is very active in the League of KY Sportsmen and the KY Grouse Hunters Association. He is one of the main drivers behind a lot of the small game initiatives we have discussed here over the past months. He is definately one of the "white hats" for small game hunters to get behind.

[GSP]

I agree 100% with what you say about Buford and Clay WMA. Buford is the reason why Clay is so good. I made it a point to speak to Roy Grimmes last night about what a good job Buford does.
I know Birdman myself through the LKS. He too does a good job on the small game projects.
Hey Birdman, from what Rollie and everyone say, the grouse are in no danger due to your shooting!!! <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_clown.gif border=0 align=middle> Keeping running those birds to Morgan County. (Just kidding ya!)

[grouseguy]

GSP, we may have more in common than we knew. I also have written Roy about the terrific job Buford has done at Clay and encouraged him to keep the eastern KY pheasant quota hunt. Also, I was Rollie's host last Saturday when the LKS directors & officers were the guest of the KY Grouse Hunters in Paintsville for a day of grouse hunting.

And Birdman, don't let GSP slam you too hard on your shooting...I know you're just very conservation minded.

[Birdman]

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote><font size=1 face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
GSP, we may have more in common than we knew. I also have written Roy about the terrific job Buford has done at Clay and encouraged him to keep the eastern KY pheasant quota hunt. Also, I was Rollie's host last Saturday when the LKS directors & officers were the guest of the KY Grouse Hunters in Paintsville for a day of grouse hunting.

And Birdman, don't let GSP slam you too hard on your shooting...I know you're just very conservation minded.


<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote></font id=quote><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size=2 id=quote>You know a man has to leave a few seeds. I couldn't agree with you more on the job that has been done on the Clay Farm. We're hoping that all WMA's will be in that shape in just a few years. And Morgan Co. has enough grouse now.

Ronnie Wells
Director of 7th Dist. Federation to the League of KY Sportsman & Director of KY Grouse Hunters Assoc.
Box 1588 Paintsville KY 41240

[GSP]

Hey Birdman and Grouseguy,
Rick Allen here from down Lexington way. I wanted to make it up to Paintsville for the Grouse hunt, but I had to work. Rollie said you fellows had a good time.
Ronnie, you got anything you are working on for the LKS convention that I can help you with? If so, e-mail me. I've got 2 resolutions passed by the 6th. I'll e-mail you a copy and explain what's going on.
Good to see some more people here that are birddog guys.

[grouseguy]

Hey GSP,

Mark Rogers here from Grayson. Don't you just hate it when work gets in the way of a good time? That's exactly how I am today...having to work on the last day of grouse season...there should be a law!

As an update, I now have eight of those "little hairy things with long tails" that are a whole one day old. Are you sure you can't be brought back from the dark "brown" side?<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

[BirdDogX]

Glad to hear the pheasant quota hunts were a success. Unfortunately, I was one of the people who applied but did not get drawn. Did any of you hunt there the next day or two to see what you could find?

It would be nice to see them do something like this in Northern Kentucky (i.e. Lloyd WMA)

[GSP]

BDX, Did you apply at Green River? I don't think Clay filled up.

Grouseguy, Yeah, working today really sucked. It was a perfect day too!!!
As far as coming back from the "brown" side. The wife would shoot me on the spot. My dad always had setters and I always had pointers. I'd been out of the business for many years and could not stand it anymore. It is a long story how I ended up with a GSP. I now have her and 2 of her pups. Should have caught up with you 18 months ago. I could have put you on the right track. I had 9 of those little speckled things running around.

[grouseguy]

GSP, Just yanking your chain a little...Like I said, I own a 8 year old GSP female. I decided a few years back to experiment a little with other breeds and I liked the GSP's looks. She is a better dog than what most of my friends hunt, but me and her have a personality clash. My wife, son and father think she is the greatest, but she will probably be the last GSP that I own. Can't speak for the rest of the family. We also had a litter out of her last year, mainly for a puppy for my grand-daughter, but my son-in-law has been working him and he shows some potential at 11 months.

For me...I'm just a setter guy. I grew up carrying a BB gun and following my Dad and his setters in the 60's. There's just something about their personality and style that does it for me. I still think that the continental breeds cut off the best portion when it comes to style on point, but that's why we have different breeds...so that everyone can choose the dog that suits there needs, preferences, and style best, and over the years I've hunted with good and bad representatives of most of the pointing breeds.

[GSP]

You hit the nail on the head there. I tell everybody that it is not the breed, it's the dog.

[CSS archer]

I got after the grouse the last 2 days, flushed 9 birds on Wednesday for a total of 10 flushes, over 8 points, bagged 2 grouse, 4 hours hunting. Took a bird over my 2 year old setter, only her 2nd grouse point.

On Thursday, took my brother who's never taken a grouse, flushed 5 birds, over 4 points, my little brother bagged 2 birds. He was as happy as taking his limit in turkeys with a bow this spring.

I hope my older male will be able to get around as good next year!

[GSP]

Sounded like a great way to finish up CSS.
Let me rattle some cages now about what you said, I too think bagging 2 grouse IS a harder task than bagging 2 turkeys!
Let's see what happens with that statement.<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

[CPA Hunter]

gsp, CSS was kind enough to take me and I got to agree. KY grouse hunting ain't easy, but it is fun and great exercise. CSS's dogs were awesome, they worked the minute they hit the ground and I could not believe his 8.5 year old. That is my only experience grouse hunting and we were not skunked, but I was. I had shots, but I had a hard time just cause I was not used to such difficult shots, but CSS was. Grouse hunting in KY is tough with the terrain and the places those birds flush make a clean shot impossible. Even with good dogs I think it would be easier for me to kill a turkey than a grouse. No arguments here. Thanks again CSS!

[CSS archer]

Now notice I did say those turkeys were by archery. I'll agree that taking 2 grouse in a day is more difficult than limiting on turkeys with a shotgun.

Thanks for the kind words CPA, you did well for someone used to relatively flat ground. We'll work on bagging that grouse next year!

[GSP]

Ok, I'll give you the taking them with a bow.
Remember next year CPA, just shoot where they are going be!<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

[CSS archer]

My favorite grouse dogs on point. Let's see yours.

<img src="http://www.hunting-pictures.com/members/CSSarcher/dottie%20and%20flash%20pointing.jpg" border=0>

[GSP]

CSS, Darton, help me out. I have a couple of pix on the hard drive. How do I get them onto the forum?

[CPA Hunter]

Thats Dotty up front and Flash backing her up. I don't see how you had time to get the picture. Yea, gsp I got feathers once, but I was way behind. Maybe my friend CSS will let me try again next year.

[grouseguy]

Good looking dogs, CSS archer. Glad to see another setter guy among us. Looks like some good cover you were in...nothing like that "vertical" grouse hunting. Out of curiosity CSS, where are you located?

[GSP]

Kelsi

http://www.hunting-pictures.com/members/rickallen/index.html

[Birdman]

GSP good looking point but where's his tail. And that doesn't look like any part of Morgan Co. I've ever hunted. We've got a fun trial Sat. and Sun. If you can make it, call 606-789-7125.

[CSS archer]

Grouseguy, I am from Woodford County, I grouse hunt some in Carter, Rowan, Menifee, Estill, Rockcastle and Jackson Counties.

[GSP]

Thanks Birdman.
I've noticed you long tail, shaggy coat fellars always ask about the tail. That's the problem, the business end is at the other end of the dog!!!<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
That picture was taken in Morgan. I had the camera turned on it's side
<img src=icon_smile.gif border=0 align=middle>
Good Luck this weekend, wish I could make it up, but I have to work.
Rick

[GSP]

All you bird hunters go to nest?

[uplandchessies]

Hi Grouseguy,
What counties do you hunt? I hunt some private land in Lewis and can be found at Clay WMA, when the woodcock are in. Also, went to Fleming Wma on Dec. 2nd to check out the woodcock hunting possibilities (our first time there). We took 1 grouse and 3 woodcock. I will be back there! Do you do any bird hunting out-of-state?
Take care.

[grouseguy]

Hey uplandchessies;

Haven't heard from you in a while. I hunt mostly Carter(home county), Lewis, Robertson & Mason. I also hunt down the Big Sandy with Birdman and some of the other KY Grouse Hunters.

I get out of state as much as possible. Last year I hunted two weeks in Wisconsin, and 4 days each in Michigan and Kansas. This year I've got reservations in Wisconsin for the two weeks beginning 10/5/02 and I'll see what else materializes.

Also, if you have any hunting buddies that hunt pointing dogs, I have a quality litter of english setters that were three weeks old yesterday, and I have two males that have not been reserved yet.

[Birdman]

Grouseguy I had a young hunter last week looking for a dog, I let him know about your pups but he was sold on GSP's breed.I tryed.

[uplandchessies]

Grouseguy,
All of my buddies hunt with me because "I" have the dogs. Sorry! However, I will ask around and see what I can do.
I too, hunt out-of-state as much as possible. This year we are going to MI, twice and we are looking into a SD, ND trip for prairie chicken, sharptail, pheasant and waterfowl or TX, for blue and bobwhite quail, chachalaca and waterfowl. If we end-up going to the Dakota's, then I may go to NM for their 3 quail species.
If you are ever interested in joining -- let me know.

[grouseguy]

Thanks for the invite uplandchessies! Right now I'm focusing on puppy development over the spring and summer and we'll see what the fall brings. Hopefully, there will be a good nesting/hatching season in the upper Midwest (and KY). I'm kind of a grouse fanatic, so if there are reasonable grouse numbers in the Great Lake states and I have any extra vacation, that's probably where I'll be. If not...who knows!

[Birdman]

Grouseguy are you coming up to hunt morels?

[grouseguy]

Birdman, I thought the mushroom hunt was last weekend? Are you having another? I would like to help if the timing is right. I have people coming both days this coming weekend to look at/pick out pups and then turkey season is just around the corner. Keep in touch and try to come up if you get the chance.

[Birdman]

Grouseguy we've postpond the morel hunt do to weather I'll let you know if we reschedule. Tom is coming in from Minn. to turkey hunt this year. I would like for you to meat him. We're do a show (trukey) on the 15th&16th. Maybe we can get together that week if your available.
How many pups do you have left?

[grouseguy]

Sounds good on the morels. I should be available on and off during that week (I hate it when work gets in the way of hunting season), and will be free on the weekend. If you need some turkey footage, I can probably hook you up...I have access to some excellent farms in Webbville.

2 male pups left that are five weeks old today. I have people coming this weekend to pick out pups that they have already reserved. They should be ready to take home by next weekend (13th or 14th).