First Grouse Hunt Of 2006

This past weekend hunted in the Ely, MN area.
All predictions say more grouse which also means more grouse hunters.  There were more people out this weekend than I saw on the same weekend for the past two years combined.

I did see some decent numbers of birds.

Saturday was cloudy and about 45 degrees.  Hunting before lunch saw 10 shot at 4 and got 2.
The 2 that I missed were easy ones that I should have had.  The other 6 were in the thick leaves which haven't really started to come down yet.

Saturday evening went out to another spot but a bow hunter was heading to his stand which was in the area that I wanted to hunt so I went the other way which isn't as good. Ended up going to another spot and saw another hunter starting to pull out. Drove around the area a bit and then went back to that spot and tried to hunt it. Didn't get a flush and Marge, my setter, wasn't even that birdy.

Sunday was a nicer day. Sunny and 45- 50 degs. Returned to the same spot from the first day. Saw 4 and got 2. Another group was in the same area and got 6 birds out of the area that I got my two the day before. The joys of public land. Ended up just hunting until lunch.

The dogs did a good job and paid attention and worked hard. Fergie the pointer has come up lame. The odd part is that she was fine when I put her into the travel kennel for the trip home. Off to the vet tomorrow. Hopefully it isn't a big deal.

Another Trip to The Club

Went to Metro Gun Club in Blaine, MN this past weekend. It was windy as all heck.
The guy I shot with, shot 5 and 7 on the 5 stand sporting clays. Made my 8 and 10 look good.
It was only the second time shooting this season and it was WINDY so that's what I'll blame it on.

I have been hearing good reports out of northern MN about people seeing more ruffed grouse.
Season started last weekend but I haven't gotten back any reports yet.

I'm heading up to Ely, Mn this weekend so I am hoping that it doesn't rain this weekend.