Once again into the breech my friends

[Uplandhunter67]

I figure I need to get as much grouse hunting in as possible before the weather changes and I can't get into my honeyholes.....
Took about twelve miles to clean up but it was worth it. You kill birds with boot leather more than shotshells I've been told. Worst part was the dog flushing more birds as we walked back to the truck.

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[walk213]

You guys have crushed it this year. Good work. Pride and I need to give grouse hunting a try next season.

[sdt-Evergreen]

Nice work. I have been meaning to get out there, but other things just get in the way...

[retrvrman]

You are the MAN!! I wonder what you are doing with ALL that grouse meat!!

We are not worthy!!

Greg

[Uplandhunter67]

We are wearing out some boot leather that is for sure. I hear snow is on its way to points at or above 11k. One of my honeyholes shows at 10.5k.... Might have to find easier points to access.....
My wife really likes grouse so we have been eating it. Grouse Marsala, grouse fettucini alfreado(with artichoke hearts and sliced black olives), and fried grouse fingers.

[IA Hunter]

I am going to ask the question we are all thinking...Where are the grouse because I have done a ton of walking and keep coming home with lots of shells and a dang tired dog!

[retrvrman]

Originally Posted by IA Hunter

I am going to ask the question we are all thinking...Where are the grouse because I have done a ton of walking and keep coming home with lots of shells and a dang tired dog!

Dude,
He is just using stuff birds and placing them on the ground with that big black dog and then taking pics

My question is, who and the heck has the $$$ and time to drive as far as he says he is driving and hiking to hunt?

I mean, I make a decent living (retired military and now a DoD contractor), however I am married with three kids who are in high school.

However, with that said, good for him and he is truly fortunate and blessed to be able to get out with his black dog and hunt and enjoy it.

Greg

[fast900t]

I figure these older guys have spent enough days in the hills over the years to find a few repeatable productive spots they just keep going back to.
So, not having any Sodium Pentothal for the seasoned grouse hunters, and failing to bribe any bow hunters with homebrew;-) I find myself on many a weekend burning another tank of gas to go out and break in yet another pair of boots. But that's half the romance - pouring over topo's while relaxing with a bourbon on ice, planning routes and access to likely areas - it's kind of a weekday after the office relaxation activity. Believe me, I'm not impressed with my success rate, but I've had some good walks with my shotgun - keeps em from gettin lonely you know;-)

[Uplandhunter67]

Okay gentlemen I guess I will have to provide some background and answer some questions and dispel some myths.
1.) I am 45 years old. I am a commercial wood frame estimator here in Denver. I am also a NRA certified pistol instructor and gunsmith. My wife is an acting teacher / talent agent. We do not make a ton of money but have no children (living with us) other than my lab. I drive my Ford Escape to save money on gas. I work all year long for the opportunity to hunt the few fleeting months I am allowed.
2.) Upland hunting is my passion. I have been bird hunting for 34 years. Most of that time in Colorado but I have spent many years hunting Kansas and a bit in Nebraska. I started out as the bird dog as my Father could not afford one so I learned a lot about the ways of game birds.
3.) I don't actually drive much farther than Vail. Sometimes I will stretch out towards the flat tops or Steamboat. I do though go to KS every weekend for pheasant and generally just for the day as it is worth it to me. Over the years I have amassed numerous places to find birds.
4.) My labs name is Ty. He weighs in at 108lbs last time he was at the vet. He is my fourth lab. He is completely spoiled. He lives indoors and is only outside if I am. He has no papers. His father was a bird hunting machine not really a family pet. His mother is a good bird hunter and good family dog. I know their owner and they were bred to get a companion dog for his daughter. He is my first non-registered dog. I did only pay $125 for him but he is a great dog. All my others were AKC registered labs.
5.) They are not stuffed birds. LOL… I do make sure that pictures are taken and I do have witnesses. I may hunt the same spot from time to time but I make sure I take the photo facing different directions. I also do not go to the same spot every time. I have a bunch of hidey holes I go to. I also drink a fair share of single malt scotch while pouring over topo maps and reading bird watching reports (there is a hint for you guys). I do talk to bow hunters but generally when I run into them in the field.
Any other questions you wish to ask me please do so.

Fast900t,
I drink beer from time to time at a small brewery on 13th and basically I-25 called “Strange Brew.” PM me sometime and I’ll meet you over there and we can talk bird hunting. You can join us Greg if you’re ever up this way……

[fast900t]

Ah-HA! I knew it - it was the scotch all along - that's the secret
Seriously, the 34 years explains it - I've only been at this a few years and I always figured 'all in due time' kind of a late bloomer at 41 I guess. Thanks for the inspiration.
The wife and I are touring local breweries since we're in that hobby too and Strange is on the list - wold love to meet up - will drop you a line when I get it together.