0 for 2

[Estano]

Well, I just got back from my second ruffed grouse hunt.
The good news: my lab is not gun shy, she turning out to be a really awesome upland gun dog, and I love spending time in the bush.
The bad news: my dog hasn't had a chance to even flush a grouse yet and spending time in the bush is all I've got to do. Where are they hiding?
I've been out behind the Halifax airport and haven't seen a thing. I think I heard a grouse flush as I got out of my car this morning, but it was too dark to see and we were way to close to the road to shoot. Damn.

 

[dannymat]

That's why its hunting not shooting
You're not always going to come home with something.
When you're at 0 for 20 then I'll start feeling bad for you.
Until then enjoy your time away from home and with your dog

 

[Estano]

I keep reading stories and seeing pictures of really successful hunts, so it's good to know that 0 for 20 is not uncommon. As for enjoying time with the dog, I really do. There is nothing like trudging through the bush with mans best friend.

 

[Suka]

Birds need to "gravel up" to digest, am and pm. Find the local birds timetable and you'll find them on the trails.

We always hunted upland from dawn for maybe 2 hrs, then go hunt puddleducks all day, upland before dusk again.

 

[seth]

Estano,

You may have luck alittle further down the road, try the Lantz area, I've got a great bunny spot about 15 minutes past Lantz and I've spooked a few birdies looking for wabbits
... plus you can always visit that awesome hunting / fishing store on your way home!

 

[dreamwaters]

Estano - there are good grouse numbers where you are going - keep exploring! I cut my eye teeth in there with my new dog some years ago - lots of room to roam and learn. Oh yeah, and I went WAY worse than 0 for 2 - lol! good woodcock flights coming just now - get into the alders and be ready - you'll hear more than you see if you're hunting with a flusher, but if you're fast you'll have a good chance to at least get some shooting in. For grouse, work the edges of cover between conifers and deciduous trees. As mentioned above, always stay until dusk if you're hujnting the evenings and concentrate on roadsides at that time of day. Good luck! If you see a stocky guy with an Over-Under beretta and a yellow lab that'll be me. If it's raining I'll have a stubby savage SxS. One thing I'll mention though - deer rifle season opens this weekend, and that area sees a lot of pressure. Put a bell on the dog and keep him/her working near you just for safety.
Cheers,
-DW

 

[isaac338]

I saw one grouse out by the power line trail in Bedford last week.. but I don't have a hunting license yet. Workin on it!

Good to hear the area behind the airport is a good spot, I've run those trails in my truck more than a few times.

 

[Estano]

Thanks for the heads up regarding deer hunting. I'd be some angry if my dog got shot. She looks nothing like a deer.
I'll keep at it in that area, maybe I'll just try a different area within the area.
I like that hunting store too.

 

[Boombb]

3x weekends out this year....


No game.

 

[Estano]

I am now up to five times out. I suppose it has something to do with me training my dog at the same time. I did see a big doe standing about 30 yards from me though. Too bad I didn't have a rifle or a doe license.

 

[seth]

Skunked today on the second last day of Deer season Estano,

Don't feel bad!