Conference vmsnet::hunting$note:hunting

513.0. "Grouse Hunting '89" by LESNET::JUCH () Mon Oct 16 1989 19:15

    I just returned from a few days grouse and woodcock shooting in
    Minnesota.  I was in the Boundary Waters region just south of Lake
    Superior.  This is true wilderness in some areas.  Many of the
    residents are Indians.  Boat and float plane are often used.
    
    The numbers of grouse were amazing.  In the best covers we had over
    6 flushes an hour.  These were finds within range, put up by excellent
    springer spaniels.  There are miles of aspen covers that look thick
    but are actually quite passable compared to the east's alders. 
    The grouse feed on the aspen buds like woodcock do worms.  Most
    of the birds we shot were birds of the year.
    
    One of the highlights of the trip was hunting over the springers.
    They always were within range.  All but a pup had the amazing ability
    to put a grouse into a tree and then BARK to let you know it.
    Shooting a grouse flushing out of a tree is no easy matter but I
    became rather efficient at it - I got enough practice.  (Now I know
    why Bear is so enthusiastic about springers!!!)
    
    I would say that the ratios of grouse to woodcock in the bag were
    the reverse of what Northeast hunters have come to expect (before
    the recent bag limit changes on the woodcock.)  Although
    I do not feel numbers make the hunt I have to admit I acheived a
    limit of grouse, the first in 10+ years of persuing the thunderchicken.
    
    I also got into some snipe but that's another story.  If you have
    a chance to get to Northern Minnesota during grouse season take
    it. An added part of the trip was portaging to some covers that
    were only accesible by water.  This eliminated hunting pressure
    on the weekends (yes Sundays are open.)
    
    Bill
    

    
    Bill, 
    
    Sounds like you had a great time. I was just wondering, How did that
    area look for Deer and if it were worth a trip are there camps that
    one could rent to hunt on your own ?
    
    
                               Thanks in Advance !!,
    
                                       Rick
    

    Note on beepers-
    
    I had a credit and so purchased a new, expensive Tritronics BC10
    beeper collar.
    
    Even though I followed the instructions, the thing crapped out on
    me after two weeks of 6-8 hour per day usage.  I've sent it back to TRit.
    along with a letter telling them for g's sake seal it better against
    moisture.  All the terminals were corroded, I found when I did the
    troubleshooting they recommended. 
    
    People swear by their trainers, so why can't they make a better
    beeper?  I won't have it back until after the sason is over.
    

    Bill
    
      Have you tried calling Tritronics?  I had a problem with a trainer
    once and they sent me a replacement as soon as they got my unit.
    It took less then a week!!!  Give them a call, I've found them very
    helpfull in the past.
    
    Jeff

    re: .3
    
    Seems they don't do this anymore.
    
    But they are going to call me when my unit comes in and tell me
    what is wrong with it.
    
    Bill