Drove around for 45 minutes getting some windshield time and came across a nice, overgrown gated logging road, that ran along a creek about 100 yards away with timber in between. I couldn't pass it up, but like most ruffed grouse hunting up here, it's THICK, in terms of trees early season and only slightly less thick late season as the larch and maple thin it out. Misty put in another 2.7 miles on that short but good spot, where she pointed a young family group of ruffs that I heard flush 10 yards in front of me and never saw. I didn't come home empty handed in terms of dinner, though.
Oh and let me just say that having a low maintenaince coat like a GSP or wirehair is all I''ll ever own. Setters and stickers, awns, etc are like velcro with that fine, feathery fur. Especially some of the stuff I hunt. This one I just decided it was time for the hunting season cut and shaved em off. Still took a good 40 minutes.
And on that note, Rowdy is doing really well and has been on leash only. Not supposed to run (technically) until this coming Monday but I asked him if he wants to head to Montana on Friday through Sunday night to camp and chase sharptails and huns and he said he does. So I can't disappoint the boy, but we will take it easy and Misty will get a ton of wild bird experience too although she is good for about a half day which is more than I can expect out of her. Bringing the fishing rods too.
