Opening Day Grouse

[groove]

Well, managed to put 5 fine spruce grouse in the cooler berfore noon today. Saw lots of birds, so hope it is a productive season. Lots of does, a nice 4 point mulie and 2 cow moose as well. :-D

[shadowhunter]

good work grouse season is a great way to find honey holes and hunting territory

[No Tag Soup Please]

Never seen any grouse this morning but did see a huge cow moose with a calf. Also seen a little herd of mulies with a spike buck and a pretty nice little 3 x 3.

[SureShot]

Opening morning was really good for me as well, seen 5 black bear, 12 Mulie does, two spiker White tail bucks, and bagged 2 Ruff grouse and 1 Blue grouse.

[LeverActionJunkie]

Got one young ruffie on the 11 but it was my favourite in years cause my ol ladies cockerpoo flushed and retrieved it. I was very proud:

[TESKELLY]

Questions?

What is the deal with stepping on a Grouse's wings and pulling up on the legs?

Does that actually work? I shot my first grouse yesterday and tried it but ended up pulling one of his legs off instead.

Is there really any benefit in doing this right away or will cleaning it that night at home do just fine?

[urbanhermit]

anyway is good as long as the legs are not wasted.

[JoshLedoux]

I stepped on 23 grouses wings this last weekend, yeah it works! only way I do em. Takes gentle pressure. slow and torquey you'll get the hang of it.

[guywitha270]

don't the regs say something about having to keep at least one feathered wing attached to the carcass for transport?

[spreerider]

yes you need to leave a wing on for ID

[groove]

Keep your feet tight to the body while stepping on the wings, and like josh posted, gently torquey pull. Only ever had a few legs come off...

[WoodySixes]

How are numbers looking this year? Went out with a pal on monday/tuesday and only saw 1. Went all through the Elkheart Lodge and Mizzeula area on down through the whipsaw. Was pretty dissapointed. Last year saw huge numbers.

[nano]

WoodySixes, the wether may have been a factor.

[OutWest]

WoodySixes, the wether may have been a factor.

Ya lots of cool temps and lots of rain in the spring was not good.

Wing walking works great! Don't do it before transport though!

[The Dawg]

When I do the wing pull, it always leaves both on...no issues for transport there....also do it when it's still warm, less chance of any parts being left behind ;)

[TESKELLY]

Everyone I talk to is saying the same thing. Numbers seem down so far this year.

[martyonthewater]

just was up in 8-4 and 8-6 this last weekend. saw plenty of birds as well as rabbits and even a bobcat. lots of does and dink bucks but no shooter bucks. saw a very healthy looking 5x7 bull moose as well. not bad for a road hunt day

[groove]

I've seen lots of Spruce and a few Blues...No ruffies yet! Not many have been on the 'road' per say.