Hunting Washington Forum

Other Hunting => Upland Birds => Topic started by: johng on September 03, 2014, 03:00:27 PM

Title: Well, we got one opening day
Post by: johng on September 03, 2014, 03:00:27 PM: Opie and I hunted Eastern WA for opening day of grouse. It was a good day for sure....the weather was good- not too hot, not too cool. We were probably at about 2500 feet of elevation give or take. Stepped into the woods right around 9am and began walking the roads / hunting the side hills.

Probably around 10am I saw a rabbit cross the trail... he stood there looking at me for a split second and I was mezmerized.... first animal of the season and by the time I was like "SHOOT" he was "SEEYA!!!" I have been slowly learning that it isn't so much about bringing something home as it is so much more than that. "So kept calm, and hunted on". And sure enough... no more than about 25 yards later Opie start gets getting birdy and grouse flushes! We got our first grouse together.

We got to the end of this trail and the side hill looked good and sure enough Opie gets up to a thicket of some kind of bush or another and out jump a family group of grouse!!! 3 flew one way and the other one flew down the side hill, darting in between pine trees. Two shots later from the Benelli and he was still flying. Darn! But still heart pounding excitement and a great memory... need more time at the range and/or maybe should hunt with 6's as it was a pretty far shot.

Thankful for a great day in the woods.
Title: Re: Well, we got one opening day
Post by: 206 on September 03, 2014, 03:24:11 PM: Nice pic. Looks like the dog is really excited about the day.
Title: Re: Well, we got one opening day
Post by: elkoholic1 on September 03, 2014, 03:46:35 PM: :tup:
Title: Re: Well, we got one opening day
Post by: Forks on September 03, 2014, 05:35:16 PM: I like Opie.
Title: Re: Well, we got one opening day
Post by: fethrduster on September 03, 2014, 06:40:13 PM: Love it. That's what it's all about! Great pic of Opie. Such pure joy on his face. :tup:
Title: Re: Well, we got one opening day
Post by: birdblastinboaz on September 03, 2014, 07:36:30 PM: Nice work Opie! Good start to the season.
Title: Re: Well, we got one opening day
Post by: johng on September 04, 2014, 12:28:24 PM: Thanks guys! I love that little dog. :)
Title: Re: Well, we got one opening day
Post by: Forrestrover.02 on September 04, 2014, 11:22:22 PM: Right on, John! Yay for Opie!!!
Title: Re: Well, we got one opening day
Post by: PaulM on September 12, 2014, 03:36:48 PM: good job. dog looks HAPPY! Lets get out together this year John. PM me