Tonight I leave for what is for me the most enjoyable two weeks of the year. It's time for (Rufffed) Grouse Camp. Every year myself and three of my closest friends all grab our tents and head to Nicolet National Forest in NE Wisconsin very close to the UP. We set up camp in a wilderness area, no campsite, no electricity, no cell service, in the middle bum frick Egypt. We have a 5 day camp this weekend then I go back to work on Monday only to work 3 days and turn right around and get back up there for another 4 day camp. I found this short description on the internet on why Grouse Camp is so special and it fits perfect. You could apply this most forms of hunting I'm sure. My husband, is heading off to the woods with his buddies for a week and a half of grouse hunting. I like to kid him about it. "It takes eight men and four dogs a week and a half to shoot six grouse," I say. He just laughs and gets that far-away look. If you know any hunters, you know the one. They're seeing early mornings with frost on the ground and the sun coming up through poplars that are just starting to lose their leaves. They're thinking of dogs getting "birdy" when they catch the scent of game, of the adreneline rush that comes when grouse explode from cover and take off, of the shotgun at the shoulder and the bird that falls, of the dog that brings it to hand. They're remembering the cameraderie of the hunt and of the cabin, of the rituals that must always be followed, and the stories that must be repeated each year, with more added as time goes by. They're planning the card games and the whiskey and the beers, the steaks and the wild game dinners. They're also remembering companions that are no longer a part of the hunt, good bird dogs laid to rest in the woods they loved to roam, and good friends who will hunt no more. In their minds, they aren't sitting in offices, or sleeping in watertight houses with central heat, where one can be untouched by and unaware of the outdoors. They're in the field, where their senses are alert and they can challenge themselves in the hunt. They're in the camp or the hunting cabin, where warmth comes from fire and a little rain or snow might blow in around the edges and they might hear coyotes in the night and be reminded that wild places still exist. Yep, my husband is going on a grouse hunt, and in spite of the fact that it involves eight grown men, four dogs, and an unspecified number of mice in a small cabin in the woods, I wish I were going, too. Me just before going out and hunting. Some Scenery Encountered Some good food. Home made pepper stuffed Burgers. Once in awhile you win a battle. Please wish us success, good weather,and a safe camp.
That is really cool Brad! Man that sounds like a lot of fun. Do some bird hunting ( I never have) and then hit that lake for some fishin. Add in some beers/good friends here and there and that could be a darn blast.
Well I'm back from Grouse Camp #1 and we had a great time. I shot one Grouse and one Woodcock which extends my streak to four years in a row shooting a bird. We had a total of 4 birds down for the camp and one rabbit which we cooked over an open fire that night as an appetizer to our meal.. We flushed probably 20 birds total and broke a lot of brush. Overall it was a great time. I cooked and served the Grouse to my family last night and they loved it. I love watching my kids gobble up food that I harvested. Couple more days and I will be back at it again for Grouse Camp #2.
Good thing you all took something to eat with you, LOL. Great photos Brad, good to hear you had a good time. I sure do miss Grouse camp.
