Well the grouse trip was a success.  In 8 days of hunting Ed & I shot 9 grouse & 28 woodcock.  We could have easily shot our limit of 48 woodcock between us for those days, but were only shooting pointed woodcock.  As a whole the bird numbers are up and I am looking forward to a few years in the up cycle.  I was able to collect another woody over Max (my new pup).  Overall he did what I expected for his first trip.  He pointed 4 woodcock and we got 2 of them.  He is still a little squirrelly, but showing huge potential. 

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Man I love these birds!

I did get 2 grouse over Hank, which I am very proud of.  Sadie pointed a grouse that was wounded by Ed 2 days prior.  Very grateful she found it.  It was still alive and tried to flush, but Sadie made short work of it with a nice retrieve.  The weather was fantastic and the time with family and friends was irreplaceable.  I am already thinking about next year.

I did go bow hunting as well.  The first night my 6 year old son Sam sat in a ground blind with me.  Unfortunately, we did not see anything.  As luck would have it, he wanted to stay back with grandma the next night and I had 2 deer come in.  The first was a large mature doe; looking to put meat in the freezer this year I decided to shoot.  I was hunting from the ground again and she was slightly quartering away from me.  I aimed a few inches back from the shoulder and released at a distance of 17 yards.  At the shot I knew it was good.  I backed out and went and got my buddy Ed and Sam for the easy track job.  She only went 100 yards.  Sam was very excited and helped me gut her by holding the legs.  I was very proud of him.  We had a great time and I am looking forward to some great meals.  I will have some more entries soon on more bird hunting for pheasants and prairie birds.  I hope to also go rifle deer hunting.  The Rut in around the corner, Good Luck!