Congrats Hank! That epic country is calling to me, hard. I tend to hunt the same way, first birds we see, we take whether on the ground or on the wing. After that, we try to be a little more picky. When the end goal is the kitchen though, it's hard to turn down an easy, clean kill.
Enjoyed reading this and realizing how much work I have to do as a Minnesota flatlander to get back in shape for western mountain grouse hunting. Also, thanks for giving the skillet shot some love. Aside from worries about the safety of dogs, I've never understood the disdain for it.
Awesome story. I've been after the grouse and ptarmigan from the beginning of my hunting before I ever shot a quail or duck. While backpacking in high school in off trail wilderness, through a trail less pass, to get to a trophy trout lake we came across some white tail ptarmigan. Being part bird dog and an avid birder, I snuck up within rock throwing range to get a close look before they spooked. At the time, I had only been hunting once in my life (for rabbits) but my stalking of those ptarmigan clicked something in my head that started a second bird list in my life. (the roasting pan bird list) ...and yes I caught 3 huge trophy trout at 11,000 feet later that day to fill our bellies on our 8th day of an 11 day trek with something other than top ramen & dry jack cheese.
If you are in dire need of a Sora, I always see many moving about me in the potholes of eastern ND when duck hunting no later than early October. There's been times when I've wondered whether I was fast enough to catch one bare-handed.
Congrats on the Grouse Grand Slam. We just got back from fishing, Halibut, Salmon, Shrimp and Crabs. We fished near Hanes/Juneau, among the Brown Bears/ Grizzly's
Such an enjoyable read. Hadn't heard of the grouse grand slam and it's got me thinking/plotting. Sounds epic, and challenging, and like more rowing, cycling, and running ought to be in my future to be ready for it.
Great post - I had the pleasure of eating Arctic Ptarmigan somewhat recently and it may be been the best bird I’ve ever had
Great read this morning! Thanks! I would enjoy learning how your future hunts turn out.
"None are overly challenging to kill. They haven’t read the memo that people have bang sticks that spray fire, and travel with compliant wolves."
That phrase had me smiling this morning. Sounds like an amazing adventure and I appreciate living vicariously through you.
Wow what a wonderful place. That alone....
Congrats on your achievement:)
Delightful read. Thanks for sharing the adventure so well.
Having listened to Tyler’s story of chasing willow ptarmigan, I am not at all surprised that he opted for coho instead of heading back out with you…
Great read and great pictures.
Good luck with that Himalayan Snow Cock! Please plan that adventure while your still young or age will put them out of your reach.
Congrats Hank! That epic country is calling to me, hard. I tend to hunt the same way, first birds we see, we take whether on the ground or on the wing. After that, we try to be a little more picky. When the end goal is the kitchen though, it's hard to turn down an easy, clean kill.
Enjoyed reading this and realizing how much work I have to do as a Minnesota flatlander to get back in shape for western mountain grouse hunting. Also, thanks for giving the skillet shot some love. Aside from worries about the safety of dogs, I've never understood the disdain for it.
Awesome story. I've been after the grouse and ptarmigan from the beginning of my hunting before I ever shot a quail or duck. While backpacking in high school in off trail wilderness, through a trail less pass, to get to a trophy trout lake we came across some white tail ptarmigan. Being part bird dog and an avid birder, I snuck up within rock throwing range to get a close look before they spooked. At the time, I had only been hunting once in my life (for rabbits) but my stalking of those ptarmigan clicked something in my head that started a second bird list in my life. (the roasting pan bird list) ...and yes I caught 3 huge trophy trout at 11,000 feet later that day to fill our bellies on our 8th day of an 11 day trek with something other than top ramen & dry jack cheese.
I quite enjoyed this read, so cheers from McMurdo station. Your enthusiasm for your life shines through. And what was that mushroom, anyway?
Wow!! What an adventure. This was my first visit to " To the Bone" I enjoyed the vicarious trip to near
the Arctic Circle. It made a good read! and was fun.
Dad
If you are in dire need of a Sora, I always see many moving about me in the potholes of eastern ND when duck hunting no later than early October. There's been times when I've wondered whether I was fast enough to catch one bare-handed.
Congrats on the Grouse Grand Slam. We just got back from fishing, Halibut, Salmon, Shrimp and Crabs. We fished near Hanes/Juneau, among the Brown Bears/ Grizzly's
Such an enjoyable read. Hadn't heard of the grouse grand slam and it's got me thinking/plotting. Sounds epic, and challenging, and like more rowing, cycling, and running ought to be in my future to be ready for it.