Western Grouse

The bird hunting season is upon us and most have already hit the fields but I was forced to spend the first of September on vacation in Boston. Sometimes sacrifices are necessary to keep the peace in the marriage! Check out this quaint street . . .

This is Acorn Street, one of the most photographed in the country. Boston is an awesome city and we had a terrific time. Highly recommended!

Then off to another world – our favorite western state in search of sage grouse. This was our first time in an area that holds more sage grouse than anywhere else in the country. Even though, this land is vast and we of course had to learn first where they weren’t before we stumbled into where they were.

Tex on a staunch point, happy that the slow days of summer are over.

Roux, honoring.

Beautiful, big country . . . not Boston!

Game gun resting on sage . . . while I tie my shoelaces.

Lichen

Kyle bags his first game bird!

Tex points a single.

Fruits of his labor!

A days limit, two hens.

Lots of places to look for birds. Beautiful, desolate country.

The locals watch our hunt.

One flat on a gravel two track in the middle of nowhere is bad . . .

. . . but two . . . at the same time?! How many spares do you carry? This country is unforgiving on consumer grade equipment. The new tires are a bit more robust!

Will on the Pony Express Trail.

The real deal.

Three families run their cattle on this open range. Today they herd them and split them up.

End of a successful day.

Two sage hens. Perfect camouflage!