Fox Collectors

We moved a pair of grouse this morning, was hoping to move a few more but we were short on time.

It was a memorable day for sure, Shane was able to score on his first grouse ever on his first time hunting grouse.

He had encountered 6 grouse while deer hunting this area a few weeks back, I said with this warmer weather we have to go and see if we can locate them again. We were hunting the edges of a pipe line cut where pines had been planted, most were 20-40', so they have been there a good many years. We observed a good bit of tracks in the light snow on the rocks, so that was encouraging. We were walking either side of the pines, having Brittany work the pines.

We had the first one flush wild in front of Shane, but too far for a shot. Only a few minutes later, another one flushed ahead of us without a point, but this one came back towards Shane and he made a clean shot.

A great day it was,
Stan Hoover

Congratulations to Shane for his first grouse.

yes,congrats on first grouse,thanks for report and pics. Merry Christmas,fred

A great first! He'll never forget that grouse, and good on you for getting pics and sharing them with us. Way to go, Shane!

So happy for Shane and you Stan. Looks like a mature bird and a well set picture. First of many I predict; grouse hunting can get into your blood. Thanks for posting and wishing a joyous Christmas to the Hoovers. frank

Great pictures, Stan. Have you posted them on the Ithaca collectors site?

That look on Shane's face is priceless.

Congratulations!

Thanks for all the kind comments fellows,

Wishing everyone a Joyous Christmas

Stan Hoover

PS: Bill, Haven’t you found the Ithaca Gun Collector’s site yet? We tend to only let fellows in who share pictures

Great report and congrats to Shane! Tell us about the gun Shane was using. Won’t be many grouse getting away from him given the way he shoots!!

Awesome!! Nice work Shane, beautiful bird. Congrats

Foxnut wrote: ↑Thu Dec 28, 2023 10:11 pm Great report and congrats to Shane! Tell us about the gun Shane was using. Won’t be many grouse getting away from him given the way he shoots!!

Brett,

Shane was using his first shotgun he received as a gift for his 10th birthday I believe. It is a 20 gauge Lefever A Grade, 26" barrels with fairly open chokes, beavertail forend, single non selective trigger. He tends to shoot this one well even with open chokes at sporting clays. It is perfect for grouse for sure.

We have a few Foxes, but most of them are 12 gauges, except a 30" 16 & 20 gauge with tight chokes. I just didn't think carrying a 30" tight choked small bore in the grouse woods would be helping our chances on these fast grouse. Could it be done, absolutely.

Thanks again for the kind words,
Stan