Grouse Camp 2016

     Grouse camp has come and gone, without much fanfare. As is usual Ginger and I pointed the car north where I met with BK and his Labrador, Ruby. This year BK's father FG made a long trip to  joined us in camp. Unfortunately, grouse are on the down side of their population cycle, so we didn't move as many grouse as we have in past years. Still, as cliche as it sounds , a day in the grouse woods is far better than a day in the office.

     The weather didn't cooperate with our plans either. Of the 11 days I spend in camp the first 5-6 were quite warm. Actually, hot. The weather started out in the low to mid 60's, which will wear a dog down really quickly, not to mention what it does to us two-legged hunters following them. The warm weather also does not provide for good scent conditions for the dogs. poor scenting, and worn down dogs breathing through their mouths does not make for a good combination when the grouse cycle is low. Of course the warm weather didn't last, but rather than become the seasonal cool, dry weather we all love to hunt in, it turned cold,....and windy,.....and overcast,.....and it snowed. Now, cold isn't terrible, nor is snow, but overcast doesn't help, and windy just plain messes things up. All was not lost, however, as the cold wind delivered the Woodcock, which had been more or less absent. The arrival of the Woodcock made for a couple of fun, hot barreled shooting.

A rare glimpse of sunlight

     Sadly, this was the first time I can remember, that I did not shoot a grouse at grouse camp. That is not to say others did not shoot grouse, but my shot opportunities were few and far between, and I did not connect. The first half of the trip we averaged 10 grouse flushes each day, and only a handful of woodcock flushed. The second half of the trip the balanced changed; fewer grouse flushes, but double digit Woodcock flushes.

Ginger with a couple of Woodcock taken with the 28g Gamba

     On the plus side of things, my best day saw 35 flushes over the dogs. I also hit another milestone; I killed birds will all 3 guns I brought to camp. I usually bring two guns, because it's always wise to have a back-up gun when traveling.  I couldn't decide which two guns to bring, so I brought three. I brought my 20g Citori, 20g Beretta SxS, and 28g Gamba O/U.  I've struggled with my SxS over the years, but have recently changed my shooting style a bit, and have been shooting it quite well. In fact, I killed more birds with the SxS than either of the other guns, and have actually fallen in love with it.

Ginger with a couple of Woodcock taken with the 20g Beretta SxS

New Toy Search, Part 2

     My search for a new gun continues. I'd like to thank everyone who voted in the poll. While there was clearly a voter preference for the Uggie, it was far from a run away victory. I haven't made up my mind yet, and a few new revelations and concerns have muddied the water. So, here is what I've been thinking, and why.

     I am heavily leaning towards my new gun being an O/U. Why? My only SxS is a short barreled Beretta, which doesn't fit me very well, and as a result, unless I shoot this gun exclusively and a lot, I don't shoot it well. Because this is my only experience with a SxS I am reluctant to spend a lot of money on a new one. That is, until I've had a proper gun fitting done to which I can compare my "gun script" to the measurements of the Beretta. I have never had a gun fitting, and would like to know what a proper fit should be. By knowing and comparing to the Beretta I will have a better idea of whether I have a fit issue with this gun, or if I'm just no good at shooting a SxS. For what it's worth, I've killed a lot of birds with this gun, but consistently struggle at skeet and sporting clays with it. The results of the fitting will also help me decide whether to have a new, custom stock built to my "script".

     I've also begun having second thoughts about spending big money on a 16 gauge gun. While 16 gauge enthusiasts swear it is the ultimate gauge I have a little trouble investing too much in a limited gauge. Finding 16 gauge ammo is not terribly easy, and I can easily see myself running out of ammo on a road trip, and being stuck without. None of this is meant to say that I won't be adding a 16 to my collection. It just won't be a terribly expensive one. Fortunately Browning makes a couple of 16 gauge O/U's that I would be happy to own. One is the Citori White Lighting, of which I currently shoot in 20 gauge and love. The other is their Citori Gran Lightning, which is a grade V gun, and offered at a very reasonable price. It also bear noting, that Browning has begun offering many of their field guns with 30", and 32" barrel options for those who either prefer shooting game with longer barrels, or shooting clays with lighter guns.

Browning 16 gauge Citori Gran Lightning

     So where does that leave me? Quite honestly I am still very much thinking of getting the B. Rizzini, but rather than getting it in 16, I will probably get it in 28 gauge. I've got a short barreled 28 gauge Gamba O/U, and I like it quite a bit, but I simply shoot longer barrels better, so I believe the 30" barrel option on the Rizzini is the way to go. But,.....

     There is one factor I haven't laid before you yet. There is a very high likely hood, in the 90%+ range, that I will be having a wrist surgery that will keep me from shooting any gun for several months. Because of this I've got time to think about it, and consider my options carefully.