Spring 2008 grouse/hare hunting trip

[Parabuteo]

With this weeks break in the weather I plan to spend most of my time hunting in the field.
I am trying to come up with a few more trips in the 07/08 season for grouse and hare. I live Midland and I would like to keep the driving to a max 4-5 hrs/way, tips would be 3-4 days each. Any suggestion?

[dan]

try sudbury, go north on the 144 take any off road from there.
dan

[Greg]

*I haven't read the regs for awhile but doesn't grouse season close before the end of december?*

Just answered my own question :)

http://www.ontariohawkingclub.org/regsHunting.html


This seems so cool :)

[Parabuteo]

Greg,
You are correct about the regs for firearms, archery etc, with the exception of falconry birds.
The link that you posted outlines the regs that are applicable to my situation. (I must say that I am impressed that you found them, it took me quite a while to find the, but I went to e-laws with the OHC as may foundation)

**** Just a reminder(and disclaimer) to all hunters check the seasons, limits and requirements in the applicable provincial and federal hunting regulations prior to any trips/excursions. ******



*I haven't read the regs for awhile but doesn't grouse season close before the end of december?*

Just answered my own question :)

http://www.ontariohawkingclub.org/regsHunting.html


This seems so cool :)

[Parabuteo]

Thanks Dan,
That was one trip that I was planning on. I was thinking about doing it twice, once while the firearm season is open and the second before mid June(or the last trip before Artemis’s summer vacation, his molt).
I know of come really nice campsites on crown land up there, and it’s were we went on our fall trip and had lots of success.

[Parabuteo]

About 3 years back I when on a rabbit hunt in downtown London(behind churches, factories, bush lots etc) and man I have never seen so many bunnies. Almost every year someone catches one with their hands, my ex-boss almost fell on one, lots of bunnies. But back then wild domestic felines started to move in, so at that point the population was beginning to decline.

Anyone know what it is like this year?

[BdBHunts]

I just got in from coyote hunting and thought of you when we were bringing the dogs back to the kennel. We spotted a few jack rabbits on the side of a hill and I said to myself what an opportunity for yourself and your bird. Lots of tracks while hunting coyotes today.

[Sharon]

Suggestion:

London: South of Adelaide and Commissioners Road East through to Southdale Road. A coyote family moved in last fall but there should still be lots of cottontails.

[TK'S]

I have lots of rabbits that are feeding off the dropings from the corn wagon that I use to fill my corn stoves. The problem is it is bring the Foxes in closer I have seen Mr. Fox 2 times now without my gun handy. Terry
West of London

[Parabuteo]

Sounds like it could be lots of fun. I’m sure that if Mr. Fox comes out when there is a gun handy he will not be returning.

[Remington Steele]

I have lots of rabbits that are feeding off the dropings from the corn wagon that I use to fill my corn stoves. The problem is it is bring the Foxes in closer I have seen Mr. Fox 2 times now without my gun handy. Terry
West of London

Caught 2 times without your gun...that's really bad. I won't say any more.

[Parabuteo]

Somedays I am happy just seeing game, it doesnt have to end up in the bag.

[Parabuteo]

This morning I took the vizslas out to that Christmas tree field, Majik(the pup) found one grouse at the back of the field so I called the dogs off and I decided to take Artemis(the hawk) there when we got back to the house.
Artemis(the hawk) and I made our way through the field looking for bunnies, stopping frequently for closer look. When we got to the back of the field a small "bush" plane came over our heads, Artemis bated(tried to jump off my hand), but then I saw the grouse fly away. I DIDN"T LET HIM GO! We waited for the plane to bugger off(they were having a meeting/party on the small lake, 4+ planes) and then continued but this time Artemis following free, then grouse number 2 took off, Artemis on his tail, he followed the grouse 1 field width and perched on the top of a tree. I gave him a few seconds then hollered, he returned promptly. With him on my fist we headed off to the place last seen, looked for landing spots, under trees, in trees nothing!
By the time I called off we were getting too close to the road. The wind started to pick up, Artemis started to soar(which makes my heart race) so I flew him back to the car and called it a few good hours out.

[just chessies]

Chris I like reading about your hunts with your dog and bird its different and very interesting, thanks

[Parabuteo]

It is a lot of fun, action packed(if I do my job, the dog and bird do their jobs well) and heart racing.
This week I was told that Artemis’s rabbit hunting days are done but he still maybe able to hunt birds(it looks like will loose one of his talons, I am still keeping my fingers crossed about the second), I may not know for months. No matter what I will keep him and fly him.