It is HERE!!!

Most of my friends and clients are chasing the white tailed deer. Although I have put my time on stand, saw a shooter or two, no shot has presented itself. This past week we headed up for a scouting trip. Finding new coverts because my old reliable spots were shut down by closed roads from flood damage. It gave me time and a reason to explore new coverts and press on for an expanse of grousy cover. The plus was during our trip we would be hunting with a young grouse hunter in the making. Young "Jake" was up for the challenge and learned how easy it was to get twisted up in the coverts of Upstate PA! Although I had my bearings, I made the fatal mistake of forgetting my compass back in Berks County. Atleast if I forgot my ammo or gun, I could go back for it! Thankfully, Mike, one of the select of the Steady Point Bunch brought his fancy cell phone that has a GPS capability with it. With its aid, although I was headed in the right direction to get out, it just added that bit of confidence that I needed. Note to self don't forget Compass again!

We moved birds! My young GSP "Gunner" was working fabulous. He would get into the grousy spots and I would see him scan the area and check blowdowns for birds, just like his mother and uncle do. On a side note, this is why we stick with the same line of GSP. For some reason, be it their line, tendencies to scent from long distances or the ability to switch from air to ground scent, they make game in short order. Although he worked really close, Gunner did a great job and I'm sure My clients will be pleased to see him work as we move from covert to covert.

We trailed numerous birds, myself purposely breaking the dogs off the scent, as to move to other locations. My friends not knowing this were some what disappointed, but really this is about my business. If the dog makes game straight off, then good for us. But if the dogs push the birds, it will make them that much harder to get come hunting time. Sorry Mike and Jake. No doubt we could have killed some of those birds, but warm temps, wild flushes and floods are out of my control.

It is amazing how a burst of rain can change the landscape! I think we passed 5 or 6 brooks that must have moved so much water that the road was washed out. God is great, not some times but all the time! I pray that His deluge put in place some seed or grouse in other spots so they will be productive for me and the boys in coming years.

You see my kids are my greatest push. They motivate me to keep on going with our service. Although folks portray guides as top dogs and money makers, they are far off mark. I "pay" a ton of money to guide hunters. What little I make goes into the dogs and their care. I think by the end of the day, for a two client hunt I make less than 10 dollars an hour! Money what! Plus on most hunts, I take vacation time to do it.

Either way, I have my game plan for this week and my hunters, who will be staying in the comfortable cabins at Ricketts Glen. Before first light we will be on our way to 66 for some pheasants, grouse and maybe just maybe some woodcock if the temps stay down. Get those dogs birdy first off and it will be a good day. Looks like after lunch we will hit the northern most portion of 13. We will see. For all the followers of Steady Point Huntin, I wish you "Good Day"