Home Forums Birds & Dogs Upland Game Grouse camp.

Just got back from five days Grouse hunting and fishing up in the Panhandle National Forest.
I had never been in that country but I was hoping to get in a little fishing on the St. Joe along with some bird hunting. Well,,,, after driving up and spending most of the first day discovering how little public access there was and that the few places a commoner could get to had a Montanifornian standing on every rock I hauled ass over to historic Marble Creek a friend had told me about.
Got lucky and found one of the best campsites I've seen virtually abandoned. There were only three sites with two up by the head and one a couple hundred yards away at the end of the road. Of the four nights I was there only one other camper showed up and stayed one night. Only time I even saw em was when I waved on my way out hunting the next morning. Perfect!!!



Beautiful stream about 100yrds behind camp. Close enough to water the dogs and do a little fly casting ("casting" not "catching") but far enough away that mosquitoes weren't a problem.



The bird hunting was pretty good. Got four Grouse in the three days I hunted which is pretty good for a geezer with geezer dogs in these steep mountains IMO. Even had Grouse right in Camp when We got back one afternoon but the Cur dog spotted em and flushed em away before I could get the gun out. Surprisingly,, that's the second time I've had Grouse in my camp over the years. Must be my cooking.
I took a detour on the way back to camp one afternoon to check out a Botanical Garden a couple miles off the main road and since I had a bird on board I had harvested earlier I took the opportunity for a photo op with one of the old growth Cedars. Crappy pic (as usual) but you can see the width of the base of the tree and the size of the nice plump Grouse. Quite a bit bigger birds than ours down in the Clearwater.


Here's a better pic of the bird. Like I said "nice plump rascals".


All in all a great trip and I have to give it to the Panhandle Forrest Service for the way they keep the place up. The Clearwater dist. could learn a thing or two if you know what I mean.
If I live long enough I hope to go back a few days before the opener next year and spend some time hiking that Botanical Garden (the place is almost spiritual,, could easily be a thread of it's own) as well as some more of the historical logging landmarks like the dam system they built in the 20's to transport timber in the spring run off. Almost a lock system if you will.
Anyway,,, here's another pic that doesn't do those majestic old Cedars justice. Anyone finding themselves in that area I highly recommend you check out Marble Creek.
Thanks for looking.
[img]http://i121.photobucket.com/al...-b2fc-4835fc85087a_zpse438065b.jpg[/img]

We took the boy up past Avery Saturday for his 5th bday. It is a special place

Kalipornia has ruined the Panhandle, for sure. They spread into areas like rats from a sinking ship and wonder why locals hate them for driving up prices to a point the locals can no longer afford to live there and run them out of their lifetime hunting, camping, and fishing haunts.

Great photos of your trip! What gauge is that Merkel (147E ?? )?

Yea,,, Avery's as far east as I went. I drove up to the work camp above Avery but I didn't see any good places to camp or water for the dogs so I headed back to Marble Creek. Sure glad I did.

Love that green reel. The way I flog a fly line I'm thinking I'd be better off with something like that too.



Ten Four ^
Between all the Californikan's with MT license plates in Thompson falls flocking in from the east, and the WA yuppi's coming from Spokane in the west the poor St. Joe is inundated from all sides. Place looked like a dam Subaru/Orvis convention. And that was on a thurs for crying out loud.
I don't think I saw two or three ID plates the whole day.

To bad because I really wanted to try my hand at catching one or two of the big Cut's that stretch of river's supposed to hold but me and my pack of pot-lickers just don't fit in with that crowd.

Merkel's a 20ga,,, and yes,,, 147E.
Got it from my boss when I retired. Love that little gun. Single trigger and all.

When I get settled into my small home in Libby you'll have to jump the line and shoot some of my grouse with me. I'll be shooting a lowly Simson 35 16ga SXS DT and extractors.

I've grown to hate the sight of Subarus. With the usual occupants they're an infestation.

Looks like you had a good trip up there. Marble Creek is indeed a neat place, one of the more touristy of the River though. The wife and myself got 13 birds between us in 2 days, would have been more if it weren't for the occasional miss. We had 5 ruffs, 1 big spruce, and 7 blues. The Hobo Cedar grove is a nice little place to visit. Most locals, (I live in St. Maries), don't fish the Upper Joe anymore, between the constant tourists and not being able to keep any fish.

Yep,,,, Subabru occupants are what drove me out of No NV and my beloved high desert 10 yrs ago.
Hard to believe Subaru and Toyota are both from the same country.

I'll be happy to shoot your grouse and drool over that beautiful scattergun.
Hurry up and get moved.

FieldGrade,

Nice trip and write up. Looks like nice country.

Oh yea, One of my vehicles is an Outback. Great vehicle, goes great in the snow, room for a couple Kennels in the back and still room for gear. Great day or weekend hunting vehicle for a bird hunter that has a home base.

�.and the Merkel is pretty coooool also.

Nice write-up and pics FG.

It looks like you had a good time.

Thanks for sharing

Great photos. Please tell us about your trailer and your shotgun.

Thanks,

Jordan

You must have missed this part.

"Merkel's a 20ga,,, and yes,,, 147E.
Got it from my boss when I retired. Love that little gun. Single trigger and all."

As for the trailer,,, it was made in So. NV back in the 60's&70's by "Pack Mule". They were bought out by some outfit in OK and discontinued this model in the 80"s.
I've had this one since 77. They were hand made and are absolutely indestructible. It's definitely one of my prize possessions. Wish I had a dollar for every time someone's tried to buy it from me. I'd never sell it though. It's too perfect for my style of camping. Plus, my camping gear lives in it so all I have to do is throw some bacon, beans, and beer in the cooler, load up the dogs, and away we go.

Good stuff!

I remember fishing the St. Joe as a kid with my Dad and I left my fishing rod by the side of road. We drove all the way back and it was still there. I still have the reel...after 35 years.

Thanks whiptail.
I'm betting the St. Joe ain't quite what it was when you were fishing it but it's still nice country.
I can't stand crowds so I doubt that I'll ever fish it though.

Good stuff, FG.
Looks like a fine outing.
Thanks for posting.

That's allot of birds.
You hunting with dogs and shotguns or 4-wheeler's and 22's?

We usually either hunt 4-wheelers or do the Tundra sneak. We take a little single shot 20 gauge and a .22 of some sort. Nice thing being that this kind of hunting is still legal in these mountains. I've been up there twice since reading this write up and about laughed myself off the road the last Subaru I saw with an Orvis representative standing behind it. I do love Subarus though, my wife drives an older one. They get around great in the snow, gives her piece of mind and I don't have to worry so much.

Well,,, shooting off of a four wheeler isn't exactly legal but everyone does it. Hell, I suspect the fish cops even do it. HA
I don't look down my nose at those who hunt that way though. It's just more fun with a pointer for me and since I'm just feeding me and really don't like freezing fish or fowl, a bird or two a day's plenty for me.

I actually have mixed emotions about Subaru's too because like you, I know some good folks that drive em (mostly their wives commuting to town for work), but I've meet just as many if not more elitist, snob, phony "naturalists" behind the wheel of one too.

If only life were so easy one could determine a person wholly by the car they drive, eah?
Still fun to poke fun at em though.

Well,,, shooting off of a four wheeler isn't exactly legal but everyone does it. [/quote]

I didn't mean shooting off a four wheeler. I meant that driving around shooting them on the ground with .22's was legal. All these old logging roads are not publicly maintained so it is legal to shoot from the road surface, especially the gated ones. Also, we don't shoot from on the 4-wheeler or inside the pickup. I don't want to teach my kids bad/illegal habits.

A bird dog would probably be pretty handy, as most of the time there is usually just one or two that will make the shooting easy. The rest have to be chased down through the brush or flushed up a tree. Thinking about it, I guess I am my wife's "Bird Dog"

Yes, it's a big world out there and some even blame the manufacturer of the gun and not the user.

I also think more of my dogs than have them be transported around in the bed of pickup, waiting to be rear ended or subjected to a flip over.

And there you go proving my point about the majority of Subaru drivers looking down their noses at others.
If you think your dogs are any safer in the back of your station wagon than mine are in the box in the back of my truck you're delusional, and if you're implying that you "think more of your dogs" than I do mine you're just an ass-hole who 'coincidently' drives a Subaru.

"I didn't mean shooting off a four wheeler. I meant that driving around shooting them on the ground with .22's was legal. All these old logging roads are not publicly maintained so it is legal to shoot from the road surface, especially the gated ones. Also, we don't shoot from on the 4-wheeler or inside the pickup. I don't want to teach my kids bad/illegal habits. "


Yea,,, I wasn't implying that YOU were doing anything wrong but we both know ALLOT of Grouse are shot from vehicles.
Not my business though so I could give a chit as long as one stays within the limits and leave some for the other guy which you obviously do.

" Thinking about it, I guess I am my wife's "Bird Dog" "

Well,,, at least she doesn't make you ride in the truck bed.
It ain't safe back there don'tcha know.

They are safer inside than out.

However, I was just poke'n for the most part.

Baloney!

All Subaru owners are humorless liberals.






They are the official car of the eco-libs now, however. Except for that, I'd like to own one.

No you weren't,,,, you were but hurt about the Subaru comment and you're true elitist colors came out.

Tell ya what,,, how's about you quit chitting in my thread and start your own about you're last hunting/camping trip.

Generalizations are often just that. Now I could say that Toyota owners like to poke fun but are not all that enthusiastic about getting it thrown back at them. Buuuut, since I also have a Tundra that wouldn't go over all that well.

Now re my elitist colors; I never would have considered an Outback until I spent three days Grouse hunting out of one a best Bud had just purchased. Had nothing to do with the cars image and everything to do with its practicality. Gas milage averaging around 28mpg around town and highway. Had a set of dedicated winter treads put on and it is amazing in snow and will go places that the Tundra starts wheel hopping. Rides pretty smooth on the highway and has a stellar crash rating.
If practical equates to elitist than I'm guilty.

As far as the Dogs. I realize you have three and they are big, so putting them inside could be a problem. I'm presently looking for another English Springer or English Cocker, but it will be the rare occasion the two would be in the back of a pickup. Safety is one issue and another would be having to be running slow and them sucking in the exhaust fumes. In addition to me aways knowing how they are when inside the vehicle.

You had a great hunt in what looks like some great country, and I've only handled one Merkel and it was sweet. Hope you have many more.

I really could give a chit what you or anyone else drives. I clearly stated that earlier and you know it.
What I do care about though, is your snide implication that you somehow care more about your dogs than a commoner in a pick-up truck and no amount of back peddling on your part changes that..
Screw you ya long winded phony prick.

I wish them the best of luck. They may need it. And I obviously do.



Buds Dog in my truck. Where would you rather be riding? Oh forgive me your ass is sitting on the relatively comfy and safe seat with the heat on after a day out watching your Dogs bust theirs.

Screw being a commoner if that is the deal. You are right, compared to you I am an elitist and proud of it comparatively speaking.

Of course you look like "THE REAL DEAL" driving around with an exposed kennel. Horseshit.

Yea,,,, you clearly care more about your dogs than I do mine.

Now,,,, go chit in someone else's thread ass-hole.

Stick your thread up your ass.

I know and like Battue and I have to tell you he is no elitist. But he is pretty dam good with a shotgun.

I have never had the opportunity to meet fieldgrade but hope to someday. I know he is a genuine nice guy. I know he loves dogs too.

I bet if you two met you would hit it off you old bastards!

Not much chance of me and Butt-u meeting and ZERO chance of us hunting together bud.
I "think to much of my dogs" than to wad em up in a box half the size needed and pile em up in the back seat under the rest of my gear.
They prefer to travel in a box that's big enough that they can stand up and stick their heads out the window of when they feel like it. And if you don't believe it, try standing between them and that box when I drop the tail gate.

We all have our opinions and ways of doing things. I know and am friends with a bunch of guys that have dog boxes in the bed of their trucks and even trailers. I also know guys that crate their dogs in the truck or car. He'll I am guilty mine rides on the seat next to me.

We have an Outback and F-150, no liberals in our house!

I think both of you are great guys. I would even bet a lot alike. Things written on-line don't always read as they were meant to. I hate to see two good guys argue over pedi crap. But either way I think highly of both of you.

Again,,,, "I COULD GIVE A CHIT WHAT A GUY DRIVES" or how they haul their dogs. Hell, the vacume hasn't been invented that can remove all the dog hair in the cab of my truck, but when I travel with several I like the box,,, and so do they.

This ain't about Subaru's,,, it's about a pompous ass with snarky remarks that thinks he's better/smarter than everyone else.

Good thing the prick doesn't live out west. The sight of a cow dog on a flat bed running 70 and he'd likely gather up a bunch of like minded snobs and demand that a law be passed.

If you want to talk books, hunting, fishing, or anything else shoot me a PM, but I'm not wasting any more time on the self absorbed blow hard.

MCH: Let it go.

FG:

You have proven you can give a poke or jab but can't take it back. You can say it is not about not making a generalization about people from the vehicle they drive, but you had the chance when other poster commented and you didn't. Makes no difference now. I jabbed deep and you folded.

The crew I hang with are mostly younger guys fortunately. Have some good old friends but they know how to hang. That crew is a mix of just about all personalities, but when the jabb'n starts they all can give and take. You would't last all that long.

[bleep] you can't even look at a pic and get it right. Either that or you have to make [bleep] up. Funny aint it.

Who don't the rest of you forget about the crash.

On the whole it looks like it was a good hunt in some nice country.

Nice story Field... I haven't gone though the whole tread yet, but will soon.. Just got home ourselves.. 5 ruffs was our take... As usual, I had a pump.. This morn. sage grouse opened.. Got two the first spot I tried... Dogs love it... Have a good one, the best time of the year is here...

[b][/b]

Yea buddy. ^^^^^

And good job on the Ruffs. Of all the Grouse I like hunting and eating them the best.

Fieldgrade! What a great hunt! Thanks for sharing cool photos!

Great pics! Looked like a great time.
I can't wait to chase some birds.

As to the other....when ya start telling a fella how to care for his dogs, prepare to get some chit, at the very least.

Thanks KW,,,, I always enjoy your posts/threads too.



Thanks MM,,,, what do you mean "can't wait to chase some birds"? Get busy man,,,, you're letting the best time of the year slip by.

As to the other....I was going to post over in the hunters campfire but decided to do it here where folks are usually more respectful. So much for that idea.
Oh well,,, at least the ignore function's still working.

Best check your rear view often. I may have all my Lib Subaru driver friends follow you around just to torment your azzz.

You're looking and you know it.

Respectful! I tried to joke with you and I got a F U hillbilly. If Deflave or some other joker would have said the same thing I did you would have laughed and said something witty back but since I'm not Mr. Popular its F U.

Shakin My Head.

P.S. Nice pics you grumpy azz.

Travis or anyone else wouldn't be stalking and whining either crybaby.

For the record,,,, I started a harmless thread complimenting a member who had stopped by for a meet and greet and you came along (like you're doing here) with a wise ass comment when all I said was "anyone passing through ID should stop and meet Lonny". WTF is wrong with you that you feel the need to crack wise when someone makes a sincere compliment?

Sorry if straight talk hurts your feelers.
Maybe you should switch to maxi-pads.

I gots a nine month old with a bad cold, a wife over worked and sicker than the kid. My best employee just gave two weeks and no one internally is ready or able to fill his shoes and my boss won't let me make an offer to keep him.

I'm ready to say fugg it and chase some birds.

Anyway- that's my whine for the day!

Catfish agrees.

Well hell!!! Sounds like it's one thing after another.
Hope things turns around for you before these beautiful fall days are no more.
Life's hard but I'll bet ol Catfish is still happy to see you when you get home even if he isn't getting out as much as you'd both like.

I'm retired so I my woe's have shifted from the job to my health and bank account. Still beats work though. Matter of fact, I'm headed out for some Grouse hunting in the morning and firewood cutting in the afternoon if the sun ever comes up.

Hope the family gets to feeling better.

I was Joking, you know humor. You don't get my humor. I don't wish you any bad will but I see we aren't going to mesh. That's fine too I guess. I can tell your an ok guy you just don't have the same sense of humor or my type of personality.

Great looking camping spot. I'm envious.

Good stuff FG, Love that little scatter gun.

FWIW, I think the world of my dogs, and haul them in a kennel in the bed of the pickup..

fuggen easterners.

LOL,,,,,,,,,,,, Yea,,, I'm glad I was born and raised in the west.
Sometimes I think 'with a few exceptions' everyone east of the Rockies and west of the Sierra/Cascades is either a Yankee, a Hillbilly, or a F A G.

Course,,, the west ain't what it once was either.
Sadly,, the whole dam country's turning into a bunch of panty waists,,, the west just seems to be taking a little longer to get there.