Perhaps due to their nocturnal tendencies or maybe their ability to sit motionless, camouflaged against the upland floor while hunters walk within inches of them, woodcock are among the least understood and seen of Ontario's game birds. Indeed, most hunters' exposure to them is limited to a few... more »

Serious grouse hunters are possessed by a special kind of crazy. They brave tangles that deter most snakes. They risk being skewered, flayed, and lashed by underbrush for even the remotest possibility of a flush. But, although they might be crazy, they're not stupid. They know that the more... more »

Ontario's pheasant-reintroduction programme seems to have quickly run its course - and that's unfortunate. I suspect most of us would have jumped at the opportunity to hunt truly wild pheasants again here in our home province. After all, these legendary birds shared an honoured place with... more »

Some hunters seem to have a sixth sense about where ruffed grouse will be located. These are the guys who suddenly become serious and tell you to get ready because the thicket ahead looks "birdy." And, often, the whirring rise of a grouse beneath a pointer or flushing dog proves them correct in the... more »

Whirrrrr! Blam! A few feathers floated slowly to the ground as I walked over to retrieve the cock grouse. I smiled, knowing I was back in the groove. It was the third flush of the day, but the first bird in the bag. A deep breath of frosty fall air, with just the acrid hint of burnt gunpowder... more »