Not every hunting story has to be big and this one fits the small profile.
This afternoon Birdie and I were exploring good looking grouse cover when she went on point facing a clump of spruce in an aspen area. It looked like a classic grouse set-up. With Birdie on one side I carefully circled the cover expecting at any moment for a grouse to blow out. Stopping in the best position I waited knowing that a grouse would loose its nerve before I did and flush.
Standing there I heard a rustle in the leaves on my right and looked down to see a woodcock walk by only five or six feet away. It was flash-fanning its tail, showing off the white tips of its tail feathers as if to say he knew I was there and wanted me to know that he was in charge. The woodcock moved into the spruce thicket and Birdie stood her ground on the other side.
I walked in an the bird flushed and flew off without a shot being fired; I already had my limit of three.
