by Bill Graves
Sorry about that little play on words in the title. Every hunter knows that grouse as a noun is a more species specific term for what most Aroostook sportsmen call partridge. As I was out prowling tote roads for these tasty upland game birds last week, I began wondering where and how the word grouse turned into a verb.
Contributed photo
Outdoor writer Bill Graves took an hour before work to still-hunt the woods near his house and managed to come up with a brace of birds for the dinner table.
As it turns out, with just a little research I found that to “grouse about something,” as in complain, grumble or find fault, originated as an old British army term. With that in mind and a limit of birds in my game vest it was an easy determination that there was no reason to “grouse” about this season’s partridge population and shooting opportunities.
Only a couple of weeks into the season and hunters are spotting lots of birds, regardless of where they’re traveling. A few sports relate that the partridge seem nervous, flying off or running at the first sight of man or vehicle, but I’ve not found that to be the case. On one outing a pair of us spotted five birds and bagged four and during a solo venture I went three for three.
A friend in Mars Hill took an hour foray on a rainy afternoon and brought back four partridge and a rabbit from woods near his house. A trio of acquaintances drove beyond Six-Mile Gate in Ashland and sighted 16 grouse between 6:30 and 11 a.m., spotting multiple birds three times, and shooting nine of them. Of course bird season wasn’t open during the September moose hunt and lucky permit holders were actually pushing partridge out of the roads, so all early signs indicated a great opening week.
I actually expect grouse gunning to improve as October moves along. Despite heavy pressure and a lot of birds being taken; the spring and summer weather provided perfect survival and growth with some double broods produced, the population is huge. Recent heavy winds and rain, while not appreciated by the potato farmers, really stripped leaves form the trees and bushes allowing partridge on banks and in trees to be spotted easier.
“Heater hunting” from the comfort of a vehicle while driving woods roads provides most of the sightings and shots for regional partridge gunners. A portion of the local sportsmen prefer to walk and spot grouse, enjoying the unique aromas of autumn, brisk weather, colorful trees and the sound of fallen leaves underfoot on the trails. A few folks use a keen-nosed, sharp-eyed dog, usually a pointer or a setter, to locate birds that otherwise might be passed by as they hide among the undergrowth.
One of the benefits of living in the Crown of Maine is that most of us are walking distance from a small woodlot that harbors some game birds. Even urban dwellers are a short drive from forests or field edges where a quick pre- or post-work bird hunt may be enjoyed. Partridge are so plentiful this season that it’s difficult not to flush one or two while urban edge hunting.
The great weather that supported our booming grouse population also led to great growing conditions for fruit trees, therefore the wild apples are plentiful. As cooler nights occur, partridge will flock to this favorite food source throughout the day, especially day break and sunset. Plan to explore single trees or entire orchards along field edges for visiting grouse. Sneak slow and easy, using your eyes more than your feet and it’s possible to see multiple partridge under and on a single apple tree.
If you’re a fan of fried partridge breast, partridge in the bean pot or partridge stew, this season’s going to be rewarding afield and at the dinner table. Get out there early and often, introduce a youngster or older novice to a Maine tradition. I assure you, there’ll be nothing to “grouse” about this bird season!
