[ACP230]

I took the 16 gauge Marlin Model 90 out after grouse yesterday.
At home I can tell it is a bit heavier than my Italian 20 gauge OU, but in the woods I didn't notice much difference. The Model 90 balances very well and that makes it easy to carry.

It was hot and most of the leaves were still on the treesl. On top of that the MDNR reports that the grouse population is low this year. Bottom of the cycle and a wet, cold spring hurting the broods. (It seems they've been saying this for years.)

My son was on his first grouse hunt, so it would have been nice to see more than one red squirrel. We had a pleasant walk and saw some other interesting birds. My father, 89, decided to walk along with us, although he didn't hunt. We figured out that it's been 24 years since he was in the woods with any of us. That made it special. It was also the first time my son had hunted with his J.C. Higgins Model 20, the first time I'd used my M90 for hunting, and the first time I carried my Smith M28 .357 in the woods.

Back at the vehicle we ate lunch and then tried a little trout fishing. We got skunked there too, but the colors were starting to show, and the pond is always beautiful.

All in all it was worth the fatigue I'm fighting today.

[kudu]

All in all it was worth the fatigue I'm fighting today

Sounds like it was a good day hunting then. When ever you get memories like that it's worth the effort.

[Dave McCracken]

It's the woods, the walk and above all the company. Sounds like a great way to spend the day. Game taken is just a bonus....

[Okiecruffler]

The hunts I remember never seem to have anything to do with the game taken, but instead were memorable because of those I was with. I'll bet years from now you'll recall this hunt and not be able to remember if you bagged any game or not. All you'll remember is the day 3 generations walked the woods together. Good for you.

[ACP230]

I was out with the Marlin 90 again yesterday afternoon.
It was hot again, and asthma and allergies were bothering me more than the first trip.
The gun handled just as well, though.
There were lots of blackberries, and a few ripe apples. No grouse, no squirrels, no rabbits. The trees are really starting to turn, so the woods are looking better and better.

My son and I found a pond that I hadn't known about. We marked it down for trout season next spring .

Another good afternoon.