Search found 136 matches

by MN Bonasa
Mon Oct 05, 2015 2:47 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Minnesota grouse reports
Replies: 10
Views: 5808

Re: Minnesota grouse reports

Got out for a few hours this weekend and ended up with 1 grouse and 1 woodcock. Flushed 8 grouse and 3 woodcock for about 5 hours of trail walking. Had some nice dog work especially on the woodcock they sure are fun birds for the dog. Hearing some good reports that very encouraging. Be back at it th...
by MN Bonasa
Wed Sep 23, 2015 6:32 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Minnesota grouse reports
Replies: 10
Views: 5808

Minnesota grouse reports

Just wondering if anyone's seeing many birds yet this fall. I haven't been out yet but plan on going out some this weekend. I had a friend hunt the Orr area on opener and said it was poor.
But then again lots of leaves and cover still out there. I will start getting more excited in about two weeks.
by MN Bonasa
Mon Oct 14, 2013 11:35 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: porcupine encounters
Replies: 15
Views: 4296

porcupine encounters

what is the general consensus about porcupine encounters? Mine had her first encounter this weekend which resulted in a trip to the vet to have quills removed under anesthesia. In your past experience will a dog learn to avoid or will they be more inclined to seek revenge? thanks for your responses....
by MN Bonasa
Mon Sep 23, 2013 4:18 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: grouse reports
Replies: 43
Views: 19787

Re: grouse reports

Hunted about 5 hours Saturday with 7 birds encountered, one covey of 5 and 2 singles. Sunday hunted from 9 to 12 and saw one bird on the trail. I was hunting north central in the Outing and Remer area. Lots of cover still out there but "bleep" was it nice to be out and watching the shorthair move th...
by MN Bonasa
Tue Jul 30, 2013 8:48 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: ??EP as grouse and woodcock dogs??
Replies: 48
Views: 18805

Re: ??EP as grouse and woodcock dogs??

If I was to get a pointer for grouse I would seriously look at these guys.

http://www.northwnd.com/northwind-dogs.html
by MN Bonasa
Thu Jul 18, 2013 10:45 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Screaming deal on TT Sport Upland at Cabela's
Replies: 2
Views: 1359

Re: Screaming deal on TT Sport Upland at Cabela's

I think they are closing out that model. I just received a new flyer in the mail that shows under the Garmin name a new Beeper / Trainer / Bark Limiter all in the same package for 350.00, I have an interest in it, just waiting to see some reviews on it https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/on-the-trail/do...
by MN Bonasa
Mon Jul 08, 2013 6:59 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Naming a gundog
Replies: 48
Views: 32138

Re: Naming a gundog

These names will be for a male gsp, some of my favorites are Weston (west), Kai, axel (I don't want people to think he's named after axl rose haha), and porter. If I was naming a male GSP I really like "Panzer" just seems to fit, like a tank blazing a trail through the bush!! But since I got a fema...
by MN Bonasa
Wed Jul 03, 2013 10:52 am
Forum: Guns and Ammo
Topic: semi auto .308
Replies: 12
Views: 7726

Re: semi auto .308

I opted for the Ruger Gunsite, its a awesome little weapon. I also like the bolt action for reliability. Just waiting for the scope to arrive from Cabelas!!
by MN Bonasa
Wed Jul 03, 2013 10:40 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Post dogs on Point!!!!
Replies: 738
Views: 738026

Re: Post dogs on Point!!!!

I see you squirrel... you are so lucky this window is here!!
by MN Bonasa
Tue Jun 25, 2013 9:01 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: How Is a German shorthair Pointer supposed to hunt?
Replies: 24
Views: 16918

Re: How Is a German shorthair Pointer supposed to hunt?

The Garmin GPS is a grouse hunters best friend, I would save up and get one it is a great piece of mind. On those windy days the bell can go out of hearing pretty quickly. I have no opinion on a beeper because I don't own one but am thinking of getting one also. I had the same concerns when I first ...
by MN Bonasa
Fri Apr 05, 2013 3:12 pm
Forum: Guns and Ammo
Topic: semi auto .308
Replies: 12
Views: 7726

Re: semi auto .308

Thanks for the reply's but the main reason for the semi auto is I already have a.270 Remington bolt and a .300 win mag Remington bolt action rifles. So with that said I am just looking to add to my gun collection and now a .308 is what I have my heart set on. I checked out the Browning BAR's online ...
by MN Bonasa
Thu Apr 04, 2013 12:20 pm
Forum: Guns and Ammo
Topic: semi auto .308
Replies: 12
Views: 7726

semi auto .308

Looking for opinions on who makes the nicest semi auto .308 right now at a reasonable price. I love the looks of Remington's Woods Master but have heard some issues with this model. Any opinions on the woods master for or against? I bet most .308's are leaning more towards the AR platform. I will us...
by MN Bonasa
Wed Mar 06, 2013 12:49 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: leaving your shorthair out while at work
Replies: 28
Views: 13444

Re: leaving your shorthair out while at work

I'm betting that look has most to do with you leaving not with where the dog has to go. Im sure that has alot to do with it. Maybe take the dens out of there and box the whole garage kennel and put a elevated bed in there. Make it one big den. I already did take out the dog den, and its in the outs...
by MN Bonasa
Wed Mar 06, 2013 12:45 pm
Forum: Health and Nutrition
Topic: GSP coat
Replies: 9
Views: 11369

GSP coat

What is common in shorthirs as far as their coat is concerned. I was just at the vet the other day and they commented on how soft her coat is, and it is really soft fur. She said that alot of the shorthairs she has dealt with in the past have been more wirey type coat. Now is the softness of the coa...
by MN Bonasa
Tue Mar 05, 2013 2:45 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: leaving your shorthair out while at work
Replies: 28
Views: 13444

Re: leaving your shorthair out while at work

but I don't quite get how she has one area where she can lay and sleep only or she has another where she can lay and sleep or go outside if she wants you can see in the photos attached the inside the garage kennel with doggie door to the backside of the garage. From there is attached the standard 5...
by MN Bonasa
Tue Mar 05, 2013 11:58 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: leaving your shorthair out while at work
Replies: 28
Views: 13444

Re: leaving your shorthair out while at work

I'm not sure a dog is going to see the difference between being in the house and the kennel. If you could see the gaze she gives me when I want her to go in there I think she knows the difference. :evil: But this really has to do with the colder weather now and also I have checked in on her while i...
by MN Bonasa
Tue Mar 05, 2013 9:05 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: leaving your shorthair out while at work
Replies: 28
Views: 13444

Re: leaving your shorthair out while at work

Am I missing something or not. You have a very nice outside kennel and run that she is happy with so how do you think you can improve on that. End of problem before it is even a problem.Ezzy After reading my post, I probably should have mentioned that we crate her at night. However I would love to ...
by MN Bonasa
Sun Mar 03, 2013 11:27 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: leaving your shorthair out while at work
Replies: 28
Views: 13444

leaving your shorthair out while at work

I was wondering if anyone just leaves their shorthair out of their crate and or kennel during the work day unsupervised. I am lucky that I can pretty much come home for lunch everyday since i only live a few miles from work. I tested her several times during my layoff for the last two months to see ...
by MN Bonasa
Fri Mar 01, 2013 11:14 am
Forum: Guns and Ammo
Topic: Franchi Instinct SL
Replies: 11
Views: 10011

Re: Franchi Instinct SL

I purchased the SL in 20 gauage on the opening day of grouse season. So far I really like it, but have to wonder that it being so light in weight did that cause me to miss more birds that i would have liked. NOt sure but I will be shooting a ton of clays this spring and summer. I also picked up the ...
by MN Bonasa
Sat Feb 02, 2013 9:52 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Grouse hunters, are tracking collars worth it?
Replies: 30
Views: 11147

Re: Grouse hunters, are tracking collars worth it?

I meant how do you find the Astra that you purchased? Just as importantly where do you use it, under what conditions, and why did you buy this model of Garmn's?Thanks, Thornapple Thornapple, I purchased the Astro before the Alpha was available for sale. I bought in the spring and I think the Alpha ...
by MN Bonasa
Thu Jan 24, 2013 12:51 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Grouse hunters, are tracking collars worth it?
Replies: 30
Views: 11147

Re: Grouse hunters, are tracking collars worth it?

But I recall two years ago coming back to the hotel in Grand Rapids and a very well known clay shooter lost his dog. It was never found. Again a fellow NAVHDA member from Maryland lost his GSHP in Wisoconsin and it was only a stroke of luck he found it wandering a logging road, this after two days ...
by MN Bonasa
Thu Jan 24, 2013 12:44 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: conibear traps
Replies: 147
Views: 41545

Re: conibear traps

I just read about another dog being killed here in MN from a conibear during a late season grouse hunt. This trapper set the trap within 20 feet of the major trail going back into the woods. I think 2 to 3 people watched the golden retriever die right in front of them because they couldn't get the t...
by MN Bonasa
Sun Jan 13, 2013 6:57 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: My GSP farts
Replies: 46
Views: 18087

Re: My GSP farts

MY GSP FARTS........... hmmmm who's doesn't? when my little girl farts, it makes me :lol:
by MN Bonasa
Sun Jan 13, 2013 6:48 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Grouse hunters, are tracking collars worth it?
Replies: 30
Views: 11147

Re: Grouse hunters, are tracking collars worth it?

Grouse hunters, are tracking collars worth it? One word "Absolutely". I used the Astro here in Minnesota this grouse season and love having the piece of mind knowing where she is at all times. I still use a bell to get that immediate information on where she is. During those windy days the bell goe...
by MN Bonasa
Sat Dec 22, 2012 12:05 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: conibear traps
Replies: 147
Views: 41545

Re: conibear traps

I recently watched a segment on a local news channel about a hunter who just about lost his dog do a trap along a well used trail. Instead of buying one of the trap setters he used a heavy industrial strength cable tie. Worked very slick, as you would squeeze the ends with one hand pull the zip tie ...
by MN Bonasa
Tue Dec 18, 2012 11:05 am
Forum: Hunting
Topic: What do I need to know about ruffed grouse?
Replies: 22
Views: 8619

Re: What do I need to know about ruffed grouse?

Wems, Sounds like you guys are going to get hit with alot of snow this week, That might change how the birds are. I have seen grouse while Turkey hunting in SE Minnesota and wondered if it would be worth trying, but not sure if I have the stanima for all the Coulee country walking. I almost think ta...
by MN Bonasa
Fri Dec 07, 2012 4:08 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Beware of traps
Replies: 14
Views: 5097

Re: Beware of traps

Minnesota needs to come up with some new regulations regarding this issue. This is my 1st Bird dog and the thought never entered my mind until my GSP got caught in a snare last year grouse hunting. Now I have been reading with quit frequency about people losing dogs to these traps here in MN and it ...
by MN Bonasa
Tue Nov 13, 2012 1:33 pm
Forum: Health and Nutrition
Topic: shorthairs & leg issues
Replies: 10
Views: 4183

Re: shorthairs & leg issues

Cajun Casey wrote:Rear leg?

front left leg Casey.
by MN Bonasa
Tue Nov 13, 2012 12:22 pm
Forum: Health and Nutrition
Topic: shorthairs & leg issues
Replies: 10
Views: 4183

shorthairs & leg issues

Looking for some reasons as to why my shorthair seems to every now and then to come down with a gimpy leg. Are shorthairs succeptable to sprains and bruises because of their long legs? Example: was playing with the chuck-it ball and thrower to get some excersize. All seemed fine when we were done as...
by MN Bonasa
Mon Oct 22, 2012 4:16 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Dog in foot trap
Replies: 92
Views: 22615

Re: Dog in foot trap

Your dog could have as easily ran out into the road and been run over (this happens quite frequently) and I dont hear of anyone asking for more regulations on driving because of it. I don't understand this comparison when this topic comes up or a chance encounter with a wolf or coyote or bobcat or ...
by MN Bonasa
Mon Oct 22, 2012 11:19 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Dog in foot trap
Replies: 92
Views: 22615

Re: Dog in foot trap

We were on wma a little west of the cities I don't like hunting public land close to metro areas, I think those areas are the biggest threat. ALot more people to share the piece of land with. But then again it could happen anywhere. Do you think that trap was set legally? If so it might have been p...
by MN Bonasa
Mon Oct 22, 2012 11:13 am
Forum: Hunting
Topic: one in a million shot?
Replies: 11
Views: 3269

one in a million shot?

So the story goes like this. I was driving the Ranger down the trail and look to my right on here is a nice ruff standing on a dead fall log. I keep driving down the trail and now going back to stalk him. I grab my gun and my dog and head back towards the bird. the bird flushes to my left and on the...
by MN Bonasa
Mon Oct 22, 2012 10:57 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Dog in foot trap
Replies: 92
Views: 22615

Re: Dog in foot trap

Newbie, were you guys hunting pheasants out west? was it on a WMA or private land. Or did this happen up north chasin ruffs? My dog got caught in a snare last November in the grouse woods. I hate having to worry about traps and snares in the woods now. I think the season just opened this weekend. So...
by MN Bonasa
Thu Oct 11, 2012 3:28 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Wolf attacks dog while hunting in MN
Replies: 37
Views: 12128

Re: Wolf attacks dog while hunting in MN

cjuve wrote:Based on the comments that I read I am glad that I do not live in that State. They guy was totally justified and the bunny huggers were tearing him up for defending his dog.
I Know, isn't it unreal how some people think.
by MN Bonasa
Thu Oct 11, 2012 3:12 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Great Lakes Grousin~
Replies: 38
Views: 18393

Re: Great Lakes Grousin~

You may be right....you see this in the star trib this morning? Newbie, No I didn't see that article thanks for sharing the link. Difanately will not be showing that article to the Gal she would freak out. Close encounters with wolves are extremely rare in Minnesota, and law enforcement officials s...
by MN Bonasa
Tue Oct 09, 2012 11:21 am
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Great Lakes Grousin~
Replies: 38
Views: 18393

Re: Great Lakes Grousin~

+1. They do the same thing the deer do...clear out before we get to them. How many big game animals have you seen grouse hunting? Deer? Bear? Moose? Not sure I agree with that, since I have seen several deer in the woods already this year while grouse hunting having to call off my dog that was abou...
by MN Bonasa
Mon Oct 08, 2012 4:17 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Great Lakes Grousin~
Replies: 38
Views: 18393

Re: Great Lakes Grousin~

DogNewbie wrote: All pretty spooky. Looks like the dumb birds might be gone already
thats what I was thinking.
Rustybolt wrote: How are the wolves?
pack a sidearm cuz ya never know, thats what i do. if your dog doesn't range to far i wouldn't worry to much though.
by MN Bonasa
Mon Oct 08, 2012 9:04 am
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Great Lakes Grousin~
Replies: 38
Views: 18393

Re: Great Lakes Grousin~

This weekend was OK for grousin, Friday started out windy and wet. I hunted one spot on my way to the Northome area and didn;t move any birds. When I got up there to meet my brother they had an inch of snow. We only moved a few birds and a few wood cock and blew a few holes in the sky. Weather was n...
by MN Bonasa
Thu Sep 27, 2012 10:28 am
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Whats in my Crop
Replies: 5
Views: 2225

Whats in my Crop

Looks like a tasty smorgosborg of goodies in there. Can anyone name what he had for his last lunch?
by MN Bonasa
Sun Sep 23, 2012 10:04 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Great Lakes Grousin~
Replies: 38
Views: 18393

Re: Great Lakes Grousin~

This one came on a xing shot. Elli held a steady point on what turned out to be a covey of four on the way out back to the truck. 14 flushes for Saturday and half day Sunday all grouse no woodcock. Deer were on the move this morning I saw 6 on the way to my first spot, perfect grouse hunting morning...
by MN Bonasa
Wed Sep 19, 2012 5:06 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Great Lakes Grousin~
Replies: 38
Views: 18393

Re: Great Lakes Grousin~

laxhcky4 wrote:I had a couple buddies out last weekend. They limited out and saw 29 birds Saturday, 19 by noon on Sunday
Well thats an encouraging sign of good things. is it the weekend yet?

Hopefully this wind today wreaked havoc on the leaves and opened up the woods a bit more for this weekend.
by MN Bonasa
Tue Sep 18, 2012 4:19 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Great Lakes Grousin~
Replies: 38
Views: 18393

Great Lakes Grousin~

Whats the word out there? Wondering if anyone is finding some birds and there observations? Any opinion on how the bird season might shape up this year? I have high hopes for a decent year. I will get my first real hunt in this Saturday hoping to find Mr. Bonasa Umbellas.
by MN Bonasa
Mon Sep 17, 2012 1:14 pm
Forum: Guns and Ammo
Topic: Franchi OU or yildiz?
Replies: 15
Views: 9430

Re: Franchi OU or yildiz?

I'm really intrigued with Franchi's new line of OU As was I, so Ipicked up a 20g 26" Instinct SL this weekend, feels and shoulders really nice and at little over 5lbs will carry all day no problem. Not to mention looks really good. Price is not to bad, under 1200.00 I got it for. Can't wait to shoo...
by MN Bonasa
Mon Sep 17, 2012 7:34 am
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Michigan--Upper Peninsula
Replies: 8
Views: 5147

Re: Michigan--Upper Peninsula

I hunt Minnesota however the early season is just that. lots of cover. I have never done real well opening weekend, I didn't even have a flush this weekend. I didn't hunt real hard though. Wait two weeks and it will only get better as the leaves come down, always does. They are also saying the birds...
by MN Bonasa
Thu Aug 16, 2012 11:59 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Garmin Astro 320 "Birds Eye View"
Replies: 14
Views: 6835

Re: Garmin Astro 320 "Birds Eye View"

[] Have any of you subscribed to the "Birds Eye View" for your Astro 320? How are your experiences? I think it the actual software BaseMAP is kinda cheesy, but it is only used as a tool to upload it to the Astro. I think the imagery is pretty good, but the map that came pre loaded is very simple. I ...
by MN Bonasa
Thu Aug 09, 2012 3:01 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Dog dead in snare
Replies: 20
Views: 5988

Re: Dog dead in snare

My GSP got caught in a snare during a late season grouse hunt last year, if I hadn't been right there when it happened or off the beaten trail coulda got ugly.... the snare was right next to the main trail that everyone uses. whoever set that snare had no regards to bird hunters with dogs. luckily i...
by MN Bonasa
Wed Aug 08, 2012 2:53 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Astro vs beeper vs bell
Replies: 22
Views: 10725

Astro vs beeper vs bell

Bear with me, last year was the first season I had with a gun dog.... ever. everything ended fine and I had a great time in the field with my new pup. however there were a couple of incidents when I temp. lost my dog in the woods for a brief time. A few moments of anxiety turned into relief and all ...
by MN Bonasa
Sat Aug 04, 2012 8:40 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Dog beds and kennel bedding
Replies: 10
Views: 3367

Dog beds and kennel bedding

What do you guys recommend that works best for an outdoor / indoor kennel. The stuffed dog beds are comfortable but get chewed up real fast. What is the best alternative to a stuffed bed??
by MN Bonasa
Tue Jul 31, 2012 11:11 am
Forum: Guns and Ammo
Topic: Taurus - THE JUDGE
Replies: 16
Views: 9291

Re: Taurus - THE JUDGE

MN Bonasa wrote:but I wll do some research on MN DNR website
Partridge and Pheasant
• A person may not shoot pheasants or Hungarian partridge with a rifle or handgun other than a .22 caliber rimfire using short, long, or long rifle ammunition
by MN Bonasa
Tue Jul 31, 2012 10:22 am
Forum: Training
Topic: GSP tentative about getting in the water..
Replies: 19
Views: 6204

Re: GSP tentative about getting in the water..

I'll keep working on her confidence, i am positive that I will get her to love the water eventually. Unfortunately with a busy work schedule, getting to water more doesn't happen enough. I do live close by the Mississippi River but that has been high all year do to all the rain, I havent been down t...