I really can’t say much about quail season. I can’t even remember the last time I saw a quail. Its amazing that when I was a boy I could walk around the area apple orchards and jump a covey and kill a couple even without dogs. Now, on a rare occasion, I can hear the distinct call of a bobwhite to let me know there are a few around.

I have heard a lot of speculation as to the decline in quail, from hawks, raccoons, foxes, bobcats, coyotes and the like, to lack of crops, cover, and so on.

I’d say no single thing is to blame, but a perfect storm of predators and man.

Grouse is the perfect example of something that is there but hardly ever seen. This bird that seems to prefer remote mountainous areas, is hard to find, and near impossible to kill.

They are famous for holding tight till you nearly step on them before exploding up from the ground to fly away. By the time your heart starts back, and you realize what has happened they are gone. Grouse and bobcat season opened Oct. 15 and closes Feb. 28.