BIRD is the word.

September 1. It's opening day of hunting season for upland game, meaning birds and small mammals are open to hunt. Quail, dove, rabbit, squirrel... and GROUSE. This bird has many nicknames, "Thunder Chicken" being my favorite. It is elusive because of the rugged territory it occupies, and the dwindling numbers of its population. These birds are strong enough in numbers to be able to harvest, but only one is needed to fulfill any hunter's fantasy of a stump thumper on their wall. ("Stump thumper" refers to its practice of beating its wings while on dead stumps and logs.) These birds are delicious, fun, and very challenging. I spent three days deep in the woods and was rewarded with a beautiful bird.

Three birds burst out of the bushes like small apache helicopters. The sound of wingbeats exploding out of a wall of ferns is the most exhilarating experience. Before it disappeared into the brush I pulled the trigger once. I wasn't as rusty as I thought! 

After I cleaned the bird, I walked the forest roads with a beer and took in the day. I was able to find late blackberries in a clearing, so I made my way back to camp for cheese, crackers, compote, and cooked half the grouse on an open fire. With the sun fading, I was happy and content with this adventure.