I was able to pick up my ruffed grouse mount from the taxidermist today. This was a red phase Minnesota bird from a couple of years ago. Mark Benfield did a great job on it, and he said mine is the last ruffed grouse he will ever mount because he has continued to narrow down his work to only ducks.
Out of the 15 or so grouse we shot, this bird was one of the better ones. About 75% were gray phase. I was hoping to shoot a red phase with a solid tail band to mount, and when this one fell in a logging road I ran and snatched it up before the dog could retrieve it. I'm glad to finally get it back. It's a fine piece and a great way to remember the hunt.
Out of the 15 or so grouse we shot, this bird was one of the better ones. About 75% were gray phase. I was hoping to shoot a red phase with a solid tail band to mount, and when this one fell in a logging road I ran and snatched it up before the dog could retrieve it. I'm glad to finally get it back. It's a fine piece and a great way to remember the hunt.
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