A lot of long-awaited things are happening with the arrival of October.
The “Roche Motel” – my Silverado with the two RuffLand dog boxes and Mud River kennel covers in the back of the Silverado – are booked for the season. Our first excursion was undertaken Sunday when we drove to Jay, Vermont, to spend time with Dean Scudder and his young Brittany, Dotty.
Monday morning was, as has been the trend over the past week or so, mild fall weather influenced by a stationary high-pressure system over the northeast. If you enjoy mild fall weather, “Indian Summer” if you like, that is great. However, if you are an upland grouse and woodcock hunter like myself, it is really not good.
For most of my life, bird hunting began around the holiday weekend in October, which we referred to as Columbus weekend. Recently, that reference has changed. Whatever you want to call that holiday, which takes place on or around Oct. 12, things have changed with regard to my bird hunting life.
First, all the New England states opened around that time. When my good friend Bruce Bennet first invited me to join him in New York to hunt the covers around his grouse camp, it was perfect, as the long weekend was a chance to make the long drive for a three-day hunt. Believe me when I say that at that location, 30 miles from the Canadian border, the dog’s water bowls in the back of the Silverado would be frozen most mornings.
Now, fast forward to 2025. Most states have moved to earlier opening dates for upland hunting seasons, with New York and Vermont opening the last week of September. At the same time, for whatever reason you want, climate change maybe, the arrival of fall is unquestionably happening much later. So, bird hunters like me get started earlier with lots of green foliage and unfrosted understory.
Warmer temps now are more 60 to 70 degrees rather than the 40s, and that is harder on both dogs and hunters. But we still hunt because we can, and this past trip was influenced by warm weather. The dogs were great, but could only run for about a half hour. The grouse and woodcock were also influenced and where you might find them can change with temperatures. Factor in the ongoing drought and it becomes a challenging hunt.
Looking on the positive side, the dogs really hunted well, considering that the pre-season work that usually got them in shape did not happen because of Hedgerow Hunt Club shutting down and their master having health issues. Tessie, in particular, was superb! Her points were solid and she did find a few woodcock. Her master, however, is blaming his new Browning Citori White Lightning shotgun. Twice, the safety was not moved to the fire position on a flush. There are a lot of potential reasons, but what we’re going to do is go back to the Ruger 28-gauge Red Label. We know that works!
On a Wednesday morning hunt, Tessie made three solid points on woodcock and on the first one, the safety was not released. On the next point, she looked so good that this writer decided to take his phone out of his pocket and take a picture. How dumb is that? The bird took off and flew away laughing and there was no pic!
This was also a great chance for the dogs to work birds. My excuses for the other birds that did not make the game bag are not important. What is important is that the time spent with good friend Dean Scudder was good for the dogs and great for me! For this bird hunter, the time spent with good people, talking and storytelling over quality beverages, is what life should be.
To say that this writer is excited about the prospects of a hunting trip to Nova Scotia is an understatement. After 30 years of discussion, my return to Nova Scotia is really going to happen!
During my early years as a member of the New England Outdoor Writers Association, the relationship with Canadian lodges and outfitters was very strong. It was at that time that I met the Kennedy family, who operated Stewiacke Lodge and outfitters in Nova Scotia. They hosted two trips that I was involved in and were first class.
At that time, I came to know Todd Kennedy and our friendship has lasted over time. Todd was, and is, a world-class fly tier and now guides hunters and fishermen in Nova Scotia. My trip next week will be a fulfillment of a longtime dream to return to Nova Scotia. Tessie will travel with me, and we will let you know how the trip goes.
On another note. This writer and former Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Board member was recently informed that the board voted at its August meeting that he will receive the Francis Sargent Award. This award, which has only been given 14 times, is humbling.
During my time on the board, it was my pleasure to serve on the Sargent Award working group, and the resumes of the recipients reflected leadership in the conservation efforts in Massachusetts. To be even mentioned in that conversation is an honor.
The award will be presented on Nov. 12 after the monthly Massachusetts Fisheries and Wildlife meeting at Field Headquarters in Westborough.
Mike Roche is a retired teacher who has been involved in conservation and wildlife issues his entire life. He has written the Sportsman’s Corner since 1984 and has served as advisor to the Mahar Fish’N Game Club, counselor and director of the Massachusetts Conservation Camp, former Connecticut Valley District representative on the Massachusetts Fisheries and Wildlife Board, a Massachusetts Hunter Education Instructor and is a licensed New York hunting guide. He can be reached at mikeroche3@msn.com.