by Kip Allardt
Over time, there’ve been many books penned on the subject of ruffed grouse and woodcock, and the accoutrements we cherish while afield each fall. Most of these titles are focused more on lyrical storytelling than instructional information. The telling of a staunch dog, head high and tail taller, backlit by autumn foliage, has been told for centuries, yet never seem to become outdated. These lyrical writings becoming the grouse and woodcock hunters’ romance stories – albeit the pain of a hawthorn spine in one’s cheek or palm is certainly more painful than a broken heart and, if on blood thinners, bleeds a lot longer.
With that stated, there’ve been instructional books regarding the pursuit of ruffed grouse and woodcock written. Frank Woolner’s two books, “Grouse and Grouse Hunting” and “Timberdoodle!” are two of the most notable. Don L. Johnson’s “Grouse & Woodcock – A Gunner’s Guide” and Dennis Walrod’s “Grouse Hunter’s Guide: Solid Facts, Insights, and Observations on How to Hunt the Ruffed Grouse” also fit well into this category. All of these books were written in the past and, until the recent publication of “A Hunter’s Handbook: Ruffed Grouse” by Kip Allardt, there was a void in the modern instructional book space. I’ll grant there are instructional materials in the marketplace in the form of videos and podcasts, but for the person that wants to read while a gun dog lies at their feet, those may miss the mark.
This title is a straight-forward textbook of the author’s personal upland experience. Allardt shares information in a concise and direct fashion in the 170-pages that addresses the topics one would expect to find in an instructional book. Basic gamebird biology, including food sources and habitat needs, is included along with shotguns and gun dogs. It’s apparent throughout the text that Allardt’s enamored with the Vizsla breed, but he does pay homage to other breeds, both pointing and flushing. In addition to these, Allardt also addresses wildlife conservation, trip planning, guest etiquette, physical preparation and recovery for both hunters and gundogs as well as basic first aid. Recovering downed birds and the benefits of a logbook are topics that add to this text. He also included a chapter on removing a dog from a conibear trap with detailed step-by-step instructions. Other beneficial inclusions are examples of trip checklists, logbook outlines and grouse and woodcock reading suggestions. While experienced upland hunters may skim these sections, the novice hunter, who the book’s intended for, will find merit.
The review copy I received was the hardbound edition. The book doesn’t have a traditional dust jacket, which is becoming more the norm these days, and the book’s boards display a pleasing image of two Vizslas, a hunter and a flying ruffed grouse painted by noted sporting artist, Peter Corbin. The cover image added a glimpse of October’s charm to the author’s text. The book’s pages are bright white with black text – many with a bullet-pointed format, which I found easy to read. With that stated, I believe color images of the food sources discussed would have benefited this book’s audience.
The adage that boot leather is the key to an upland hunter’s success is true. As is understanding our quarry, their habits and habitats, preseason scouting and overall preparation. This book will help you with all of these. The boot leather relies on you.
