Tuesday, April 6, 2010

The Elusive "BRONZE" Ruff





WE all know that grouse come in two main color phases, but have a few color offshoots that border on remarkable. This particular bird I harvested two years ago was one of them. I've been chasing these birds for about 25 years, and this one was a color scheme that I haven't witnessed but this one time. I really made a mistake in not getting this bird mounted. The crazy part about it is that the ruff around the neck was exactly the same color, and not the usual black even expected with red phase birds. I guess even in a world of uniformity in the wild kingdom, God makes a few of them that are still special. This bird truly was. I called a DNR and was told this is referred to as a "BRONZE" ruffed Grouse and occur like once in a lifetime per hunter, what a great bird.

5 comments:

  1. Nice Bird. Seen a few nice ones, but never that color. There was one I was after that was rust orange from the back of the head, down the back and to the tail.

    Nice blog

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  2. Dual, you have GORGEOUS setters!
    i just thought that color was SO unique!

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  3. Great pictures, nice website

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  4. I've seen a ot of ruffed grouse, but never one that color. Absolutely beautiful! Nice blog. I'll have to put it on my blog role.

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  5. I got one in that phase in 2000 in Hawkins, WI, and like you have regretted not getting him mounted. However one day I'm going to carve one. Love your blog, check out my site at bruceglong.com

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