Pennsylvania Ruffed Grouse Season Opens

This Saturday, October 17^th, is the opening day of the Ruffed Grouse season in Pennsylvania, and for many Pennsylvania hunters the Ruffed Grouse season is the beginning of the most enjoyable and exciting wild game hunt. With the cooler temperatures, shorter days, and the brilliant show of fall foliage, there is no question that the season has arrived; however in our local area there has yet to be a frost, so hunters will enter the woods this Saturday with plenty of colorful foliage and vegetation to contend with. But that's fine for most hunters because colorful leaves and vegetation are all part of the upland hunting experience; it's a time when many hunters plan to keep the dogs working close.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission says that the summer grouse sightings were low this year, but the weather during the ever important brooding period was good, so they are hopeful for an improved grouse population for the 2015 season. The Game Commission is very positive for a good woodcock season, but there are no indications that the migratory flight has begun in our local area.

Upland bird hunting is an easy hunting sport for beginners to get involved. All you need is a shotgun, appropriate hunting clothing, and a hunting license. Lion Country Supply can provide many of the items the beginner upland bird hunter needs to get started.

The Bob Allen Upland Hunting Vest is a good choice for the beginner upland hunter because it is inexpensive yet high quality, designed to last for years. This upland vest features a woven shell and a nylon lined front with game bag in the rear. The front pockets have 5 shell loops providing enough room for gloves, snacks, and other essential items. The vest also features a license tab for your hunting license, so no need to poke holes through your new vest to attach your license.

For protection against rain, snow, and briars we recommend chaps. We think our Better LCS Waterproof Chaps are the toughest and driest chaps available today. The outside layer is made from heavy duty nylon for serious protection against briars while the waterproof fabric inside will keep you dry all day. You'll find these chaps comfortable to wear and not too stiff or heavy. We've also added side zippers so you can slip them off easily without taking your boots off.

A real convenience item to have during upland bird hunting is our Better LCS Game Bird Bag. Capable of carrying 12 quail, 8 pigeons, or several pheasants; it's comes in handy for planting birds when bird dog training or for carrying game when hunting in the field. The Velcro opening and drawstring on the mesh front provides easy loading and retrieval and it features an accessory pocket on the back not found on other game bags.

We also have a huge selection of game bird ammo on stock. The Fiocchi Game & Target ammo is available in nearly all gauges and shot sizes. Fiocchi shotgun ammo is also available in High Velocity for a heavier, faster load, and Golden Pheasant for a heavier nickel plated lead shot. Our customers always comment on the great patterns they get out of Fiocchi ammo.

Good luck with your 2015-16 bird hunting season and be safe.