Grouse claw pins

[Jock Scot]

Right you are Jock. Ptarmigan are also found in Canada, of course.

What's the status of the capercaillie these days? Are there enough to shoot?

Sandy

Ptarmigan in Canada too, I did not know that.

No the Capercaillie(Capers for short) are a bit thin on the ground and I have not heard of one being shot for years.The last one I shot must have been 30 years ago. They have their strongholds though. Strangely enough, one of the main reasons that they are not doing as well as they might, is the lack of gamekeepers to control the vermin and the unwillingness of some conservationists to recognise this basic fact. The actual deer fencing of some areas where people are trying to establish new Caledonian forest is also not helping(they fly into it) and I think that fact has been noted. It is, also, to be noted that the Caper are fairing better where the vermin is controlled as part of other shooting interests.

As to the red grouse, I can hear a fusilade of shots going on in the distant hills, so some one must be enjoying themselves! I am going to try to eat one tonight, I am not too sure how "it" and my new super dooper false teeth are going to get on though! Have a good party!