Respecting Others: The Gift of the Grouse Feather

Our online courses aren't the only way to learn valuable hunting lessons. We love sharing stories of unique experiences hunters have in the field – even when they aren't hunting – and these experiences can help others learn more about being responsible hunters!

Today, we share a story from Montana hunter education instructor Randy Allen. He says, "This happened to my son and me last year, and I now tell my classes about it as a part of my ethics section."

Keep reading to hear from Randy and learn how understanding good hunting practices can be helpful in an unexpected situation. 

Randy's Story

Let's hear from Randy.

This story is a good example of how I was raised to treat other people when in the outdoors. It is not about what I did – I am not tooting my own horn! It is about reciprocating a respectful action. 

Let's face it: We have all done something right at one time or another, only to have the other person ignore or disregard our kind act. Mutual respect for one another is an excellent thing to remember.

One September afternoon, my son and I decided to ride our motorbikes. We like to ride dirt roads to see what we can see, so I usually choose an out-of-the-way place. One such place for us was up Lolo Creek off the highway. We had been there in the spring and summer with hardly anyone else around. 

It Was Grouse Hunting Season

Now, this was September, when it was bow, grouse, and wood season, so I half-expected other people to be around. I like to park down an old, unused road that crosses this neat little stream. Just beyond that, a short distance away, is a landing from an old logging operation where I usually unload the bikes. 

As I pulled down there, I noticed a Jeep parked along the trail, with a shotgun-toting lady and her dog walking down the road just about at the stream. I didn't think much of it. In my mind, person + gun + dog = heading up or down the creek to hunt grouse, and I was only going about another 100 yards or so to park.

Just then, a truck slowly came down the road with a load of wood. I pulled in behind the Jeep to let him go by; he passed her and went by me. I start back down the road toward the lady and her dog. When she sees me, her shoulders drop like she is bummed, thinking, "Too much traffic."

Seeing this, I quickly deduced that she wanted to hunt up this little road instead of the creek, but she had given up and turned back to her Jeep. So, I pulled alongside her as she walked back and quickly explained that I didn't want to mess up her hunt. 

I told her I had intended only to go a short way further to unload the bikes – but since she was hunting, I would back up and park behind her. We would then unload the bikes and go riding but in the opposite direction of where she was headed. 

Her surprise and happiness at this turn of events were obvious and heartfelt, so she gave me a sincere "Thank you!" We parted, and my son and I went for a ride.

It Was a Great Day

During the ride, I thought about her a couple of times, wondering if she got anything and hoping she did. When we returned to the truck, she was gone, so we rode up where she had hunted just to look around. I hadn't been in that direction before, and it was a very pretty area, perfect for grouse. 

We rode back to the truck and loaded up. When I got in behind the wheel and looked out the windshield, I saw something under my wiper blade. It was a tail feather from a ruffed grouse. 

I thought, "All right, she did get one." Then I showed it to my son. I said, "See, son, this is how it should be. She appreciated what we did for her so much that this is her way of saying thank you and 'I got one.'" 

What a great day that was!

Important Lessons from Randy's Story

You might wonder how this story relates to hunter safety or being a good hunter. Well, there's plenty to learn here! Here are a couple of things that stand out to us. 

First, even though Randy wasn't hunting that day, he showed respect and courtesy to another hunter. We teach this in our hunter education courses through Hunter-Ed. It's always important to be aware of others around you and avoid interrupting someone else's hunt. 

Second, Randy understood it was grouse hunting season, and they would likely run into hunters during their bike ride. Understanding the hunting seasons and being aware of hunters in the area is critical – even for people enjoying outdoor activities other than hunting during a hunting season. 

Even if your state doesn't require a hunter safety course, or if you don't plan to hunt but you're accompanying hunters during hunting season, hunter safety education can help avoid accidents and make the outdoors more enjoyable!

Learn More Hunter Safety Essentials With Hunter-Ed

We appreciate Randy sharing this story! It's wonderful to hear how his hunter education prepared him for an unexpected situation with another hunter and that his respectful efforts were rewarded with a beautiful grouse feather. 

No matter what or when you hunt, make sure you have the safety knowledge to return home from the field without injury. Find your state course and start learning! 

Originally published October 18, 2016. Content updated August 14, 2023.