Grouse Season is almost here. ( At least in Washington , September 1st ) Get yer hiking boots in shape , grab a sweet handling gun , and good luck to all go out this year. Grouse are easy to hunt* and you don't need a whole lot of fancy or expensive gear to do so either. We have two species 'round where I live and hunt...the ruffled and the Blue grouse. ( now known as the Dusky grouse) The ruffled grouse are usually found in lower elevations and you will see more Blue's the higher you go. Both like old logging roads. as well as clear spots of grassy areas...as long as either areas have some trees to fly into when flushed. In the mornings when its cool and the early evening are the best times to see or hear 'em....that said one can find them at any time of day. They tend to flush with a LOUD noise , sometimes as you pass by, just to scare you into a heart attack almost as if for revenge , for shooting Uncle Bob last season..... When they do flush they usually fly to a nearby tree , about 8 to 12 feet from the ground....they do this at mach 12 by the way.... If you are hunting with a rifle and are trying for a head shot...they bob their head up and down or side by side , faster than a bobble head doll on the dash of '74 Ford Pinto with no shocks , going down a road full of potholes.... * I did say easy to hunt...but not easy to shoot ...see the above remarks. Good luck to all and be safe. Andy
Funny post. I’d really like to get after some grouse this season. Oregon also has a opening day of September 1st. Ruffed Grouse would be the species most available in my area. Anyone want to show a first time Grouse hunter the ropes?
Hey...thanks for shaking off the cobwebs here .... Wish we were closer , I'd take you hunting. Going after grouse is fairly easy. Good boots and or shoes are must ....miles and miles of walking. A gun that you can carry well and shoot fast is a plus. Mostly you just amble around , as I said earlier mornings and evenings are the best...strolling on an old logging road and seeing what's there.... Take a break for lunch , enjoy the scenery and continue on in the afternoon.... Andy
Sounds like a good time and thanks for the tips. I would be using my trusty 10/22 with a 2.5x20 scope and a old pair of well loved and super comfy leather work boots. I can work 10 hours in these boots and they take good care of me, so I’m hoping to have that same comfort while out, walking a logging road.
You are very welcome.... A 10/22 with scope and comfy boots sounds just about perfect... Pair that with a good lunch ... I like dried sausage , cheese and an apple...or hit my favorite bar & grill for lunch and a cup of coffee....tough to beat. Andy
Might be handy... I've been known to tote a handgun when carrying a shotgun* or .22 rifle for grouse. When I use my Hawken ... I generally don't carry ....if a .54 round ball won't do the trick on whatever I'm shooting at... I probably shouldn't have shot at it , in the first place... * I do keep buckshot handy ... There are a more than a few times where I have seen some sketchy types bumming in the woods ....nice to have options.... As for the cougars of the good kind....I wonder what kind of cat nip they like..... ? Andy
On the occasions that I actually do make it out grouse hunting, I usually sling a rifle for bear/cougar also. I find this to be prudent, because the seasons overlap, besides, carrying a rifle and having a tag for each, pretty much ensures that I won't see any game animal that's legal to take. Ray
Thinking about heading out for some scouting on Thursday and trying to locate some grouse. Have been reading quite a bit about their habitat and behavior, so hopefully I can fall into them.
Scouting is always fun...pack a lunch...and see some "woodline"...sounds like a good idea to me. I wish you luck in finding a spot... I have found old logging roads or trails to be the best. Andy
Was thinking about heading up to Mt. Hood Natl Forest, Tillamook State Forest or Suislaw Natl Forest. Have to do some more research on accessible areas. I have put in a lot of hours of reading the last week and it is hard to find reliable information. Thinking I might skip hunting this year and start putting in field hours this year, in hopes of a successful 2019 hunt, unless I find a good spot and fall into some birds.
