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Author Topic: Late season grouse elevation  (Read 3017 times)

Offline fly-by

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Late season grouse elevation
« on: October 18, 2016, 10:06:28 PM »
This is the first year I've been spending much time on Grouse, and have been finding birds around 3500-4000ft.  Do they move down in elevation in late fall?

Offline MtnMuley

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Re: Late season grouse elevation
« Reply #1 on: October 18, 2016, 10:11:43 PM »
Nope. Mainly when the snow starts melting where I'm at. :twocents:

Offline JimmyHoffa

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Re: Late season grouse elevation
« Reply #2 on: October 18, 2016, 10:21:52 PM »
They are fairly territorial, but do seem to make some minor adjustment within their range.  I think they actually move UP in elevation (assuming still plenty of food).  Usually keep drier/warmer in snow than cold rain.  Seems they like berries that have froze/thawed a few times and get sweet, like buds and eat seeds from cones too.

Offline AspenBud

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Re: Late season grouse elevation
« Reply #3 on: October 19, 2016, 08:50:25 AM »
Depends on the species. Ruffed grouse don't behave like blues. You'll find them in the lowlands and up high. At all times. But they do disperse around now and become harder to find in groups until they start bunching up again next month and in December.

Blues are a different story. My understanding is they actually go higher as the season progress.   :dunno:

Offline fly-by

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Re: Late season grouse elevation
« Reply #4 on: October 19, 2016, 09:50:47 PM »
Nope. Mainly when the snow starts melting where I'm at. :twocents:

So do they hang out around the snow line? I would really like to ski or snowshoe the same logging roads I hunt in September and October, but not if I'm above the birds.  I've skied those roads mid winter and can't remember flushing any grouse.  However, I was just exercising, not hunting and not paying close attention.
« Last Edit: October 19, 2016, 10:00:03 PM by fly-by »

Offline MtnMuley

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Re: Late season grouse elevation
« Reply #5 on: October 19, 2016, 10:22:20 PM »
Those birds, especially blues, will live at high elevations through winter. Not sure ski trails or roads are your best bet though that late.

Offline fly-by

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Re: Late season grouse elevation
« Reply #6 on: October 20, 2016, 12:24:51 PM »
Thank you all for the input.   Will let you know if it works out.

Offline TriggerMike

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Re: Late season grouse elevation
« Reply #7 on: October 21, 2016, 10:18:23 AM »
I shot a huge blue in a foot and a half of snow at the end of November last year at 5500'. There was actually a covey of 3.

 


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