grouse around sultan basin

[Bullets_n_Octane]

Grouse are literally everywhere, seeing/finding them is the hard part, grouse typically freeze when you get too close, they also hear really well and have good vision, so they will usually see you first, and freeze up. They have impeccable camoflauge as well. Try walking alongside creekbeds through maples/alders and Salmon berry bushes... just be prepared for when you flush 'em, the sound they make when they take off can send you into cardiac arrest in a quiet forest! lol.

98% of the time I take a grouse, I have seen it driving to and from hunt spots for Big Game. Anytime I have ever went "Grouse hunting", I haven't seen em. LOTS of grouse up around Darrington, also up Beckler River area, past Skykomish, old Jack's pass area....

Yeah, for sure. I was out Bear hunting in September and got two to flush like 5 feet from me in that area while walking. Throws you off for a second because of the noise. I thought some bear had gotten the drop on me.  Afterwards, I wish I had a shotgun, during I wish I had a machine gun. 

I usually see grouse during Bear season, and I'm the same way... My first thought when they take off BEEEAAAARRR!! Quickly realizing I probably yelled louder than the noise of the birds taking off....lmfao!

[wafisherman]

Yeah, that sound really gets your attention...  We were walking one trail when some crazy sound came from behind us that stopped my heart for a second and made us both spin around.  My first thought was "Grouse!"  but was just a tree falling.  Kinda funny trying to explain to my son how I could possibly think a big tree falling could be mistaken for a little grouse...