Sage Grouse Advice

[DaMitt Mystagin]

Hi folks, my name is Joe. I put a more formal introduction in the new person intro thread, but basically I am a new empty nester wanting to start on my bucket.  I am planning a trip for sage grouse this fall.  I'd like to pursue these fantastic birds before we can't anymore.  Anyway, I'm thinking E. Montana and may go with an outfitter just to get access to the private ground.  Anybody hunted these birds?  Any advice on where to go and what to do would be appreciated – outfitters to go with or who to stay away from, states other than MT that might be better, guns and loads, etc?  PM me if you feel more comfortable. 

Thanks in advance for any advice. 

Joe
a.k.a DM

[AspenBud]

I only know of one guy who has done it and I want to say he was north of Fort Peck, like closer to Canada. Pack everything you need to hunt with and bring A LOT of water for the dogs and you.

I would go here http://www.uplandjournal.com/ and ask your question if I were you. Somebody there should have suggestions for outfitters or places to go.

[JLS]

There is plenty of BLM ground in NE Montana where you can find sage grouse.  Look near Winnet or SW of Glasgow and you'll find grouse.

[DOUBLELUNG]

Montana is the second best place to hunt sage grouse, Wyoming is the best (Red Desert), closest would be Idaho or Oregon.  You don't need a guide, tons of public land.  In September, look for grazed areas with green vegetation in the riparian areas, and hunt there first thing in the morning, and on the benches with sagebrush above the riparian after mid morning.  Feel free to PM, I've shot sage grouse all over Wyoming.  Most of the BLM west of I-25 in WY has good sage grouse hunting.

[Bluemoon]

I have shot all of mine in SE Montana between Miles City and Broadus.  There is wonderful hunting on Block Management for them.  I go there once a year to shoot them just because I can and some day we won't be able to.  I sub for another outfitter in N.C. Montana that also has them on his land however, he wants way to much money in my opinion for a Sage Hen.  They sit very tight so a good Pointing Dog helps..     

[DaMitt Mystagin]

Thanks for the advice guys.  You've given me a bunch to think on.  I'd about talked myself out of going on my own, but now you got me thinking about it again.

I'd much prefer to go self guided, but not knowing anything about the birds, their habits and habitat and only owning one flushing dog (she's a great upland dog she just wears out after about an hour), I was thinking maybe a guide might be the way to go.

"Because I can and some day we won't be able to," kind of sums it up for me too Bluemoon.  Don't know if I'll go back but want to experience it before it's gone.  Maybe take a couple bird too. 

[oldschool]

  :)Welcome to the club

[DaMitt Mystagin]

  :)Welcome to the club

Thanks, oldschool.  I'm guessing you mean the Empty Nest, Goin' Hunitn' Club.  If so, I can honestly say that while I miss the kids being little (it really did go by faster than I thought), I'm looking forward to the next couple decades.   

[birdblastinboaz]

Joe...I had success hunting these bombers in Central WY. Good public hunting just SE of Lander. That being said, if I did it again I would go to MT since there are so many other options of birds to pursue in the absence of Sage Grouse. Plenty of advice above in that regard. Good Luck!

[salmonchaser]

The empty nester club is a great organization, first it's not touching anything in their rooms, then there comes higrading the stuff you don't want mom to find, then remodeling their room for the soon to be daughter in law, before you know it you're remodeling again, building the nursery you couldn't afford 25 years ago. Let's not forget graduation, new job, first house, weddings and runs to the maternity ward at 0200. Then you'll learn you and your lovely bride are always available so the kids can have a date night, date weekend etc. After all you have the nursery. You won't have as much time as you think, better get busy

That being said I too want to go to Montana in the fall for sage grouse, prairie chicken etc. The wife and I have a couple of GSP bitches (14 months) that are hunting well.
I have some sources for good Intel, I'll check with them and let you know.

[WAcoyotehunter]

There is plenty of BLM ground in NE Montana where you can find sage grouse.  Look near Winnet or SW of Glasgow and you'll find grouse.

Yep- Those are good places to start.  Find knee high sage and glass for them.  It sounds strange, but spooting them is a good way to save yourself a hundred miles of fruitless hiking...

[DaMitt Mystagin]

Thanks for the input guys.

Boaz, you bring up a good point.  I really want the hunting experience , but would only take a couple sage grouse given the chance.  Having other birds to chase, in case I get lucky early on, sounds like a good plan.  Nice looking pups BTW.

Salmonchaser, Stop it! You’re scaring me!    I'd appreciate any intel you're willing to share.

WAcoyotehunter, I've heard that before and it sounds like good advice.  Thanks.

Feel free to post up or PM me with anything else you think of.

[JLS]

I don't know what their numbers look like, but if you want a combo deal you could look at SW Idaho along the Oregon/Nevada border and look for some chukars too.