Grouse while deer/elk hunting...

[aorams]

Hi,

I am looking for a way to kill grouse while backcountry deer/elk hunting that doesn't impact the actual deer/elk hunt in a negative way.  After reading the regulations it seems to me that air pistols are out.  I'm also unclear on whether or not I am able to trap or snare them (although I would have no idea where to start if it were legal).  Please excuse my ignorance, I am very new at this and just looking for ideas better than hucking rocks at them.

Thank you.

[bowhunterwa87]

 
Or
Would a wrist rocket be legal?

[bobcat]

A 22 rifle with "Quiet" low velocity ammo.

Like this:  http://www.cci-ammunition.com/products/detail.aspx?use=3&loadNo=960

[sled]

Or
Would a wrist rocket be legal?

  Only Way I Do It Is Archery.

[AspenBud]

Hunt grouse like a man and buy a bird dog.   

(Bobcat's advice is good)

[JLS]

Tough one with firearms.  With archery gear not only is it easy, it's an absolute gas.  I had a LOT of fun thumping grouse last year while I was elk hunting.

[JLS]

Hunt grouse like a man and buy a bird dog.   

(Bobcat's advice is good)

I've made rumblings about it for some time, but I really think this year I'm going to take my dog out after blue grouse. 

[idaho guy]

Archery for sure-bring a judo tip saves a lot of arrows!

[Curly]

Hunting blues by flushing and shooting is a blast .......With a dog is even more fun than without just to watch the dog work,  but it is still fun without a dog.

[Curly]

Or
Would a wrist rocket be legal?

Slingshots or throwing rocks is not legal.  I did get a limit of grouse on a high hunt with a slingshot once but later found out is was not a legal method.

[aorams]

I guess I should have clarified that I am a rifle hunter.  Sounds like a 22 pistol is the way to go in order to minimize weight and noise but I hate the idea of disturbing my hunting area any more than it already is...  Thanks all

[AspenBud]

I guess I should have clarified that I am a rifle hunter.  Sounds like a 22 pistol is the way to go in order to minimize weight and noise but I hate the idea of disturbing my hunting area any more than it already is...  Thanks all

Food for thought, deer like to hunker down depending on the weather. If the crack of a .22 gets them moving that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Smarter deer hunters sitting in tree stands in the Midwest like to see grouse hunters and their dogs come through on hot and rainy days for this reason.

[aorams]

I guess I should have clarified that I am a rifle hunter.  Sounds like a 22 pistol is the way to go in order to minimize weight and noise but I hate the idea of disturbing my hunting area any more than it already is...  Thanks all

Food for thought, deer like to hunker down depending on the weather. If the crack of a .22 gets them moving that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Smarter deer hunters sitting in tree stands in the Midwest like to see grouse hunters and their dogs come through on hot and rainy days for this reason.

Nice!  thank you!

[Igottanewknee]

Like Bobcat said, use sub sonic 22 rounds. As quiet as an air rifle......

[REHJWA]

It has been my experience that it is a combination of events that spook wildlife.
The sound will put the on alert, but it is your scent, movement, or additional noise that pushes them....

[Bullkllr]

I used to carry a sling shot all the time...strictly for hucking rocks into cover to move deer...

I leave the grouse alone unless it's real convenient. Noise, and don't usually need grouse to carry around and care for while hunting other game.

[TONTO]

So it's possible that shooting a couple grouse with a 22 won't disturb your deer hunt?

 For the low price of a federal tax stamp you can put a can on it

[REHJWA]

So it's possible that shooting a couple grouse with a 22 won't disturb your deer hunt?

Yes...carry a .22 revolver with short loads.

[Jolten]

My grandpa used to take them out with a lawn dart. Not exactly practical but it was funny as hell to watch.

[James]

I also used slingshot as a kid (not sure if it was legal back then or not).

I have also gotten them with a treking pole, stick, and by hand.  Not sure if this is legal anymore, even though I haven't done this forever I should prob look into it...

Here is my procedure for getting them by hand.  Sucess rate isn't great, exp if they are warry, but if there is enought around I have usually been able to get dinner.

-When I encounter a covey, stop and put down pack.
-Walk as close as I can to them until they start walking away.
-Pick a target.
-Start circling around my prey with a capture orbit (it can't tell I am getting closer).
-Leap on prey, be prepared to bat out of the air, they can hop to flight much quicker than you think.

[washelkhunter]

I'll often carry a wrist rocket with me.

[tonymiller7]

I carry a 22 while deer hunting but limit myself to only shooting grouse when walking back to my truck after I'm done hunting.

[Dave Workman]

So it's possible that shooting a couple grouse with a 22 won't disturb your deer hunt?

Uh huh.
I actually shot grouse with a .22 pistol on a couple of occasions and as I was picking them up, a deer walked by. 

I acquired a vintage Ruger Standard (the original MK I) a few years ago. Loaded with subsonics, it is a killer. I can hit the round bottom of a tin can consistently at 25 yards with it and grouse will let you get much closer if you just take your time.

This time around Bobcat is right.    and I wholeheartedly agree. The semi-auto .22 pistol in good hands will put meat in the pot.  But do as BC suggests....SUBSONICS.

Try this with those hyper velocity rounds and the report will not only give you tinnitis, it'll tell every critter in the neighborhood that you're there.
 

[RadSav]

In Canada we use a stick!  Most of the time down here I use a $20.00 arrow

[Smossy]

Hi,

I am looking for a way to kill grouse while backcountry deer/elk hunting that doesn't impact the actual deer/elk hunt in a negative way.  After reading the regulations it seems to me that air pistols are out.  I'm also unclear on whether or not I am able to trap or snare them (although I would have no idea where to start if it were legal).  Please excuse my ignorance, I am very new at this and just looking for ideas better than hucking rocks at them.

Thank you.

Carry one of the arrows in your quiver with a judo tip. That's what I did last year's deer venture, Got a grouse to.
(If hunting archery that is)

[madcow41]

Subs in a 22 pistol are still loud. Henry makes a 22 survival rifle that breaks down to fit in the butstock. Thatswhat I use

[splitshot]

  I use the lightweight judge and 2.5 shell with  6 shot.  try for a headshot.  mike w

[Dave Workman]

So it's possible that shooting a couple grouse with a 22 won't disturb your deer hunt?

Oh, absolutely.
I've had deer walk toward me after I shot one of their buddies and an 06 makes a hell of a lot more noise than a .22 pistol.

I bought my little vintage Ruger .22 pistol a few years ago at a gun show and that's what I carry elk hunting.

Bobcat is on the right track with the subsonic ammunition, though it really does make a noise.  As for paying for the tax stamp for a can, I'd forego the expense and the paperwork and just hunt with those low-noise rouds and call it square.

[Tiger1358]

Hi,

I am looking for a way to kill grouse while backcountry deer/elk hunting that doesn't impact the actual deer/elk hunt in a negative way.  After reading the regulations it seems to me that air pistols are out.  I'm also unclear on whether or not I am able to trap or snare them (although I would have no idea where to start if it were legal).  Please excuse my ignorance, I am very new at this and just looking for ideas better than hucking rocks at them.

Thank you.

Try this)

http://www.amazon.com/Self-cocking-Crossbow-Pistol-Cross-Arrows/dp/B001E11HH4/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1409044897&sr=8-4&keywords=cobra+crossbow

[BiggLuke]

Dude... you're not serious right?
Pretty sure a gamey would pitch a fit if he caught you using something like that.

[Mo]

40 years ago my Scoutmaster showed us how to use a 0' buckshot over a tiny bit of Bullseye Powder in our 30-06's.  They would print pretty close to our full powder jacketed loads out to 25 yards or so.  Worked well on Grouse and made for some inexpensive Trigger time.

These days I use a cast bullet like the Lee "Soup Can" or the Lyman 311008 over enough Bullseye or W231 or Red Dot and drive it about 950 fps in my 30 caliber rifles (30-30, 308, 30-06).  Quiet, accurate and great on small game.  I even use it in silhouette matches for the 50 meter chickens.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbRsCaLvpEQ

If you are an experienced reloader, it is an option.  You just need to know where the Point of Impact is compared to your normal hunting load.  It is usually pretty close out to 25-50 yards, especially with the iron sights.  Scoped rifles tend to print the load lower, depending on your zero.

[pd]

40 years ago my Scoutmaster showed us how to use a 0' buckshot over a tiny bit of Bullseye Powder in our 30-06's.  They would print pretty close to our full powder jacketed loads out to 25 yards or so.  Worked well on Grouse and made for some inexpensive Trigger time.

If you are an experienced reloader, it is an option.  You just need to know where the Point of Impact is compared to your normal hunting load.  It is usually pretty close out to 25-50 yards, especially with the iron sights.  Scoped rifles tend to print the load lower, depending on your zero.

Mo, that is a really interesting idea.  In other words (say your hunting rifle is chambered in .30-06), rather than carry an extra firearm or slingshot, just reload some extra .30-06 brass with a small bit of powder and "0" buckshot.  Did I get that right?  Boy, that would be a slick solution.  And, probably not that loud??

[Mo]

Rimfire like report.  It has worked well in all the 30 caliber rifles I've tried it in.



The buckshot mics .314" average.  If you shoot a bunch of them you will get a little leading but a dozen or so doesn't have any detectable effect in my rifles.  Lubing with Lee Liquid Alox seems to mitigate leading.  As a pup we used to shoot tons of these out of our surplus 1903's, backyard mostly.  Fun and cheap.  Accuracy really drops off after 50 yards or so.  Grouse neck accuracy out to 25 yards, body out to 50.

A 115 grain 30 caliber cast bullet is better.  Less fouling and accurate at longer ranges.  Same amount of powder or even a little less to keep the velocity subsonic.  Not as cheap as a sack of buckshot though unless you cast your own.

[KFhunter]

tag

that is awesome! I had no idea man I learn something new each time I log on.   Excellent way to get trigger time on kids with the full size rifle.


How much of that powder should I start with? 

[Mo]

I am uncomfortable posting load data as there are so many knuckleheads out there.  GMDR.com has a lot of reduced load data on its sight.  PM/email is better if you want to talk specifics.

[pd]

Thanks, Mo.