Grouse Hunting Help

[Tiger1358]

I'm new to WA and don't know a lotta places where I can hunt grouse. I've had some luck off Hwy 2 ,but not a lot. Yesterday I went to Stampede Pass then North Bend but didn't even see a bird. If someone can help me find grouse in King or Snohomish counties I'd really appreciate that.

[netcoyote]

Try using the search function on this forum. Lots of good information is available if you are willing to put some effort into it. You are not the first person looking for this info.

[Tiger1358]

Try using the search function on this forum. Lots of good information is available if you are willing to put some effort into it. You are not the first person looking for this info.

I already did. I already checked most of the places that people recommended. No luck

[Boss .300 winmag]

Grouse numbers in my area have been dismal for years, might be the same where you are hunting also!

[Tiger1358]

Grouse numbers in my area have been dismal for years, might be the same where you are hunting also!

The area that I hunt, was just full of grouse a couple weeks before the season started. When the season started could barely find one grouse during a 5 hour hike.

[dmv9]

What time of the day?

[pcal]

 Here is what I recommend: Drive over Chinook Pass ,SR 410, down to Morse Creek and drive over the bridge,take the first left(forest rd 462)drive to the old mining area at the end of the road. Climb up into the thick brush and hit the old cat tracks and trails up to the Norse Peaks Wilderness and you will surely find the grouse. You should have a open choke or modified and be quick on the shot as they will flush wildly even with a dog. If you are a tough and a young guy you can climb up to the ridge and get into the Norse Peak Wilderness as there are plenty of grouse up there,too and not so heavy cover. Bring water and don't expect to see anyone as I have never ran into anyone up there. I seen so many big bucks one time that I wondered who hunts them as they didn't seem concerned with my closeness and I had a dog with me, too. I also picked many low bush huckleberry's up on the meadows and mushrooms close to the road. There are great sights and vista's to enjoy as you enjoy a lunch break such as Fife Peak, M.Rainer,Adams and even M.St.Helens if you climb high enough.

[jasnt]

Over here on the east side I look for them near a water source. Works well for me

[Tiger1358]

Here is what I recommend: Drive over Chinook Pass ,SR 410, down to Morse Creek and drive over the bridge,take the first left(forest rd 462)drive to the old mining area at the end of the road. Climb up into the thick brush and hit the old cat tracks and trails up to the Norse Peaks Wilderness and you will surely find the grouse. You should have a open choke or modified and be quick on the shot as they will flush wildly even with a dog. If you are a tough and a young guy you can climb up to the ridge and get into the Norse Peak Wilderness as there are plenty of grouse up there,too and not so heavy cover. Bring water and don't expect to see anyone as I have never ran into anyone up there. I seen so many big bucks one time that I wondered who hunts them as they didn't seem concerned with my closeness and I had a dog with me, too. I also picked many low bush huckleberry's up on the meadows and mushrooms close to the road. There are great sights and vista's to enjoy as you enjoy a lunch break such as Fife Peak, M.Rainer,Adams and even M.St.Helens if you climb high enough.

Thanks a lot, I really appreciate it...If I shoot something I will let you know for sure

[bearpaw]

   Good advice from pcal, get into some new area, the areas you were hunting may be getting so much pressure it pushed the birds away from where you were seeing them. Good Luck!

[cem3434]

Maybe you should do a little scouting for deer while you are in there too. 

[T-Bone]

I suggest you buy a map of the MT. Baker/Snoqualmie National Forest and a copy of the WA Atlas & Gazetteer. By doing some exploring with those tools, you will find grouse. I would look in the Skagit county areas for a day hunt.

[Tiger1358]

I suggest you buy a map of the MT. Baker/Snoqualmie National Forest and a copy of the WA Atlas & Gazetteer. By doing some exploring with those tools, you will find grouse. I would look in the Skagit county areas for a day hunt.

I have the map of MT. Baker/Snoqualmie National Forest...I got it when I first moved to WA

[jcswamp]

Try any of the gravel roads off of FR26 outside darrington, if you are willing to walk you should be on the birds fairly quick. i believe the name of the road is the Sauk-Suiattle road but i could be mistaken. Good luck and remember it is more about getting out there then bringing something home.

[John B]

Don't bother with I-90 unless you're going all the way to Cle Elum. Off of Highway 2 there is forest road 62 and Beckler river rd. I doubt you'll find them in good numbers in king or sno counties, and they'll be in very thick cover. I hope you have a dog, without one they can be almost impossible to find once you shoot them around here.

[Ridgerunner]

Good info guys, I'm taking my six year old boys out after them today they are excited!

[Tiger1358]

Thanks a lot for the info guys. I appreciate it.

[Hilltop123]

This is all great information! But a wise ole man gave me advise once on grouse....."Grouse are not where they are suppose to be, grouse are where you find them".....that ole man was right more than once, thanks dad........  The problem with this time of year is, there's food everywhere! Everything's ripe! Grasshoppers are plenty! Food sources are tough, but water and grit are a must. 

[Tiger1358]

This is all great information! But a wise ole man gave me advise once on grouse....."Grouse are not where they are suppose to be, grouse are where you find them".....that ole man was right more than once, thanks dad........  The problem with this time of year is, there's food everywhere! Everything's ripe! Grasshoppers are plenty! Food sources are tough, but water and grit are a must.