Late season grouse elevation

[fly-by]

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?

[MtnMuley]

Nope. Mainly when the snow starts melting where I'm at.

[JimmyHoffa]

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.

[AspenBud]

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.   

[fly-by]

Nope. Mainly when the snow starts melting where I'm at.

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.

[MtnMuley]

Those birds, especially blues, will live at high elevations through winter. Not sure ski trails or roads are your best bet though that late.

[fly-by]

Thank you all for the input.   Will let you know if it works out.

[TriggerMike]

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.