Klickitat County and Grouse

[NJClark7]

Hey guys, with the later start this year for upland birds on the rez and late start with WDFW I wanted to put my dogs on some grouse if possible. I live in Goldendale and am not looking for anybody's honey hole! I've never really given grouse an honest try before so don't have a clue what I'm doing. When I go out in the mountains I put my dog on tall grass like I would for other birds but find zero success.  Was just wondering if you guys could just point me in the right direction as far where to look for grouse? Again, my dog will do all the work, just looking for a wildlife area or road to pull off on and start exploring. Thank you for any help you can provide! My dog would thank you too if he knew how the internet worked.

[joe_dumy]

Gated logging roads that go along a creek bottom. Swamp edges clearcut edges, side hill roads through the forest. Water food and cover. They need to fly up into cover or off a steep side for cover. Get into the forest not the fields. Birds of prey keep them out of the fields.

[Pegasus]

Fly down time in the early AM they will be picking gravel up off the logging roads. After that they can be found mainly close to water like a creek bottom. Wet areas close by are the key for finding ruffed grouse. Blues like the ridges but can still be found on the gravel roads in the AM. Hunting improves dramatically after a good rain has passed.

[NJClark7]

All good strategies! I'm going out again this afternoon. I'll keep you guys updated. Thank you!

[kukusya]

How it’s go?

[NJClark7]

Nothing. Not a bird. Traversed all over Klickitat Wildlife Area with me and my dog. Probably should just stick to the birds I know and not focus on grouse. Anxious for Oct. 3 now.