Basic Grouse advice for Okanogan County

[Rockey_Talus]

  Hey folks, I'll try to keep it short but here is my situation. I've recently moved to the area around Oroville. I've been spending my precious pre-season scouting time looking for work and a permanent living situation. I have managed to get up a few forest service roads and some BLM land near Oroville. Thing is I have only seen one grouse and it was on a road I clearly could not make a legal shot on (I was also going about 50 on my TW200 lol). Most the habitat I went through wasn't quite right for grouse but it did hold quail, white tail, and mule deer.

  So to get to the point I'm just asking in a general sense, if a fella was to drive around the roads around lets say Okanogan National Forest/ in the hills around Tonasket etc... (which I plan to do as soon as I get back to the East side) would he find some birds on the closed logging roads? and if so any advice? I like to get out of the truck and walk old roads not really into road hunting but of course I would take bird to get a meal... I won't be back in the area for another few days so I was just curious if somebody could provide at least a gentle nudge towards some birds before I have a chance to go look myself I would really appreciate it.

[Skyvalhunter]

Yea closed logging roads and don't be afraid to get off the road. Alot of times These old logging roads have been travel well by others you get away from the road and will see more birds and not so flighty.

[vandeman17]

Find old logging roads and two tracks, especially if they have gravel on them. Walk those mid morning and you will find some grouse

[Rockey_Talus]

Thank you folks! I really appreciate having a little confirmation. It will be fun just getting out and looking finally. Can't wait to get out, Nothing beats a morning walk down some old road with your shotgun. Also just wanna say, everybody I have met in Okanogan county so far has been super helpful and kind, it's a big change from the west side and I appreciate it, have a good one guys! Good luck out there.

[Red Ryder]

I ride a TW 200 and an ATV in the Okanogan area as well. I often encounter grouse while exploring lesser roads. My technique is to stop when I see them and try to back up a little. This makes them a little less wary and they tend to be more curious. That helps to keep them from sneaking off while I take off my helmet and get my rifle out of the scabbard and load it. It gives me more time to get lined up on one. If I just pull up and stop, it makes them more wary and they start moving. Make sure you are off the road when you shoot.

I also hunt in the Colockum pass area during elk season. The grouse over there are super flighty. I can't get within 50 yards of one on foot without it taking off and I haven't even seen it. I just hear it.

[KFhunter]

A good grouse plinker pistol and you don't need to remove the helmet or take time to load, a chest rig like Kenai is super nice for riding

[pickardjw]

Copy and paste this search into Google and you'll be able to read plenty of threads on the forum that may help you get into them. Walking near creek bottoms seems to be a popular suggestion. If they flush, they usually don't go too far.

Agree on the plinker pistol. I have one that fits in my backpack hip belt pouch so I carry it everywhere now.

site:hunting-washington.com "grouse"

[boneaddict]

best grouse advice I can give you is dont shoot the stuffed one that the game warden placed in the middle of the road.   

[bracer40]

Cool thing about that area is you can take all three species, ruffed, blue, & spruce depending on your elevation. I don’t have anything for you about road hunting them as I always saw them off the roads.

[mcrawfordaf]

Copy and paste this search into Google and you'll be able to read plenty of threads on the forum that may help you get into them. Walking near creek bottoms seems to be a popular suggestion. If they flush, they usually don't go too far.

Agree on the plinker pistol. I have one that fits in my backpack hip belt pouch so I carry it everywhere now.

site:hunting-washington.com "grouse"

 
Creek bottoms with young aspen is the key to prime grouse habitat in almost any part of the state.

[Birdguy]

The hunting will only get better after some moisture. Hunted the NF west of Oroville for a few years lots of birds around in a normal year and lots of roads to walk. As mentioned all three species around and all are delicious! It's a great area, with some fantastic people, but you'll always be a "coastie"! Lol!

[RB]

best grouse advice I can give you is dont shoot the stuffed one that the game warden placed in the middle of the road.

 

Sage advice right there hahahaha 

[Boss .300 winmag]

Find water, and evergreens together you’ll  have blues.👍