GROUSE 2025...the Season is looming!

[Dave Workman]

First of the season 2025. 20-gauge Stoeger Uplander, S/S fixed chokes. Blue Grouse, above 4,000 ft.
Very, very dry and dusty, and the wind is blowing smoke from the forest fire north of Cle Elum south to where I was hunting. Pretty tough if you have trouble with smoke.

[BLH69]

 Dave you need to smile! Good job bud!

[EnglishSetter]

After released pheasant hunting I went up to Randle and got on FS 25.  Note that it’s closed about 7 miles in.  So took a number of sides/spurs on the east side of 25 and came out on FS 23 back to Randle.  I didn’t see any grouse, but I was mostly driving and never got far from civilization.  More trying to learn new country. FS 23 towards mt st Helen’s woulda been better.   Highest I got was round 2500.

[Dave Workman]

Dave you need to smile! Good job bud!

I am smiling! 

[Dave Workman]

After released pheasant hunting I went up to Randle and got on FS 25.  Note that it’s closed about 7 miles in.  So took a number of sides/spurs on the east side of 25 and came out on FS 23 back to Randle.  I didn’t see any grouse, but I was mostly driving and never got far from civilization.  More trying to learn new country. FS 23 towards mt st Helen’s woulda been better.   Highest I got was round 2500.

What's the trouble on USFS 25?  Why is it closed?

[Turdle]

 Cispus bridge being replaced. Gotta come in on 300 line from the west, or tower rock on the west end.

[EnglishSetter]

After released pheasant hunting I went up to Randle and got on FS 25.  Note that it’s closed about 7 miles in.  So took a number of sides/spurs on the east side of 25 and came out on FS 23 back to Randle.  I didn’t see any grouse, but I was mostly driving and never got far from civilization.  More trying to learn new country. FS 23 towards mt st Helen’s woulda been better.   Highest I got was round 2500.

What's the trouble on USFS 25?  Why is it closed?

I looked it up when I got home.  A bridge being replaced at the 7 mile mark and a landslide around 25 mile mark.  Expected to remain closed until Thanksgiving.

[firtree]

Any tips on finding them in the Mt. Baker- Snoqualmie NF? My boys and I are new to Grouse. I grew up hunting small game and deer in Maine but I am out of my element here in WA. Now that salmon season is getting close to wrapping up on the sound, I'd love to get them out, and if we can find some decent habitat within an hour or two from home (King Co.) that would be all the better.

Suggest heading up high, and crossing over Snoqualmie Pass to the Lake Kachess exit, Head north from there and hit the gravel roads on the west side of the lake.  Get a USFS map which will show all of the USFS roads.  Should be some grouse up high. If you want to go a little farther, take the Stampede Pass exit, head for Stampede and hunt up around the pass (it's well marked).

Thanks!