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!

[GunsRus001]

I was super excited for this weekend but it seams the fire close to me is going to put a damper on my plans.

[Dave Workman]

Second Saturday and despite all of the smoke from the fire(s) up around Snoqualmie Pass, I ran into this character. Load of No. 6 Federals. Franchi O/U shotgun.
Just west and north of Stampede Pass.
I'm not sure what's happening with grouse amid all of the smoke from forest fires. Maybe rain will help knock down the smoke, help firefighters contain the fire north of Cle Elum.
 

[pianoman9701]

Nice bird.

[Dave Workman]

Nice bird.

Yeah, it's a young one but there's enough for a meal for one person. The shot charge actually caught him in the neck. Only found one pellet in the breast, so the breasts and legs were all intact. How often does that happen, eh?

[dub870]

Do you have a good recipe for the legs?

[Dave Workman]

Do you have a good recipe for the legs?

There are several. Some guys will simply rub the legs in a mix of flour, salt and pepper or some seasoning and fry them up.
Others might wrap each leg in a piece of bacon and cook them up that way.
If you roast the bird, leave the legs attached and do it up like a cornish game hen.
I have usually breasted my birds and cooked them up with the legs, and in the same pan might be some sliced potatoes. Tastes great at the campfire!

Bon Apetite!