Grouse hunters & Bow Hunters

[CP]

I checked the regs and noticed the spot that I’ve picked for grouse hunting Sept 1 also opens for archery whitetail that same day.  I plan on stomping through some pretty good WT country with a dog, blowing a whistle now and then, hopefully shooting a lot.  I don’t want to ruin anyone’s hunt but I don’t know where the archery guys are and public land is public land. 

What’s the etiquette here?  Obviously if I see a bow hunter I’ll avoid encroaching, beyond that I’m not sure what I can do. 

[mossback91]

Not much you can do...........i have ran into them before

[MIKEXRAY]

If they are both open then you hunt. People need to get along better and share what is out there. Both sides should be respectful of each others space. I wouldn't like it as anyother bow hunter but I would understand. Good luck. Mike

[EastWaViking]

a guy grouse hunting will stir up the deer and could push a nice buck right by a bow hunter.  It should not be a issue for either hunter.  Good luck!

[Todd_ID]

The occasional shotgun shot in September is something that you learn to live with.  It makes the deer and elk a little more alert, but it's never been a problem.  I say hunt away.  If you've got the respect to think about it now, then you won't be a nuiscance in the woods.  Have fun!

[Armadillo]

I would have at it although if I knew I could avoid messing up someones archery stand i would go out of my way because I wouldnt want my hunt being disrupted

[rasbo]

they should wear orange camo,so I can tell where they are at..Just kidding...Ill be hunting grouse with a 22mag,just like a lot of bow hunters might be hunting grouse with shotguns while Im muzzy hunting deer..I dont have any problems..Its all ethical

[halflife65]

Before I was a bowhunter I used to go out to hunt grouse in Sept. (and scout for my own rifle hunt.)  I sort of tried to make up for it one time - I was walking along in the White River unit (before it was draw only) and came across a couple of archery elk hunters.  Typically bs'd them for a couple of minutes and then went my own way.  Came around a corner about 200 yards from them and there was a big 6 point about 150 yards down the hill with a bunch of cows.  It didn't see me, so I quickly backed out, ran back to the bowhunters who were standing there glassing and then helped them figure out a plan to get on the elk.

I didn't work out, but hopefully by doing that sort of thing you can reduce conflict and show people that are trying to hunt the same area that there can be room enough for everyone. 

[Kain]

Been an archery hunter for over 20 years and have no problems with bear, grouse, rabbit or any other hunter out in the woods during our season.  I like talking to other hunters and as long as everyone is polite there shouldn't be any problems.  I dont really like when rifle hunters use opening day of archery to go up and sight in their guns but they are not doing anything illegal and I dont own the woods.  I say hunt away and if you want to help pack out an animal even better.   

[addicted]

if your walking through and you look up to see bowhunter sitting in a tree stand, yes he sees you and yes he is pissed, but there is nothing you could do.   We've all got to share.

[adam.WI]

I would say go for it just be cautious of low level shots (no orange) Other than that have fun.

[Tom Tamer]

Public land hunting...you have to be ready for it, I once shot a grouse only to see a hidden bow hunter pop up( I wasn't shooting in his direction) It just happens....three years ago I had a bull within 10 feet of me behind a large noble fir suddenly he turned and ran off....turned out to be a hiker coming up the trail just part of the game on public lands.

[rooselk]

a guy grouse hunting will stir up the deer and could push a nice buck right by a bow hunter.  It should not be a issue for either hunter.  Good luck!

I agree.

Besides, many of us bowhunters also carry arrows tipped with small game heads just for grouse. It's always possible that the shotgun hunters will kick some of those grouse our way.

I have no problem with the grouse hunters being in the woods during the archery season. Mutual respect and sharing the woods is what it's all about.

[JBar]

Mutual respect like Rooselk said. You have all the right in the world to be there too! Most grouse gunners are hitting the cuts and normally you can see them or hear the whistles anyway.

[mrtinmatt]

Go for it. we all need to share the woods and we have to take the opportunity when we can get it. I carry a 410 with me during my wife's rifle season in case i get a shot at grouse, If she goes out during my archery season she does the same. It's only fair. Just don't shoot any grouse that are roosting in my treestand