First grouse hunt in the WA mountains

[gooeydruid]

Any suggestions on hunting some grouse in the mountains here in WA?
It seems like a lot of people like to use a .22 on them, the only two guns I have to choose from is my old .410 or my 12ga.

I'm going to Oktoberfest the first weekend in October with some buddies and was considering leaving a couple days early and buying a local area forest map and just exploring all over the place.

[justgetoutthere]

The 12 will be fine.  You'll find all kinds of info, and debate on chokes and loads as well as where to go if you read through or search this category.  If you are more specific, you'll get more specific opinions from the folks here.  I say do it and have some fun just getting out there.

[teal101]

In leavenworth?  The 12 will be fine.  I use a 12 with mod choke and 7 1/2 shot.

[gooeydruid]

Hey teal, thanks for the reply.
Any suggestions on specific places to go in Leavenworth?

[gooeydruid]

Got back from the first grouse hunt in Washington today. No success as far as getting a bird, but it was a good walk in the woods and I did see one as I was driving up the forest service road. Gorgeous mountains too, definitely much nicer scenery in Washington on a hunt than in Oklahoma.
Chatted with the game warden a bit and got some advice where he saw more guys with grouse at the end of the day last year, gonna go try it with my dad on Friday.

[teal101]

I managed to take a nice ruff up that way last week after work.

Basically start heading up any of the side canyons.  Look for draws with berrys, water, and thick cover.  I look like I've been in a catfight right now from branches whipping my arms and cutting me.

The Eagle Creek drainage is a very good spot.  I have seen lots of grouse up there.

I went out last night scouting some new terrain and seen a few new promising areas.  Also did a death march up one of those hillsides   I'll be up in them tonight and hopefully come back with a heavier vest again.