300 Rem Ultra Mag Grouse

[Navyhunter]

I don't have regs with me and can't recall whether it's legal or not to take the head off a grouse with a big game rifle.   

[BigGoonTuna]

yep, as long as you've got a big game license.

[Axle]

Many years ago (about 12 to 15), the department started asking us (in their meetings) how we felt about making it illegal to shoot grouse with the big guns. They said the reasoning is due to too many guys shooting one and not finding anything left but feathers. We've all heard those stories I'm sure.

I have mixed feelings on this but I also have grouse in my belly due to being bored from not seeing deer and deciding to shoot a grouse with the big bang bang.

I also think that the guys who are good at it will continue to be good at it and the guys who aren't will either quit due to bad results, or they won't get into grouse enough to be a problem.

I feel the status quo is OK for now.

Attached is a pic of my son holding one he took the head off with his 7 mm rem short action ultra mag. We saw many birds that day.

[MtnMuley]

I sure thought regulations stated rimfire only now........   I'm not positive, but I'm thinking so...

[Axle]

I sure thought regulations stated rimfire only now........   I'm not positive, but I'm thinking so

I will stand corrected if you find the regs that state that. Can you post it?

[Gutpile]

11. Prohibited firearms/hunting methods
It is illegal to:
 • Hunt game birds with a rifle or pistol,
except forest grouse.

Doesn't say anything about rimfire. Looks legal to me. Sure hope so, I've shot quite a few with the 06.

http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/game/hunter/huntregs2009.pdf

[Axle]

Gutpile is right. Page 64 of the regs. Forest grouse is open to the biggest gun you can hunt with. Just be sure you know how to properly use it and take the head off without wasting anything. That is our responsibility.

[dontgetcrabs]

yep, as long as you've got a big game license.

Nope, just need one or the other (small or big game license).

[Gutpile]

I don't think I'd recomend hunting grouse with a "big game" rifle without having a big game license and a tag if a big game season happens to be open. That may be a hard one to explain. "Well, Mr. Game Warden. I'm just huntin grouse with this here 300 ultra mag. Not deer or elk."  

[dontgetcrabs]

I didn't recomend it, just looked in the regs and it does not have a max caliber you can use on them, but it does say that all you need is a small game license to be legal.   

[Thenewguy]

I didn't recomend it, just looked in the regs and it does not have a max caliber you can use on them, but it does say that all you need is a small game license to be legal.   

Except during hunting Deer/Elk season. It states this specifically. you must have a deer/elk tag if the gun is bigger then .22 cal during the respective seasons

[NWBREW]

I took the head off a ruff once with my rem 7mm   ....it's the only one I've shot with my rifle.

[Chukar]

Point Blank. Five Yards Max. Bow.
Three times.
Creeped right up on 'em.
Wynoochee.
Two years.
Three times.
Blues.
Big as Turkeys.
MISSED. FIELD POINTS. BROADHEADS. MISSED.
And you guys are tacking heads off with any cannon you can arm yourselves with.
With Pics.
Dangit.

[Axle]

One thing I want to do is get a Ruger 10/22 Charger Pistol. That way I can spend some time chasing grouse with it instead of making a big bang while hunting deer or elk. They don't weigh much and looks like they would be perfect for the job. I was thinking of packing a cricket 22LR and they are lighter in weight but the pistol looks to be easier to get in a pack.

Having a big bore while walking the woods makes me feel better these days. I've been confronted by 3 cougars over the years and I'm getting tired of my life flashing before my eyes every time this happens.

[Gutpile]

I didn't recomend it, just looked in the regs and it does not have a max caliber you can use on them, but it does say that all you need is a small game license to be legal.   

I didn't mean to say you did recommend it I was only saying why I definately don't. Thats all.

[dontgetcrabs]

I didn't recomend it, just looked in the regs and it does not have a max caliber you can use on them, but it does say that all you need is a small game license to be legal.   

Except during hunting Deer/Elk season. It states this specifically. you must have a deer/elk tag if the gun is bigger then .22 cal during the respective seasons

Yes you are correct. It didn't even cross my mind about hunting grouse during big game season, guess it should of though.

[Navyhunter]

Thanks fellas.  Won't have to pass up blues anymore!   

[MtnMuley]

Thanks for clearing it up Gutpile.  I wasn't totally sure, but now I am!  Learn something everyday.