grouse hunting

[superdown]

how long are guys usually out to get a bag limit of grouse? being new to grouse hunting what type of areas should i check out ? also are there any free training techniques on-line for dogs about grouse ? assuming i am doing everything right i get to the gated road have my shotgun in hand besides just wondering around like idiot  what else should i do? also what is a reasonable expectation for a trip out or is grouse hunting considered a scouting trip with an occasional chicken?

[Machias]

I kill most of my grouse walking old logging trails, if a creek is nearby, even better.  Never hunted grouse with a dog, but that will be changing this fall as I have a new pup.  If I am out grouse hunting for the day I can usually get a limit in the morning or evening hunt.  Usually I am bear hunting and kill one or two each time I go out.  You tend to run into them over and over in the same areas each year, so once you start scoring, you'll find one near there again the following year.

[ICEMAN]

...assuming i am doing everything right i get to the gated road have my shotgun in hand besides just wondering around like idiot  what else should i do?

Yep, that's basically it, I just walk and hike around like an idiot.

Plan on not seeing anything, then when you finally disturb one and you possible get a shot at it, consider yourself lucky. 

Check the dept of wildlife's website and research grouse totals for the gmus you are considering. Far more in the NE corner of the state.

I know where alot of Blues live but I am not sharing...  

Grouse hunting is no slam dunk. These are very often very well earned birds to bag...

[superdown]

thanks for the responses , what do grouse usually feed on ? I got some grouse scent and put it on a couple of my dogs toys, he seems to respond pretty well to the smell. Assuming that opening day is the best day to hunt, do they come out more as the season goes on or do they get more wary.

[Sportfury]

Superdown this came out of a blue grouse's crop. There was red and blue huckleberries, clover, dandelion flowers, and a variety of leaves.

[bobcat]

Those blue grouse just really seem to love those dandelions! I've seen crops full of nothing but dandelions. Find an old road, preferable at a relatively high elevation, on a ridge, with a lot of dandelions and you'll find blue grouse.

If I'm going to actually get out and walk for grouse, I much prefer to go after blue grouse rather than ruffed. They are more often found in open areas, unlike the ruffed grouse.

[high country]

if you hit a covey right in the morning, a hunt can be over with in a few minutes. I have seen 12 or more birds come out from one hold. we have the market on ruffy, spruce and blues over here.

[Shootmoore]

Archery tackle for grouse is my favorite.  My experience is on the east side of the state.  Berry patches, area's with dandilions and creeks are all good locations.  gated off roads with good gravel is also a excellent location to look.

Ridgetops for blue's and creek bottoms for ruffies is where I look.  Also if there is a good grasshopper crop you can find them along the edges of meadows chasing. elderberry bushes also seem to be a favorite.

Shootmoore

[carpsniperg2]

it depends on the area we usally get a few not very often we get are limits just not the birds were we hunt like some areas. shoot a few while elk hunting with the bow.

[elkh8tr]

2-3 hours MAX! Find the Shamrocks... creek bottoms, ditches, old logging roads etc.