Grouse Questions

[SnowDog]

I'm thinking about trying grouse hunting for the first time this year. I have experience hunting pheasant, chukar, quail, and ducks. My dog is a solid upland hunter and has done a great job last year for his first season hunting. He has an insane bird drive so I figure I'd just approach it the same way I would other upland game, just change locations.

Are there any major differences I need to be aware of in terms of grouse hunting with the dog as compared to say quail or chucar? Obviously location is a big difference

Any pointers to articles or other info would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!
SD

[Woodchuck]

Get into the evergreen's and work slow, do not forget to look up, they will sit in the limbs and not give a second thought about watching you walk right by 

[carpsniperg2]

just get into some good area and hunt. you will do fine with knowing what to expect from most upland bird hunting already. always be ready hunt near water has always worked good. roads in the early am and later pms

[sako223]

Look for springs or water source. Sometimes they need a little time in the morning to move around toward water leaving scent for the dogs.
In dry conditions like now watch for tracks on the road or trail. I have literally seen the dogs go right over the tracks in dry powder, then follow them myself to the birds.
Grouse are great at scaring the crap out of you with a great escape route. If you watch them land, most often in a tree for blues, it is possible to get a shot by following up.
If you find one there may likely be more, be ready and look things over well.
After all that I usually get mine by chance driving on the road.

[rasbo]

grassy roads with little or no traffic..

[halflife65]

On the west side, I've had luck hunting in clear cuts where there are huckleberries, as well (think bears).  Just let the dog work through the clearcut and kick them out and pick the easiest way for yourself.   Usually in damp conditions it works best (foggy, sprinkling, etc.) - especially in the morning when you might also find them out in the road.  I don't know how well it would work in hot and dry conditions like east of the mountains (probably not great).  

Otherwise, old roads, especially with alder patches around - roughed grouse seem to like these.  I have better luck with blues in the fir trees.

[Rowdy]

Great advice above.  Old roads are great, clear cuts, around water.  It's fun with a dog but it took my pup some getting used to, we hunt Chukar 99% of the time.

Jake

[NW-GSP]

I have always found them in the thick woods, as others have said pay attention to wich direction they flush cause you will most likely get a second chance

[alecvg]

Kinda what everyone else has said, watch where they go, and you will usually get a second chance.  Also, always be ready, the will pop up when you least expect it!

[ing]

High elevation ridge tops for blues and check stands of larch trees, or tamarack, whatever you want to call them. I have killed lots of grouse that have been feeding on larch needles.

[seth30]

Here is one that uncoolperson and I found last weekend.  This thing was huge, and was bigger than most chickens I have seen.

[seth30]

grassy roads with little or no traffic..

Just tell yourself your bear hunting and they will fly up in your face every 10 feet, and bring a fresh pair of underpants

[Skyvalhunter]

Blues or natives? East or west side?

[sako223]

Forgot to mention that if they scatter you can hold up for a couple minutes and they will start talking to regroup. This helps get a fix on them.

[SnowDog]

Thanks for all the advice! I really appreciate the help. This is exactly the kind of info I was looking for Just enought info to get me pointed in the right direction and now it is time to get out and scout!

Thanks again everyone!
SnowDog