Grouse in Pheasant Release Sites?

[AmericanSharpshooter]

I live in King County and am new to hunting. I tried spring turkey hunting, which involved a lot of driving. I almost burned the family out, so wanted to stick closer to home for fall hunting. I asked the WDFW for advice on where to go in King County and they said the pheasant release sites....but aren't grouse at higher elevations?

Also, after doing a bit more research, it sounds like the Snoqualmie Tree Farm is probably my best bet, but I'm too late for a permit (which is way over-priced anyway). Is the permit just for driving on their property? Can I hike in without a permit?

Sorry for all the questions. Just trying to figure out what I'm doing.

Thanks!

- Ron

[bobcat]

There are ruffed grouse at low elevation, but I wouldn't hunt pheasant release sites for grouse. I don't know about access to Snoqualmie Tree Farm because I don't hunt there, but that subject has been discussed on here many times, and if you do a search you might come up with the info you need. You could try just the other side of Snoqualmie Pass on National Forest land.

[T-Bone]

Get yourself a map of the Snoqualmie National Forest; you don't need to drive to Eastern WA to hunt grouse.

[bigtex]

I have hunted the Snoqualmie Tree Farm for many years. As far as being "over priced" that is your opinion, I personally don't believe that to be true because it is some of the best hunting in the area, and also has some great lakes. If it is "over priced" then 500 people wouldn't buy the permits up in a little over two months. Heck up until last year they never sold out, and the prices are higher now then ever.

As far as the Snoqualmie Farm the permit is only required to drive, you can walk/bike in all you want. But the "good" areas for grouse are quite far in and unless you have a bike I wouldn't do it. I don't know where you live in King County but you can also try the White River Tree Farm which is also owned by Hancock and requires a permit for the same fee and is also sold out. White River Farm is in King and Pierce Counties and straddles SR 410 outside of Enumclaw. I have quite a few grouse in that area.

Personally though your best bet would be the Snoqualmie Farm, have limited it out many times up there.

And no you don't need to be high in elevation for grouse, the Blues tend to stick to higher elevation but have seen grouse just driving King County roads in the Black Diamond/Enumclaw area.