GROUSE?

[Dave Workman]

Start paying attention in your wanderings as May unfolds to see if you spot any grouse broods showing up.

For that matter, watch for grouse at all.

Last fall was bizarre.  I saw grouse all over the place through the summer, and talked to a game cop who said likewise. I was expecting a pretty good season, but it turned to 

And then about last August....they disappeared. I ran into an old pal who had shot more than a dozen in 2009 at one of our most productive spots, and he hadn't seen a thing. Places where I traditionally found grouse were barren.  I DIDN'T see grouse in the Okanogan on two separate trips. (Now THAT is bizarre...)  Didn't see any up around Blewett.   

The last grouse I DID see in 2010 was walking up the middle of I-90 at dusk in October on a Friday evening, the second weekend of the deer season. That was weirder than skaditch. Maybe the sucker was lonely to the point of attempting suicide or something. 

Then over the winter, in early January, as I headed out to work one morning, there was a durned grouse on the edge of my road just east of North Bend. I have NEVER seen a grouse in the neighborhood before, and that covers about 25 years.

Those of you who frequently scored, good for you.

[Gutpile]

They are a weird critter arent they. I shot a few last year it wasn't a bad season. Not great but definately not bad.

Saw this little guy yesterday while scouting for bear.

[Jerbear]

Where I turkey hunt, the Ruff's are drumming all over the place.  Great part of the fantastic outdoor orchestra that God provides to those who are willing to go listen.

[Wazukie]

I shot quite a few in 2010, think I still have 6 in the freezer. 

[bigtex]

Everybody I've talked to agreed that last year was the worst for grouse and rabbits in recent memory 

[billythekidrock]

There were plenty of grouse in the Skagit area last year as well as in Thurston County.
 
Saw a couple in the CF two weeks ago.

[JKEEN33]

Did just OK last year. I did see quite a few out turkey hunting this year. I'm sure the last few wet springs didn't help any.

[Dave Workman]

I always like hearing blue grouse hoot.
You can actually get the dumb $#!&es to answer if you blow across the top of a long neck bottle.

[grundy53]

saw three Ruff's this weekend. One real big one. No broods.

[Dave Workman]

saw three Ruff's this weekend. One real big one. No broods.

The idea is to tell where!
 

[SkookumHntr]

-I seen a ton in colville Turkey Huntin! Way more then Turkeys thats for damn sure!

[phishisgroovin]

-I seen a ton in colville Turkey Huntin! Way more then Turkeys thats for damn sure!

when Moose eyes and i were scouting moose last year we seen alteast one around every corner. YUMMY!
My Heritage rough rider got a workout that trip, even if i couldnt hit anything with the magnum rounds in it (sucks with mags).

[JimmyHoffa]

When I was scouting for deer yesterday, I saw nine grouse.  And they weren't worried at all.  I could get right up on them--about 5-10 yards.  Lately, I've been finding them above the drizzle zone.  Once I get to a certain elevation where the drizzle fades away they have been running/standing around.  Occasionally I'll see one, then another right around the corner. 

[CWUhunter9]

Me and my buddy flushed a couple while turkey hunting up in the hills last weekend deep out off cooke canyon road just outside ellensburg, one of em dang near waited til I just about stepped on it haha

[Bigshooter]

2010 ten was not good for grouse.  My dad and I usually get between 20 and 30 a year a piece.  But last year I think I got 5 and he got around 10.  I hope this year is better.