GROUSE?

[Tom Reichner]

Now, it would have been helpful if folks had narrowed down where they are seeing these birds, identify general areas, for example. As it is, I don't find comments like "I saw some grouse where I was on a road this morning" to be very useful. I've made a living from time to time sharing specific information about where to catch fish and kill game. Anybody who has read my stuff knows that I traditionally gave up 1-3 of my favorite hot spots every year prior to the opener. On some occasions, that information got very specific, and more than once, I found people went in and shot out whole populations, which was kind of stupid IMHO but that's another story, but I take that as a matter of course because those grouse weren't mine, I don't own the public land (we all do) and that was my job.

I think we all want each other to share in the success. and besides, where you see grouse now is not necessarily where they will be in three months.

Dave,

Sorry, but I can't give specific information about the grouse I find because I photograph them.  This is a hunting forum.  If I write on here exactly where these grouse are, people are going to read about it here, then go shoot at these birds.

Trying to get excellent, close-up photos of wild grouse behaving naturally is extremely difficult, even with grouse that aren't hunted.  If anyone goes hunting these areas, the grouse will be pretty near impossible to photograph properly.  Then all my work - all the dozens of hours afield - will be for naught.
 

[ribka]

I ran into 8 drumming grouse two weeks ago hiking. SAw some huns a few chukar too.
This weekend I ran into quite a few birds that were paired up. Did not hear any drumming.

Seems to be more grouse this year in my area based upon observations hiking in the same areas in the Spring in the past. Pray for dry weather the next few weeks

[MtnMuley]

I saw a mother quail with 6 little "buzzbombs" last night running across the road in a downpour.............there is hope.

[Heartsblood]

I just got back from four days in Tonasket. Man there's a lot of water up there this spring. Thunder showers/ downpours, the rivers are swollen, wash outs all over the FS roads,dry areas are greener than I remember them in the past 5 years at this time. It sure is pretty. But it did het me thinking about the grouse broods too...

But,  I was turkey hunting this year in the Teanaway almost every week and I saw and heard more grouse both ruffed and blue than I remember in the past 3 years.

I sure hope we start getting some warm sunny days.

[Dave Workman]

Well, the past several days of moderate weather could cinch it for a decent hatch.

Read my story in the upcoming edition of Northwest Sportsman where the importance of good weather right now is explained.

Meanwhile, keep your eyes peeled for new broods.
 

[Dave Workman]

Sorry, but I can't give specific information about the grouse I find because I photograph them.  This is a hunting forum.  If I write on here exactly where these grouse are, people are going to read about it here, then go shoot at these birds.

Trying to get excellent, close-up photos of wild grouse behaving naturally is extremely difficult, even with grouse that aren't hunted.  If anyone goes hunting these areas, the grouse will be pretty near impossible to photograph properly.  Then all my work - all the dozens of hours afield - will be for naught.

They're not your grouse, either, Tom. If they are on public land, they're fair game.
It is also very likely that where you see them now, they won't be come September. 

Admittedly, you have a dilemma. 

[ICEMAN]

Uh, no dilemma really. I have seen a couple of my favorite grouse areas picked clean with just a few new guys hunting them for a few years. I have no problem sharing tips on areas, but not drainages or forest road numbers etc.... 

[CP]

I don’t think grouse get cleared out of any area by hunters.  They do get educated however.

[MtnMuley]

I don’t think grouse get cleared out of any area by hunters.

Oh yes they do!  I've seen first hand.  More than once.  One group of 4 guys would come over every year for a 4-5 day grouse trip and consistantly take their limits of Blues daily off of the same ridge line.  This was over the course of a few years.  They quit coming because of the lack of birds.   The last trip they ended up with 4 total, and 2 were shot driving down the road miles away.  I seriously don't think they realized they were to blame.  This all happened several years back when the grouse hunting was good to great.

[Dave Workman]

I don’t think grouse get cleared out of any area by hunters.  They do get educated however.

That's not entirely accurate. It happened to me.  However, I've also found that where one sees grouse in the spring and summer isn't necessarily where they will be come fall.

[TangoU]

I was skunked last year.  Went out three times, three different weekends in September and October, to three different areas, and on two of the trips didn't see a single bird.  On the third trip, I saw one bird flushed into thicker bushes and did not have a shot. Hopefully this year will be better! 

-Allen

[teal101]

Sorry, but I can't give specific information about the grouse I find because I photograph them.  This is a hunting forum.  If I write on here exactly where these grouse are, people are going to read about it here, then go shoot at these birds.

Trying to get excellent, close-up photos of wild grouse behaving naturally is extremely difficult, even with grouse that aren't hunted.  If anyone goes hunting these areas, the grouse will be pretty near impossible to photograph properly.  Then all my work - all the dozens of hours afield - will be for naught.

They're not your grouse, either, Tom. If they are on public land, they're fair game.
It is also very likely that where you see them now, they won't be come September. 

Admittedly, you have a dilemma.

Is this some sort of guilt trip to get him to divulge his grouse areas?  Really?  There is no dilemma.  He worked hard to find that spot and doesnt owe it to anyone to give its location out, especially not to a hunting magazine writer.

[MtnMuley]

I was alarmed by that comment also.  As far as I know, Tom is a very respectful guy and awesome photographer, and didn't need a comment like that directed at him. 

[Dave Workman]

I was simply stating a fact.
I know a lot of wildlife photographers. I am occasionally one, myself.
If animals are on public land, they are indeed fair game, and it is very likely that where one finds grouse today, they will be somewhere else tomorrow. Maybe in the same general area, but that's about as close as it's gonna get, at least in my experience.

[sebek556]

isnt that kinda like asking you hey where is your elk honey hole? i mean yah he is snapping photos not rounds but thats his way of doing it.. I personaly enjoy the wildlife photos on here both kill shots and live game. Hunting is what I do, i dont expect to have someone tell me where their spot is, some info on a spot is nice but thats all i expect..