Winter grouse hunting

[Glockster]

Anyone ever hunt grouse in December?  I'm always into ducks that time of year, but it's open until 12/31. 

[JimmyHoffa]

I have in the past.  When there are fewer leaves on trees they can see you better so your shot might be a little longer.  Also, there is usually a better chance of rain to cover your sound.  I'm thinking of going soon, for some reason I'm seeing a lot more this year than in years past.

[Glockster]

Longer shots....good point!  I'm thinking to head to the eastside so won't have to deal with the rain...only snow. 

[BOWHUNTER45]

I used to go all the time when I had my shorthair ....its fun ...just find alder thickets ....plus the leaves are off now so you can actually see them to throw some lead at them 

[Wapiti7]

I have also seen way more grouse this year than in the past and a good portion of that has been just over the past two weeks during late muzzie. Good luck to you!

[Glockster]

I would love to hunt grouse with a real grouse dog some day.  Maybe snow might make it easier until then. 

[Stilly bay]

I just did some winter grousing this morning, I heard more flushes than I saw. I should have brought some Spred-R loads with me, since the only bird I shot was Mid-air-mince-meat. my lab pup who is always a good sport brought me the bird, but he didn't look too thrilled about it

I think that the west side has the east beat for once, I would much rather chase grouse over here at this time of the season.

[JackOfAllTrades]

Grouse are very skidish once the leaves and natural cover they hide in has fallen or blown away. A scoped rimfire rifle, binoculars with you on the trail will bring best chances of success.

-Steve

[MikeWalking]

The Boss seems to keep finding ways to F'up my time off but I want to get out before the end of the month.  Haven't had a real day off in a couple weeks, wondering what the snow line is on the West side...

[BB]

Do grouse usually stay/move below the snow line?

[bobcat]

Blue grouse are odd, probably the only bird or animal for that matter that migrates up in elevation for winter. I remember many years ago when there used to be a late muzzleloader season in the Alta unit, we were hiking in the snow on Sawtooth Ridge, and flushed about 100 blue grouse that were sitting in just a couple of trees. I was sure wishing for a shotgun at that moment instead of the muzzleloader.

Ruffed grouse I'm not sure but I think they stay below the snow.

[JackOfAllTrades]

I've seen Ruffed 'around' the snow line. Seldem above it.  But Blues.. Yeah, well above.

Years ago a few of us hiked up Bear hunting and got some 18" of snow on us that night. Next morning saw the biggest fluffy Blues we'd ever seen but didn't take a shot. (stupid!)

Other times, I've seen Blues when snow shoeing.

-Steve

[Wapiti7]

I live in Western WA and am in the woods pretty much year round. I don't think I can ever recall seeing a ruffed grouse above the snowline over the years. This website is kind of neat, so I thought I would share it: http://birdweb.org/birdweb/bird/ruffed_grouse

[Recurve-Elk]

I was hunting them up through November.  Saw a bunch and managed to get one.  Listen for their drumming. 

[Glockster]

I did't know they drum in the winter.  Kewl!