Hunting Washington Forum

Other Hunting => Upland Birds => Topic started by: Natas5150 on October 28, 2014, 02:48:55 PM

Title: Is it too late in year to hunt grouse?
Post by: Natas5150 on October 28, 2014, 02:48:55 PM: I was going to do some scouting for late deer hunt. I was wondering if it would be too late in the season to hunt grouse. I was hoping while scouting to bag a few birds while scouting. Anyone know or should I just pass :dunno:.

Thanks for the the help.
Title: Re: Is it too late in year to hunt grouse?
Post by: Mfowl on October 28, 2014, 07:07:18 PM: I don't usually hunt grouse after September but that's just because I am duck/goose hunting most of the time after that. I have heard from others that later in the season is a preferred time to hunt because foliage is down and the shots open up a bit more. Good luck, if your gonna be out you may as well bring the scatter gun!
Title: Re: Is it too late in year to hunt grouse?
Post by: dreamunelk on October 28, 2014, 07:13:35 PM: Grouse don't migrate. If you don't take some grouse medicine you will be very miserable!
Title: Re: Is it too late in year to hunt grouse?
Post by: JJB11B on October 28, 2014, 07:13:40 PM: Im still seeing grouse
Title: Re: Is it too late in year to hunt grouse?
Post by: JimmyHoffa on October 28, 2014, 07:21:22 PM: I find December to be the best time for grouse. They are only out during daylight and tuck away during rain storms. The short winter days, cold weather, frequent storms makes for hungry birds that have to be out feeding. You also get the benefit of few leaves on the trees.
Title: Re: Is it too late in year to hunt grouse?
Post by: boneaddict on October 28, 2014, 07:30:24 PM: Pleasantly I have seen quite a few grouse the last couple days. Both BLues and Ruffed
Title: Re: Is it too late in year to hunt grouse?
Post by: AspenBud on October 29, 2014, 07:37:13 AM: Around now ruffed grouse start to shuffle and disperse. That means more opportunities, but fewer broods. They should start to bunch up again next month. Blues should be changing where they hang out.

I actually prefer late season grouse. The weather isn't as hard on the dogs, scenting conditions are often better, the leaves are down thus creating better visibility for shots, and the crowds of hunters smaller.

Don't be afraid to get off the road to find them. By now they've had some pressure and often won't be as accommodating when you come upon them in the open.

Rainy days, stay home. Dry days, go out and get them.
Title: Re: Is it too late in year to hunt grouse?
Post by: wildmanoutdoors on October 29, 2014, 07:49:26 AM: Been seeing tons the last couple weeks fishing the Quinalt area.
Title: Re: Is it too late in year to hunt grouse?
Post by: heronblu on October 31, 2014, 10:23:53 PM: I've seen more grouse this past week deer hunting then I have all year. So, I'd say its a perfect time to hunt for em.
Title: Re: Is it too late in year to hunt grouse?
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on October 31, 2014, 10:40:50 PM: Guess it depends on what type of grouse hunter you are ! If you like shooting them on a flush then it is prime time right now ..after deer season is over hunting with a good dog is just unbeatable in the next couple months !