Hunting Washington Forum

Other Hunting => Upland Birds => Topic started by: syoungs on August 08, 2017, 09:58:12 AM

Title: Grouse hunting blue mountains?
Post by: syoungs on August 08, 2017, 09:58:12 AM: Not looking for honey holes or anything, but I do want to do a couple trips to target grouse this fall. Normally I will end up getting a couple a year up bear hunting or camping, but I have never targeted them before.

how are the grouse numbers in the blue mountains? worth the drive from tri cities?
besides driving forest service roads and running across them, what tactics should I be using for them?

I was thinking, walk abandoned roads and hope I figure it out, if someone wants to give me a primer though, im all ears!

Thanks!
Title: Re: Grouse hunting blue mountains?
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on August 08, 2017, 10:39:59 AM: I cant tell you about the Blue Mountains specifically, but blue grouse start low in the fall and move progressively higher later in the season. The trick is to find that first grouse, and then hunt along that elevation gradient. Next trip out, use that point as your basement and hunt higher for that first grouse, then repeat. Driving roads is a good way to find that first blue grouse.

Ruffeds are less migratory, and will generally be around deciduous hardwoods. Riparian bottoms, aspen stands and shrub grasslands near water are all good bets.
Title: Re: Grouse hunting blue mountains?
Post by: MHWASH on August 08, 2017, 11:18:15 AM: I'd say it's worth the drive even if you don't see a grouse. Plus you can look for bear.

The Blues are usually dry that time of year, and I expect this year will be the same. I'd target creek bottoms, but I've often found Blue grouse in the middle of dry clear cuts the last few years. Also target berry patches.
Title: Re: Grouse hunting blue mountains?
Post by: Henrydog on August 18, 2017, 06:30:49 AM: Find water, found grouse. This is really true in the dry Blue Mnts
Title: Re: Grouse hunting blue mountains?
Post by: csaaphill on August 18, 2017, 08:54:04 PM: Quote from: syoungs on August 08, 2017, 09:58:12 AM
Not looking for honey holes or anything, but I do want to do a couple trips to target grouse this fall. Normally I will end up getting a couple a year up bear hunting or camping, but I have never targeted them before.

how are the grouse numbers in the blue mountains? worth the drive from tri cities?
besides driving forest service roads and running across them, what tactics should I be using for them?

I was thinking, walk abandoned roads and hope I figure it out, if someone wants to give me a primer though, im all ears!

Thanks!
I like the old logging road idea you mentioned, I've done it and can be very productive.
Title: Re: Grouse hunting blue mountains?
Post by: runamuk on August 18, 2017, 09:06:06 PM: I have seen quite a few along the main road that I travel the last week or two. I saw lots in spring but hadn't seen any for a couple months now.
Title: Re: Grouse hunting blue mountains?
Post by: PlateauNDN on August 18, 2017, 09:26:28 PM: Obviously, BF ate them all since he "allegedly" ate all the deer/elk down there. Or so the BMM would like you to believe. :chuckle:

Syoungs, :sry: for :jacked:

Best of luck on the quails. :tup: