Post by: Dave Workman on August 01, 2018, 07:41:13 AM
:IBCOOL: :o
Grouse...I'm coming...and hell's comin' with me (along with seasoning salt, pepper, potatoes and an appropriate beverage)
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!
Post by: bornhunter on August 01, 2018, 08:44:04 AM
Post by: Dave Workman on August 01, 2018, 09:23:48 AM
I actually flushed a big blue yesterday while out berry picking. Have not seen a blue in years. Looks like the natives are doing well. My yellow lab is ready for some good grouse huntin.
Yeah, you may be right. We had a good hatch window when the weather was perfect, so the blues might have brought off a good brood.
I have not been able to really do much scouting yet because I'm overwhelmed with work. Something about 3-D gun printing :chuckle: :dunno: but the last couple of weekends of August will see me making a lot of dust out there on the gravel roads morning and evening to get an idea of how the hatch went...and where.
Post by: bornhunter on August 01, 2018, 05:59:57 PM
Post by: Remnar on August 01, 2018, 08:24:57 PM
I actually flushed a big blue yesterday while out berry picking. Have not seen a blue in years. Looks like the natives are doing well. My yellow lab is ready for some good grouse huntin.
:tup: Grew up calling them that . If you say it to someone not originally from western WA they usually are .HUH?
Post by: bornhunter on August 01, 2018, 08:53:26 PM
Post by: screedler on August 01, 2018, 09:58:39 PM
I'm a total noobie hunter (only started hunting last year) and I'm going to try for grouse this year.
Ya'll have any suggestions on where to go? I've been considering trying up in capitol forest and/or gifford pinchot down by the gorge.
Thanks!
Post by: bornhunter on August 02, 2018, 07:35:49 AM
Post by: Dave Workman on August 02, 2018, 02:44:46 PM
Post by: jackson7 on August 02, 2018, 04:06:17 PM
Post by: KFhunter on August 02, 2018, 06:14:14 PM
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Post by: screedler on August 02, 2018, 07:57:22 PM
Gifford pinchot holds birds. You will have to go on some long walks to find them. Hit the forest service roads and walk any overgrown trails you see. good luck.
I reckon I remember some dusty trails from when I last camped up there... just now to talk the old lady into camping out there with the dog again every weekend in September so I can put some miles on my boots...
Thank you sir!!
Post by: bornhunter on August 03, 2018, 08:48:11 AM
29 days and counting!
That one will be tasty.
Post by: Dave Workman on August 03, 2018, 09:22:57 AM
This 'un was tasty as well! :tup:
Post by: bornhunter on August 03, 2018, 11:07:29 AM
Post by: Dave Workman on August 05, 2018, 05:06:05 PM
I'm thinking hard about going back to a spot north of Leavenworth for the opener. On the other hand, my spot near Cle Elum that I call "Blue Heaven" seems awfully inviting. I need to do some scouting over the next two weeks.
SHARE THEM GROUSE IMAGES!
:tup: :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup:
Post by: Dave Workman on August 05, 2018, 05:09:22 PM
29 days and counting!
That one will be tasty.
It was!
:chuckle: ;) :IBCOOL:
Post by: Dave Workman on August 05, 2018, 05:16:01 PM
Where do you guys look for your birds?
Around huckleberry fields
Along creek lowlands in alder and hemlock stands
Along old logging roads/gravel road shoulders
In the higher country around springs and culverts
I almost hit one on I-90 one night while heading east to a deer hunt in Pullman a few years ago. That dumb sonofa... was walking right up the middle lane of the eastbound just west of the Hyak exit. Now, THAT is the epitome of stupid. And y'know what? I'll bet that grouse survived its little freeway jaunt. Ignorance is bliss.
:dunno: :bash:
Post by: CP on August 05, 2018, 05:46:53 PM
Post by: bornhunter on August 05, 2018, 07:01:46 PM
Post by: 87Ford on August 05, 2018, 07:12:03 PM
Post by: Mfowl on August 05, 2018, 07:25:17 PM
Post by: longtrails on August 05, 2018, 09:11:09 PM
Post by: Dave Workman on August 07, 2018, 08:22:30 PM
Post by: Alpine Mojo on August 08, 2018, 05:35:25 PM
Post by: Dave Workman on August 09, 2018, 12:09:29 PM
Apparently there were A LOT of grouse in the area my son bear hunted on Friday..
:lol4: :lol4: :chuckle: :tup:
Those images made me spit soda pop all over my keyboard!
ROTFLMAO.
I'm gonna hunt in your driveway from now on!
Post by: Dave Workman on August 09, 2018, 12:11:16 PM
Post by: b0bbyg on August 09, 2018, 01:18:36 PM
SAY...JUST OUT OF CURIOSITY...
Where do you guys look for your birds?
Around huckleberry fields
Along creek lowlands in alder and hemlock stands
Along old logging roads/gravel road shoulders
In the higher country around springs and culverts
I almost hit one on I-90 one night while heading east to a deer hunt in Pullman a few years ago. That dumb sonofa... was walking right up the middle lane of the eastbound just west of the Hyak exit. Now, THAT is the epitome of stupid. And y'know what? I'll bet that grouse survived its little freeway jaunt. Ignorance is bliss.
:dunno: :bash:
Not a big grouse hunter but see more of them from the truck than in the field. I can deer/elk hunt off road all day and see 1-2 and then drive back home or to camp and see the same just off the road. Seems they like the gravel shoulders.
Post by: hunter399 on August 09, 2018, 04:39:38 PM
+1gotta agree,I passed on shooting about a dozen I them Last year.Bigger game on the menu,i just save um for the wife and kids to shoot at.I kill maybe one or two a year.I guess I have lost my lust for grouse blood these days.SAY...JUST OUT OF CURIOSITY...
Where do you guys look for your birds?
Around huckleberry fields
Along creek lowlands in alder and hemlock stands
Along old logging roads/gravel road shoulders
In the higher country around springs and culverts
I almost hit one on I-90 one night while heading east to a deer hunt in Pullman a few years ago. That dumb sonofa... was walking right up the middle lane of the eastbound just west of the Hyak exit. Now, THAT is the epitome of stupid. And y'know what? I'll bet that grouse survived its little freeway jaunt. Ignorance is bliss.
:dunno: :bash:
Not a big grouse hunter but see more of them from the truck than in the field. I can deer/elk hunt off road all day and see 1-2 and then drive back home or to camp and see the same just off the road. Seems they like the gravel shoulders.
Post by: Alpine Mojo on August 09, 2018, 06:29:59 PM
Post by: dreamingbig on August 09, 2018, 11:14:07 PM
Central Idaho last weekend.
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Post by: b0bbyg on August 10, 2018, 11:21:57 AM
If you don't ever get out of the truck, you will only see them on the road. Funny how that works. :hello:
I knew when I was typing someone would make this comment, I tried to clarify by stating "off road" which means out of the truck in the woods or behind locked gates, just to save folks from feeling the need to roll out the same old line.
Post by: JeffRaines on August 10, 2018, 11:42:04 AM
Post by: satchel3006 on August 12, 2018, 03:18:19 PM
Post by: mossyoak arrow slinger on August 12, 2018, 04:03:40 PM
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Post by: Mfowl on August 12, 2018, 10:18:52 PM
Post by: hunter399 on August 12, 2018, 10:39:14 PM
If you don't ever get out of the truck, you will only see them on the road. Funny how that works. :hello:Sometimes you see more from the truck. :chuckle: :hello:
Post by: Dave Workman on August 13, 2018, 04:40:09 AM
Starting to Look like it might be a good year in some areas. Was on the eastside this weekend scouting for dads bull tag and saw the tasty thunder chickens everywhere. Will be back after them come September 1st(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180812/90a2d10c701aec93420325213d25b991.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180812/6f3e90a461074c0c47e0f4c9da476795.jpg)
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Looks like a hen and yearling broods maybe. Unless the chicks are really well fed!
How dry were the conditions? I suspect pretty damn bad.
Post by: tritt007 on August 13, 2018, 12:51:35 PM
Post by: Spearo on August 15, 2018, 10:54:06 PM
I was wondering if anyone would be willing to share some info on how to find grouse. Im a college student, and I do not come from a family of hunters, nor do any of my friends hunt, so I really have started from scratch on my own. I hunted every single weekend after I got my license last year, from mid-October straight through until the end of the year. I managed to bag one bird last year, and flushed a handful more -- but in general, I had a hard time finding them, or even knowing what to look for. I live on the west side, near Seattle, so I generally hunt the peninsula and the west side of the cascades.
I'm a spearfisherman, so I understand sharing spots/info can be a touchy subject -- but any help would be greatly appreciated. Also, I would be happy to throw a few pounds of lingcod or rockfish fillets your way in exchange for any help if we ever cross paths. Please feel free to DM me.
Thanks!
Post by: screedler on August 16, 2018, 06:05:42 AM
Hey guys,
I was wondering if anyone would be willing to share some info on how to find grouse. Im a college student, and I do not come from a family of hunters, nor do any of my friends hunt, so I really have started from scratch on my own. I hunted every single weekend after I got my license last year, from mid-October straight through until the end of the year. I managed to bag one bird last year, and flushed a handful more -- but in general, I had a hard time finding them, or even knowing what to look for. I live on the west side, near Seattle, so I generally hunt the peninsula and the west side of the cascades.
I'm a spearfisherman, so I understand sharing spots/info can be a touchy subject -- but any help would be greatly appreciated. Also, I would be happy to throw a few pounds of lingcod or rockfish fillets your way in exchange for any help if we ever cross paths. Please feel free to DM me.
Thanks!
Check out http://www.ruffedgrousesociety.org/grouse/
Post by: lastmk8 on August 16, 2018, 07:21:22 AM
Hey guys,
I was wondering if anyone would be willing to share some info on how to find grouse. Im a college student, and I do not come from a family of hunters, nor do any of my friends hunt, so I really have started from scratch on my own. I hunted every single weekend after I got my license last year, from mid-October straight through until the end of the year. I managed to bag one bird last year, and flushed a handful more -- but in general, I had a hard time finding them, or even knowing what to look for. I live on the west side, near Seattle, so I generally hunt the peninsula and the west side of the cascades.
I'm a spearfisherman, so I understand sharing spots/info can be a touchy subject -- but any help would be greatly appreciated. Also, I would be happy to throw a few pounds of lingcod or rockfish fillets your way in exchange for any help if we ever cross paths. Please feel free to DM me.
Thanks!
Oh I wish I was more of a grouse hunter cuz I'd love to share some info with you. I can't imagine someone not taking you up on an offer with some Ling's involved. All I can say is what everyone will tell you from the start, you have to get out there and keep those boots moving, eyes pealed and ears pointed. Hunting is evolution in a sense, no one knows anything when they start. They might think they know something, but every time in the field something new will be seen, heard, learned,... it is a process. Think of when man decided to add meat to their diet,.... he didn't go down to the local Piggly Wiggly and grab some steaks, he learned to hunt, and the evolution began.....
Good luck on those Thunder Chickens, they are worth figuring out how to hunt them, and you will learn plenty about your surroundings while in pursuit.
Post by: Mfowl on August 16, 2018, 09:53:55 PM
Hey guys,
I was wondering if anyone would be willing to share some info on how to find grouse. Im a college student, and I do not come from a family of hunters, nor do any of my friends hunt, so I really have started from scratch on my own. I hunted every single weekend after I got my license last year, from mid-October straight through until the end of the year. I managed to bag one bird last year, and flushed a handful more -- but in general, I had a hard time finding them, or even knowing what to look for. I live on the west side, near Seattle, so I generally hunt the peninsula and the west side of the cascades.
I'm a spearfisherman, so I understand sharing spots/info can be a touchy subject -- but any help would be greatly appreciated. Also, I would be happy to throw a few pounds of lingcod or rockfish fillets your way in exchange for any help if we ever cross paths. Please feel free to DM me.
Thanks!
I'd recommend going to the East slope of the Cascades or up to N Central Wa. There certainly are grouse on the Peninsula but the cover is much thicker and the typically moist breeding season doesn't promote good population growth. There is a ton of forest land on the Eastside that is open to hunting and there are plenty of grouse spread throughout it. You'll likely find spots to hunt other birds like quail and chukar for when those seasons open up.
Post by: Dave Workman on August 24, 2018, 04:34:02 AM
ONE WEEK AND A DAY!
:tup: :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup:
Post by: T-Bone on August 24, 2018, 05:43:00 AM
No matter where you go plan on dealing with an (at times) unhealthy dose of smoke.
Post by: Alpine Mojo on August 24, 2018, 06:57:35 PM
Research and plan your trip carefully...Huge fires continue to rage in large sections of the National Forests of E. WA.
This is not a bad thing. Several years ago my favorite grouse area was wiped out due to a forest fire. This made me hunt into a new area I hadn't been before. Turns out I found a grouse mecca that I never knew existed.
Seasonal forest fires could be good, or could be bad...but don't be afraid to explore new ground. You never know what it will be.
Post by: Naches Sportsman on August 25, 2018, 10:56:19 AM
Don't mind buying a non resident small game license for WA as I know I'll get my money's worth out of it.
Post by: longtrails on August 25, 2018, 06:39:20 PM
C'mon September! Getin hungry for some gouse.v
Post by: Dave Workman on August 30, 2018, 05:33:20 PM
Checklist:
Shotgun? √
Shells? √
License? √
.22 pistol? √
Camera? √
Camp gear? √
.22 Rifle with scope? √
"Death to Grouse" and "Grouse Must Die" posters? √
:IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :tup:
GOOD LUCK, GOOD HUNTING, DRIVE CAREFUL, COME HOME SAFE.
And please leave a few fool hens for old fools like me :hello:
Post by: Naches Sportsman on August 30, 2018, 05:53:54 PM
Post by: magnanimous_j on August 30, 2018, 06:02:41 PM
Put two in the freezer this morning :IBCOOL:
I thought the season started tomorrow.
Post by: CP on August 30, 2018, 06:03:54 PM
THE COUNTDOWN IS NEARLY COMPLETE
Checklist:
Shotgun? √
Shells? √
License? √
.22 pistol? √
Camera? √
Camp gear? √
.22 Rifle with scope? √
"Death to Grouse" and "Grouse Must Die" posters? √
:IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :tup:
GOOD LUCK, GOOD HUNTING, DRIVE CAREFUL, COME HOME SAFE.
And please leave a few fool hens for old fools like me :hello:
Thanks for the checklist, I'm packing for grouse camp right now, headed out tomorrow. Grouse dinner on Sat. :drool:
Which shotgun should I take ??
Post by: Alpine Mojo on August 30, 2018, 06:30:00 PM
Put two in the freezer this morning :IBCOOL:
I thought the season started tomorrow.
Opens on Saturday :dunno:
Post by: CP on August 30, 2018, 06:34:33 PM
Post by: magnanimous_j on August 30, 2018, 06:35:41 PM
Put two in the freezer this morning :IBCOOL:
I thought the season started tomorrow.
Opens on Saturday :dunno:
lol. I thought it was a 30 day month for some reason.
Post by: Gunster on August 31, 2018, 11:32:23 AM
THE COUNTDOWN IS NEARLY COMPLETE
Checklist:
Shotgun? √
Shells? √
License? √
.22 pistol? √
Camera? √
Camp gear? √
.22 Rifle with scope? √
"Death to Grouse" and "Grouse Must Die" posters? √
:IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :tup:
GOOD LUCK, GOOD HUNTING, DRIVE CAREFUL, COME HOME SAFE.
And please leave a few fool hens for old fools like me :hello:
I'm not sure I want to be hiking around with a shotgun and a .22 rifle. Oh wait, you're camping.
Post by: Dave Workman on August 31, 2018, 12:46:20 PM
THE COUNTDOWN IS NEARLY COMPLETE
Checklist:
Shotgun? √
Shells? √
License? √
.22 pistol? √
Camera? √
Camp gear? √
.22 Rifle with scope? √
"Death to Grouse" and "Grouse Must Die" posters? √
:IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :tup:
GOOD LUCK, GOOD HUNTING, DRIVE CAREFUL, COME HOME SAFE.
And please leave a few fool hens for old fools like me :hello:
Thanks for the checklist, I'm packing for grouse camp right now, headed out tomorrow. Grouse dinner on Sat. :drool:
Which shotgun should I take ??
Probably the one for which you bought shells. Clubbing grouse with a shotgun may be challenging and exciting, but other people may laugh their butts off at ya!
:IBCOOL: :chuckle:
Post by: Naches Sportsman on September 01, 2018, 11:27:36 AM
Dog got stung 2 dozen times by bald nest hornets so the day is done.
Post by: bornhunter on September 01, 2018, 01:01:19 PM
Post by: bobcat on September 01, 2018, 03:43:00 PM
Post by: Jpmiller on September 03, 2018, 05:33:08 PM
Post by: HookedOnQuack on September 03, 2018, 06:01:56 PM
Post by: Dave Workman on September 04, 2018, 04:52:46 AM
My daughter and I camped out in the back of the truck last night, and then attempted to hunt this morning, but huckleberry pickers were EVERYWHERE, so we never even got to hunt. Later in the morning I found an old overgrown road that headed up on the mountain, so we started walking it, and made it about 1/4 mile before a vehicle full of huckleberry pickers came driving on up the road, so we turned around and went back to the truck. Hopefully I'll have time to take her out again at the end of the month.
I feel your pain. For me, it was the PH&)(&^(*&^*^%#!#% juvenile motorbike riders and kids turned loose by their stupid parents on 4-wheelers. I had three good shots ruined by twerps roaring up different trails. The little stinkers have the game so spooked where I was...
Another thing I noticed while actually driving up USFS roads was the number of those 4-wheel two-seaters with no licenses, no headlights; nothing to make them street legal, despite all the posted signs all over the place about that. Got mixed feelings about those things..one day I may actually need one to get around, but I sure as hell ain't going to use one like I was at Daytona....
Can't really blame the berry pickers because the berries are definitely ripe and ready.
But the motorbikers.. Maybe now with Labor Day in the rear view, these goobers will be less of a problem.
Ran into a couple of bowhunters who were livid about this.
Post by: Skyvalhunter on September 04, 2018, 05:17:08 AM
Post by: Dave Workman on September 04, 2018, 07:31:52 AM
:tup: :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup:
I discovered this morning that one possible reason I missed what should have been an easy shot with a scoped .22 rifle over the weekend was because the stock had come loose on my 10/22. Beats hell out of me how that happened, but I tightened it immediately and trued up the scope. Soon as I get home it's off to the range with a box of shells to re-zero. That ought to take all of about 5 minutes because that 10/22 is arguably one of the most accurate rimfire's I've ever used.
Just a question, and nobody needs to answer this, but how many out there have missed shoulda-been-easy shots on grouse over the years? It's happened to me more times than I care to remember..(Yes, Virginia, even an old dead-eye fart like me who writes about this stuff can miss occasionally!) but it goes with the game I guess.
Never be too embarrassed about missing a shot. It happens to all of us on occasion.
My problem was I wanted to noggin-shoot a blue with my 10/22 for a photo. (I've head-shot grouse with rimfires before, including a Ruger All-American .22 that made for a helluva story illustration a few years ago in GUN WORLD, but you know how us writers are...we need fresh images :chuckle: :dunno: )
Where I hunted over the weekend I saw some really fat blues, including one no-good sonofabird that I flushed three, or was it four, times??? But I know where that dirty no good thunder chicken hangs out and before the snow flies, there is gonna be a showdown, a reckoning! :tup: :chuckle:
Anyway, my holiday weekend misadventures behind me, and a pretty quick range session coming up, I will be heading back to my bird grounds Friday evening. Maybe even get in a decent evening hunt.
Lessee, now....Re-check the Checklist:
Shotgun? √
Shells? √
License? √
.22 pistol? √
Camera? √
Camp gear? √
.22 Rifle with scope? √
"Death to Grouse" and "Grouse Must Die" posters? √
Post by: Switchback on September 04, 2018, 03:13:26 PM
Wrapped 'em in bacon and had a nice dinner on Sunday!
Post by: Gunster on September 04, 2018, 05:36:34 PM
Post by: Alpine Mojo on September 04, 2018, 07:38:33 PM
Just a question, and nobody needs to answer this, but how many out there have missed shoulda-been-easy shots on grouse over the years?
Dave,
Anyone who claims to have never missed an easy shot is either lying or not telling the truth.
Post by: Ridgeratt on September 04, 2018, 07:45:31 PM
Post by: hunter399 on September 04, 2018, 07:53:35 PM
Nice limit of 4 Ruff's
Maybe friend or somebody else shot the fourth one. :dunno:
Good little grouse herd.
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on September 04, 2018, 08:46:21 PM
I lost track on counting them after 10.🤣
Post by: Dave Workman on September 04, 2018, 08:52:56 PM
Nice limit of 4 Ruff's
Maybe friend or somebody else shot the fourth one. :dunno:
Good little grouse herd.
let's hope so...check the regs about the four-bird daily bag.
Post by: h20hunter on September 04, 2018, 08:57:22 PM
Post by: hunter399 on September 04, 2018, 09:06:00 PM
I just assume to give switcback a chance to explain before we throw the reg book at him. :dunno:
Post by: h20hunter on September 04, 2018, 09:08:37 PM
Post by: Ridgeratt on September 04, 2018, 09:09:50 PM
Post by: hunter399 on September 04, 2018, 09:28:13 PM
I made nothing more than an observation. Period!!I agree it's a good observation ,and if others didn't know it may help a few grouse,and save a few people from tickets ,isn't this one of the new rules changes for this year.
Post by: jackelope on September 04, 2018, 09:57:17 PM
Post by: Gobble Doc on September 04, 2018, 10:12:44 PM
Didn’t he say he was out for the weekend? IE 2 days?How is this relevant?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Switchback on September 05, 2018, 09:12:17 AM
Nice limit of 4 Ruff's
Maybe friend or somebody else shot the fourth one. :dunno:
Good little grouse herd.
I was hunting with my wife – she shot the two birds on the ends. Also, the ones on the end (that she shot) were a bit larger and had yellow feet – I thought they might be dusky or blue grouse. They looked just like the ones I used to shoot back home, and I didn't think we had ruffed grouse there. All my grouse hunting before this was just incidental while archery elk hunting so I'm definitely not a grouse expert.
I do appreciate the pointing out of potential game violations, we need to keep everyone educated and in check and definitely don't want game violations posted on the site. I keep the million-page hunting regs book in the truck and always know the rules and limits before I shoot anything, and if I ever had any question in my mind about it I would not shoot.
Here's a different crop of the photo, you can see my wife's legs cause she took it. Unless you want to think I wear tight girly jeans while hunting (I have come across some strange stuff in the woods before). :chuckle:
Post by: Ridgeratt on September 05, 2018, 09:31:00 AM
Nice limit of 4 Ruff's
Maybe friend or somebody else shot the fourth one. :dunno:
Good little grouse herd.
I was hunting with my wife – she shot the two birds on the ends. Also, the ones on the end (that she shot) were a bit larger and had yellow feet – I thought they might be dusky or blue grouse. They looked just like the ones I used to shoot back home, and I didn't think we had ruffed grouse there. All my grouse hunting before this was just incidental while archery elk hunting so I'm definitely not a grouse expert.
I do appreciate the pointing out of potential game violations, we need to keep everyone educated and in check and definitely don't want game violations posted on the site. I keep the million-page hunting regs book in the truck and always know the rules and limits before I shoot anything, and if I ever had any question in my mind about it I would not shoot.
Here's a different crop of the photo, you can see my wife's legs cause she took it. Unless you want to think I wear tight girly jeans while hunting (I have come across some strange stuff in the woods before). :chuckle:
The birds on the ends with the yellow legs are older birds. If you look at the tail feathers on the middle ones this years crop!
Post by: Switchback on September 05, 2018, 09:34:51 AM
The birds on the ends with the yellow legs are older birds. If you look at the tail feathers on the middle ones this years crop!
Well that explains why the second one hung around after I shot the first! The two babies in the middle were the ones I doubled up on, the other two we shot in different areas. Thanks for the info.
Post by: Jonathan_S on September 05, 2018, 09:38:21 AM
Post by: The Marquis on September 05, 2018, 09:39:51 AM
Post by: bobcat on September 05, 2018, 11:24:01 AM
Nice limit of 4 Ruff's
Maybe friend or somebody else shot the fourth one. :dunno:
Good little grouse herd.
I was hunting with my wife – she shot the two birds on the ends. Also, the ones on the end (that she shot) were a bit larger and had yellow feet – I thought they might be dusky or blue grouse. They looked just like the ones I used to shoot back home, and I didn't think we had ruffed grouse there. All my grouse hunting before this was just incidental while archery elk hunting so I'm definitely not a grouse expert.
I do appreciate the pointing out of potential game violations, we need to keep everyone educated and in check and definitely don't want game violations posted on the site. I keep the million-page hunting regs book in the truck and always know the rules and limits before I shoot anything, and if I ever had any question in my mind about it I would not shoot.
Here's a different crop of the photo, you can see my wife's legs cause she took it. Unless you want to think I wear tight girly jeans while hunting (I have come across some strange stuff in the woods before). :chuckle:
All four of those aren't ruffed grouse. Look at the tails.
Post by: T-Bone on September 05, 2018, 11:47:10 AM
Post by: Switchback on September 05, 2018, 12:48:31 PM
All four of those aren't ruffed grouse. Look at the tails.I should have posted this pic in the first batch, but it was on my wife's phone and I didn't think about it. It's one of the two birds that she shot, and they both looked like this. Which is why I thought they were not ruffed – but a (maybe young?) blue grouse.
Post by: BLH69 on September 05, 2018, 12:55:26 PM
Post by: bobcat on September 05, 2018, 12:56:02 PM
Post by: CP on September 05, 2018, 12:57:41 PM
Good thing grouse hunters aren't like waterfowlers or I'd take some heat right about now.
Post by: Fishmaker57 on September 05, 2018, 03:11:05 PM
Post by: Jpmiller on September 05, 2018, 06:11:26 PM
I can never tell, so my limit is 3. I don't even know a blue from a sooty from a dusky
Good thing grouse hunters aren't like waterfowlers or I'd take some heat right about now.
You mean we haven't been talking ducks this whole time?!?!?!
I'm in the same boat. My old man used to show me all the difference between them and all I ever saw was a grouse. I think one of them has a colored eyebrow? Couldn't tell you which one though. Honestly I don't think I've ever even looked for a third or fourth grouse because me hands get too full to shoot lol.
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on September 05, 2018, 07:31:27 PM
I can never tell, so my limit is 3. I don't even know a blue from a sooty from a dusky
Good thing grouse hunters aren't like waterfowlers or I'd take some heat right about now.
You mean we haven't been talking ducks this whole time?!?!?!
I'm in the same boat. My old man used to show me all the difference between them and all I ever saw was a grouse. I think one of them has a colored eyebrow? Couldn't tell you which one though. Honestly I don't think I've ever even looked for a third or fourth grouse because me hands get too full to shoot lol.
Blues are big, ruffs are smaller. Blues have colored eyebrows, and are darker in color. Ruffs have a pretty band on thier tail, plus usually don’t sit long when they see you, blues will hold tight thinking you don’t see them. 🤣
Post by: jackelope on September 05, 2018, 08:40:38 PM
Didn’t he say he was out for the weekend? IE 2 days?How is this relevant?
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I was just thinking maybe he could have 2 days worth of birds in the pic rather than it being a game violation like everyone else who apparently didn’t know how to identify them was trying to point out.
Post by: Jonathan_S on September 06, 2018, 06:37:58 AM
If you're not sure what sub-species - just flush em up. No mistaking the sound of a blue when he takes off underfoot :yike:
Post by: b0bbyg on September 06, 2018, 08:20:40 AM
:yeah: Looks like the self-deputized grouse police could undergo some grouse identification training.
If you're not sure what sub-species - just flush em up. No mistaking the sound of a blue when he takes off underfoot :yike:
Based on that description I saw several blues last year. Things scared me to death exploding under my feet.
Post by: Alpine Mojo on September 06, 2018, 07:23:07 PM
self-deputized grouse police
Welcome to the internet. Some people need to turn off the computer and go outside once in a while.
Post by: hunter399 on September 06, 2018, 07:57:03 PM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on September 06, 2018, 08:13:28 PM
:yeah: Looks like the self-deputized grouse police could undergo some grouse identification training.
If you're not sure what sub-species - just flush em up. No mistaking the sound of a blue when he takes off underfoot :yike:
I think they hold tighter then ruffs do, the other day I was almost stepping on them.
Based on that description I saw several blues last year. Things scared me to death exploding under my feet.
Post by: 3nails on September 08, 2018, 04:22:12 PM
Post by: 3nails on September 08, 2018, 04:22:57 PM
Post by: jackelope on September 08, 2018, 07:06:38 PM
The rain really made a difference today. My son and I got our limits.
We’re hoping that holds true for tomorrow.
Post by: CougHunter on September 08, 2018, 07:35:12 PM
Post by: 3nails on September 08, 2018, 07:50:32 PM
Do you usually find grouse in clearings like that? Why does the rain help?Yes but only the Blues. They will hold up in the trees while raining and feed/gravel right after it stops. I find a lot of Blues hunkered down under the trees on the edge of the cuts during the rain.
Post by: ducksoup on September 09, 2018, 12:10:27 AM
Just a question, and nobody needs to answer this, but how many out there have missed shoulda-been-easy shots on grouse over the years? It's happened to me more times than I care to remember..(Yes, Virginia, even an old dead-eye fart like me who writes about this stuff can miss occasionally!) but it goes with the game I guess.
Never be too embarrassed about missing a shot. It happens to all of us on occasion.
My problem was I wanted to noggin-shoot a blue with my 10/22 for a photo. (I've head-shot grouse with rimfires before, including a Ruger All-American .22 that made for a helluva story illustration a few years ago in GUN WORLD, but you know how us writers are...we need fresh images :chuckle: :dunno: )
I'm a fellow Wilson Ram, class of '71
Several years ago I was bowhunting out of Sequim and slowly walking a game trail when I noticed a ton of black dots in the lower branches of several conifers about 12 to 15 yards ahead. I couldn't figure out what those black dots were but I was certain conifers didn't have berries! I brought my binoculars up and focused on at least 12 or 15 grouse just sitting there! I pulled a judo head out of my quiver, nocked it and took careful aim. Now I'd been shooting a lot of target archery and stump shooting over the years and I knew exactly where that arrow was going to hit, but just as I released the arrow, the bird I was aiming at moved and I shot over his head. None of the birds moved so I nocked a broadhead and rushed the shot and missed it too! Long story short, I used all 6 arrows and had nothing to show for it ! I was completely flustered! The birds.........they continued sitting there like statues!! All I could do was laugh!
[
Post by: BLDtraLR on September 10, 2018, 08:44:20 PM
Post by: Gobble Doc on September 11, 2018, 07:42:43 AM
4 with the mathews 8) 5 with the ruger 10/22 :tup: :tup: mmmm... brown sugar bacon. And a nice muley it was a good week over eastNice work. I never have got one with the bow yet. But I have lost some arrows. 😆
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Post by: MHWASH on September 12, 2018, 07:08:09 AM
Post by: AROTTY on September 12, 2018, 05:37:01 PM
Just a question, and nobody needs to answer this, but how many out there have missed shoulda-been-easy shots on grouse over the years? It's happened to me more times than I care to remember..(Yes, Virginia, even an old dead-eye fart like me who writes about this stuff can miss occasionally!) but it goes with the game I guess.
Never be too embarrassed about missing a shot. It happens to all of us on occasion.
My problem was I wanted to noggin-shoot a blue with my 10/22 for a photo. (I've head-shot grouse with rimfires before, including a Ruger All-American .22 that made for a helluva story illustration a few years ago in GUN WORLD, but you know how us writers are...we need fresh images :chuckle: :dunno: )
I'm a fellow Wilson Ram, class of '71
Several years ago I was bowhunting out of Sequim and slowly walking a game trail when I noticed a ton of black dots in the lower branches of several conifers about 12 to 15 yards ahead. I couldn't figure out what those black dots were but I was certain conifers didn't have berries! I brought my binoculars up and focused on at least 12 or 15 grouse just sitting there! I pulled a judo head out of my quiver, nocked it and took careful aim. Now I'd been shooting a lot of target archery and stump shooting over the years and I knew exactly where that arrow was going to hit, but just as I released the arrow, the bird I was aiming at moved and I shot over his head. None of the birds moved so I nocked a broadhead and rushed the shot and missed it too! Long story short, I used all 6 arrows and had nothing to show for it ! I was completely flustered! The birds.........they continued sitting there like statues!! All I could do was laugh!
[
I tried to headshot one last year with a glock 34. Missed :(
Post by: asmith on September 14, 2018, 02:48:52 PM
Forgot to take a picture, but hit it square in the back by the wings, and it had no back left at all! Which was good as I didnt ruin any meat at all. All in all, a good morning in a new area. Saw some deer and brought home a bird for the grill.
Post by: ThurstonCokid on September 23, 2018, 10:25:17 PM
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Post by: Ridgeratt on October 02, 2018, 05:45:37 PM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on October 05, 2018, 01:44:26 PM
Post by: slowhand on October 05, 2018, 02:06:22 PM
The 1 was very good eating.
Thank You thunder chicken. :EAT:
Post by: Carl on October 05, 2018, 02:36:30 PM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on October 05, 2018, 02:42:38 PM
My very first time grouse hunting. We brought home 2. :tup:
Nicely done, could’ve used the dog today as the ruff fell 100’ below the road cut🤬, but I got him.
Post by: Casey on October 05, 2018, 02:54:05 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181005/7498b0b0e13ed71769ac5aab1826690f.jpg)
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Post by: John B on October 05, 2018, 07:53:39 PM
Post by: Jpmiller on October 06, 2018, 06:51:20 AM
Missed one, hit one. Took out the dog and .410 single shot bolt action
You didn't take out the dog with the .410 right?
Had to read that a couple times before I realized what you were saying lol. Awesome picture.
Post by: John B on October 06, 2018, 06:31:48 PM
Missed one, hit one. Took out the dog and .410 single shot bolt action
You didn't take out the dog with the .410 right?
Had to read that a couple times before I realized what you were saying lol. Awesome picture.
I would never! He is a turd sometimes though. Fixed it for you lol
Post by: Buckewe on October 06, 2018, 07:18:07 PM