Hunting Washington Forum

Other Hunting => Upland Birds => Topic started by: TooTallMike on December 05, 2020, 11:58:43 PM

Title: Western Wa Winter grouse?
Post by: TooTallMike on December 05, 2020, 11:58:43 PM: Any tips? As far as elevation or types of areas to check out?

Want to take the family for a walk and maybe run into a few.
My only real experience has been just running into them while big game hunting.
Title: Re: Western Wa Winter grouse?
Post by: run870 on December 26, 2020, 10:28:16 AM: I started running into more as the season went on, but it's more difficult now with the rain as they hunker down. Open canopy is key, but mostly so the undergrowth / food can grow. This is my first year actively looking for them, but I have found them at the confluence of two forest roads more than anywhere else as it's most open (sunny and dry) and has the gravel they need. Drainage in the landscape to help grow water hungry berry bushes and mixed forest, and even though those food sources are starting to dwindle late season the birds don't seem to go far from where they were early season. Hope this helps!
Title: Re: Western Wa Winter grouse?
Post by: TooTallMike on December 26, 2020, 12:34:57 PM: Quote from: run870 on December 26, 2020, 10:28:16 AM
I started running into more as the season went on, but it's more difficult now with the rain as they hunker down. Open canopy is key, but mostly so the undergrowth / food can grow. This is my first year actively looking for them, but I have found them at the confluence of two forest roads more than anywhere else as it's most open (sunny and dry) and has the gravel they need. Drainage in the landscape to help grow water hungry berry bushes and mixed forest, and even though those food sources are starting to dwindle late season the birds don't seem to go far from where they were early season. Hope this helps!

Thank you! This sure does. Unfortunately I haven't even been able to get out since posting this, just have been busy and I've been sourcing some 410s and reloading equipment like the rest of the world during this time. I'm just trying to hunt throughout the year and involve my family. Thanks again for the info and happy new year!
Title: Re: Western Wa Winter grouse?
Post by: Skyvalhunter on December 26, 2020, 12:44:00 PM: Just be aware the grouse are typically very spooky and fly before you get close alot of times. Grouse see more predator pressure this time of the year.