Post by: Dave Workman on June 26, 2024, 06:21:03 PM
The opener is on a Sunday, Sept 15. Last season, I fulfilled a promise to my readers at AMERICAN HANDGUNNER and took my first bird of the season with a .22-caliber pistol. Then out came the 20-gauge Franchi shotgun. As openers go, it went pretty well. By the afternoon, I had three in the cooler, and one soon landed in the frying pan. Can't beat that!
For the next 12 weeks, scout-scout-scout and scout some more! Break out the shotgun and get some clay birds to get your skills back up to snuff.
It is widely known I prefer No. 6s in my 12- and 20-gauge guns. I use 3-inchers in my .410, which has been a grouse buster for sure.
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on June 26, 2024, 07:16:48 PM
Post by: hunter399 on June 26, 2024, 07:25:28 PM
Post by: Sakko300wsm on June 27, 2024, 03:39:23 PM
Post by: Dave Workman on June 28, 2024, 07:31:09 AM
Should be a great year , been seeing a bunch. Last year was amazing
Well, last year was okay, but remember, some places had lots of grouse while other places did not appear to have a very good crop. I hunted South Cle Elum Ridge, Taneum Ridge and the Taneum Creek drainage, where there were lots of birds, and then up the Teanaway and across Teanaway Ridge, where I didn't see many birds at all in the usual places.
There were also some other places where traditionally I've seen good numbers of grouse, but last year didn't produce so good, and I never personally pulled a trigger!
Here's a photo taken on the evening of opening day. I did NOT shoot this hooter with the .41 Magnum I was packing. This particular bird was taken with a shotgun, and about 30 minutes after this photo session, it was sizzling in my cast iron skillet in a mix of butter and olive oil, along with a mix of potatoes and onions.
(Share your photos in this thread, too!)
Post by: Houmike on June 28, 2024, 10:43:37 AM
Post by: Hirt on June 28, 2024, 11:05:56 AM
Any grouse recipes you could share? I love cooking wild game for my wife. She didn't grow up in a hunting household so everything is new to her.
Post by: ducks4days on June 28, 2024, 01:21:06 PM
Post by: Dave Workman on June 29, 2024, 08:50:30 AM
I always get excited for grouse opener. Do you use dogs or just do a lot of walking? I've put some serious miles on the past two seasons and seem to always be a step behind the fool hens.
Any grouse recipes you could share? I love cooking wild game for my wife. She didn't grow up in a hunting household so everything is new to her.
Lotta walking. No dog. You've got to understand grouse. Around here, it's acceptable to ground sluice them with a rifle, pistol or even a shotgun when they're out there a ways. They will get nervous, try to sneak away, hide behind a bush, fly up into a nearby tree. It's a challenge to hit them on the wing, and sometimes even on the ground, but the ultimate goal is to have something for the table.
For frying: Start your pan slow warming and add a strip or two of bacon, You can rub the breasts in flower and pepper or seasoning and drop them in the hot pan, with some sliced potatoes and a couple of onion rings. cook to golden brown. Delicious.
Bake them or barbecue them. Put breasts and legs in a baggie with some seasoning of your choice, (teriyaki is good, maybe with a little garlic) let them soak for a couple of hours, toss them on the barbecue or a hibachi and cook away. Cook again to golden brown. Mouth watering!
Cook the breasts up and substitute them for chicken breasts and cook up some grouse parmesan with pasta!
Bon apetite!
Post by: Dave Workman on July 27, 2024, 06:47:30 AM
The Sept. 15 opener is back again...the excuse is that too many hens are getting bopped on Labor Day weekend, but there is lots of suspicion out there the delay is REALLY about keeping hunters out of the field until after Labor Day weekend so the flatlanders can enjoy without all of those people with guns in the woods...so the countdown from now is approximately six weeks.
In the meantime, don't forget to vote in the primary, make sure your shotgun(s) is/are clean and ready to rock. Get to the gun shop and buy some shells. If you hunt with a rimfire, get to the range and make sure you can hit a bottlecap at 25 yards. Don't mess around with this because marksmanship is critical.
Now's a good time to start taking walks around the neighborhood or the local park to get your legs and feet in shape. Then walk some more!
Scouting: This is a BIG DEAL! Do not underestimate the importance of scouting grouse haunts. Broods are showing up now, and between now and the opener, they're just fattening up. Take your binoculars and a map so you can circle the areas you scout for later reference.
The grouse opener is on a Sunday. I'm taking the following Monday off! :tup:
Okay, who has already started any of this? Eh?
Post by: Dave Workman on August 06, 2024, 07:24:57 PM
Plenty of time to get out some clays, polish your shotgunning skills and do some practice with your .22 rifle and/or pistol. Watch for my September column in 'NORTHWEST SPORTSMAN' magazine.
Post by: Mochi on August 18, 2024, 08:33:04 AM
Should be a great year , been seeing a bunch. Last year was amazing
Well, last year was okay, but remember, some places had lots of grouse while other places did not appear to have a very good crop. I hunted South Cle Elum Ridge, Taneum Ridge and the Taneum Creek drainage, where there were lots of birds, and then up the Teanaway and across Teanaway Ridge, where I didn't see many birds at all in the usual places.
There were also some other places where traditionally I've seen good numbers of grouse, but last year didn't produce so good, and I never personally pulled a trigger!
Here's a photo taken on the evening of opening day. I did NOT shoot this hooter with the .41 Magnum I was packing. This particular bird was taken with a shotgun, and about 30 minutes after this photo session, it was sizzling in my cast iron skillet in a mix of butter and olive oil, along with a mix of potatoes and onions.
(Share your photos in this thread, too!)
Went out that way yesterday and was surprised at how few birds I saw. I saw one ruffed that got hit on the road on the way in and thought it was a sign there was going to be a lot of birds. I only saw one all day and talked to another guy scouting for deer who also was surprised at not seeing any birds at all.
I did check out some other areas west of the mountains in July and saw lots of birds with their chicks so not sure what’s going on out near Cle Elum.
Post by: jrebel on August 18, 2024, 08:38:26 AM
Happy hunting to all the grouse getters out there. :tup:
Post by: Chris57 on August 18, 2024, 10:34:11 AM
Post by: Sakko300wsm on August 18, 2024, 11:07:50 AM
Looks like it will be another great year
Tons of young birds as well
Looks like grouse and turkeys are doing very well
Post by: Dave Workman on August 18, 2024, 05:11:52 PM
Went out yesterday on the sxs for a couple hrs - saw atleast 20 grouse (combination) here in Ferry
Looks like it will be another great year
Tons of young birds as well
Looks like grouse and turkeys are doing very well
OUTSTANDING!
Post by: Dave Workman on September 02, 2024, 06:33:40 AM
May we ALL begin the opener like this.... It's on a Sunday, and I'm seriously considering taking the next day off. I've earned it.
Post by: hunter_sean08 on September 02, 2024, 09:28:48 AM
Post by: hunter399 on September 03, 2024, 01:22:59 PM
There was a fifth one that popped out,just after I took the pic.
Post by: Dave Workman on September 04, 2024, 04:22:41 PM
Here ya go Dave...
There was a fifth one that popped out,just after I took the pic.
Looks like a mammy and her four youngsters.
Counting down....11 days to go!
Post by: builtfordtough on September 04, 2024, 05:33:03 PM
Post by: ducks4days on September 05, 2024, 10:19:11 AM
We saw 9 over the weekend. Eastern Wa. My son wasn't happy but is what it is. we will be youth pheasant hunting western WA for the opener so he will miss the opener for grouse. Why don't they open up grouse for youth on the 1st of September for the labor day weekend. ?
They moved the grouse opener from Sep1 to Sep15 because too many campers complained about gunshots ruining their labor day weekend.
All recreators are equal, but some recreators are more equal than others.
Post by: MADMAX on September 05, 2024, 02:01:20 PM
We saw 9 over the weekend. Eastern Wa. My son wasn't happy but is what it is. we will be youth pheasant hunting western WA for the opener so he will miss the opener for grouse. Why don't they open up grouse for youth on the 1st of September for the labor day weekend. ?
They moved the grouse opener from Sep1 to Sep15 because too many campers complained about gunshots ruining their labor day weekend.
All recreators are equal, but some recreators are more equal than others.
It’s the hurray for me and go screw yourself mentality
Too bad
Post by: Dave Workman on September 11, 2024, 05:46:07 PM
And Read your regulations, keep a copy in your vehicle, :tup: :tup: :tup:
Be sure to share your success photos here, and with Andy Walgamott at NORTHWEST SPORTSMAN magazine!
GOOD LUCK...STAY SAFE AND SHOOT STRAIGHT..
Post by: high_hunter on September 11, 2024, 05:57:05 PM
Post by: HuntNFish on September 16, 2024, 10:03:55 AM
Post by: hunter399 on September 16, 2024, 10:39:57 AM
How'd everyone do with grouse hunting over the weekend?Kid got one.
That's about it so far.
Post by: MADMAX on September 16, 2024, 11:30:18 AM
Post by: metlhead on September 16, 2024, 12:16:25 PM
Post by: Wingin it on September 16, 2024, 05:31:19 PM
Post by: Mochi on September 17, 2024, 03:51:58 AM
That’s right, nothing, nada, zilch. After scouting the past few weeks and seeing a lot of birds, they’ve completely disappeared. Hunted Sunday and Monday in areas that always hold grouse and didn’t see a single one. Really strange how they vanished. Did get some huckleberries though, so it wasn’t a complete loss 😬
Post by: RobinHoodlum on September 17, 2024, 07:07:04 AM
Post by: Dave Workman on September 17, 2024, 07:00:29 PM
I camped up there Saturday night, slept good bundled up in my sleeping bag and hunted hard. Where I was, according to a topo map, was above 4,500 feet. Lots of berries still around.
Stay safe, shoot straight and good luck!
Post by: hunter399 on September 17, 2024, 08:28:02 PM
Two yesterday
One today.
After school he suddenly has no homework,after grouse season opens. I'll probably give it a break and make sure on the homework.
Post by: ghosthunter on September 18, 2024, 10:55:03 PM
Here’s my buddy with the evidence and my lab Pearl.
Post by: kellama2001 on September 19, 2024, 10:26:45 AM
Post by: bearpaw on September 19, 2024, 01:04:04 PM
Post by: Dave Workman on September 21, 2024, 06:16:39 PM
Shotgun: 20-ga. Franchi Instinct 'L' loaded with No 6 low base shells. Already breasted and put in the freezer with both legs intact.
Did a lot of brush busting this morning. Saw two other big blues and they are still out there. :IBCOOL:
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on September 21, 2024, 07:39:12 PM
2nd weekend score, early Saturday morning, my honey hole. When I cleaned this guy, he was already dining on needles, which suggests to me they're getting ready for a doozy of a winter.
Shotgun: 20-ga. Franchi Instinct 'L' loaded with No 6 low base shells. Already breasted and put in the freezer with both legs intact.
Did a lot of brush busting this morning. Saw two other big blues and they are still out there. :IBCOOL:
Nicely done.👍
Post by: Naches Sportsman on September 24, 2024, 08:33:58 PM
I’m up to 21 on the season.
Post by: Wingin it on September 26, 2024, 08:25:16 AM
Post by: millerwheeler on September 26, 2024, 12:54:23 PM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on September 26, 2024, 07:19:14 PM
My oldest som got his first last Friday and the video and smile say it all
That’s what it’s all about right there.👍
Post by: Mochi on September 27, 2024, 05:47:01 AM
I’ve had a real good season so far. Everyone’s complained on how little grouse they’ve seen in this area, but I’ve seen nothing but great numbers all year on blues, spruce, and ruffed grouse. Co worker and I have gotten 17 since Sunday morning barely trying.
I’m up to 21 on the season.
Feel free to message me the area :chuckle:
Post by: wadu1 on September 27, 2024, 07:30:53 AM
My oldest som got his first last Friday and the video and smile say it all
That’s what it’s all about right there.👍
:yeah:
Something he'll remember :tup:, I still remember my first 60 years ago.
Post by: ducks4days on September 27, 2024, 10:16:40 AM
For the folks that have been successful, are the birds still hanging ~4k feet or are they moving higher as the berries down low burn out? Have you seen a difference in south vs north slopes?
Post by: lovetogrouse on September 28, 2024, 08:27:36 PM
Post by: ghosthunter on September 28, 2024, 08:35:15 PM
Post by: ducks4days on September 30, 2024, 09:05:24 AM
Post by: hankjo on September 30, 2024, 06:57:10 PM
Spent hours digging through old posts here and poking around on Gaia to try and find some productive areas. Went out this weekend with a plan to hunt a general area and camp out for a night, hoping to at least see a bird. Came home with not one but TWO grouse. Made a grouse curry dish last night with the thighs and tonight we’re feasting on grouse pot pie made with the 4 breasts I brought home. Don’t have many friends and family that hunt so I’m thankful to have a community here to share success with. Big thanks to all of you that contribute to this forum. The advice I found here was a huge help.
Both grouse were shot in the morning hours, cruising gravel FS roads between 3000-4000ft in elevation, east of the mountains. Right where most of my reading here had said that they would be.
Looking forward to getting after some more grouse in the coming weekends and hopefully shooting my first deer this year. Hope to get to run in to some of you guys out in the field!
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on September 30, 2024, 07:09:53 PM
First time grouse hunter. Hunted pheasant as a kid with my dad but hadn’t been out in over a decade. Lived overseas for a number of years and am now back home excited to get back into hunting as an adult.
Spent hours digging through old posts here and poking around on Gaia to try and find some productive areas. Went out this weekend with a plan to hunt a general area and camp out for a night, hoping to at least see a bird. Came home with not one but TWO grouse. Made a grouse curry dish last night with the thighs and tonight we’re feasting on grouse pot pie made with the 4 breasts I brought home. Don’t have many friends and family that hunt so I’m thankful to have a community here to share success with. Big thanks to all of you that contribute to this forum. The advice I found here was a huge help.
Both grouse were shot in the morning hours, cruising gravel FS roads between 3000-4000ft in elevation, east of the mountains. Right where most of my reading here had said that they would be.
Looking forward to getting after some more grouse in the coming weekends and hopefully shooting my first deer this year. Hope to get to run in to some of you guys out in the field!
Nicely done, welcome to the forum.
Post by: blackdog on September 30, 2024, 08:59:07 PM
Post by: Naches Sportsman on October 06, 2024, 09:24:02 PM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on October 07, 2024, 04:35:14 AM
First time I’ve been out this year, nice to be out in the woods again.