Post by: Dave Workman on June 26, 2025, 11:47:59 AM
Well, it's almost July, which means grouse season is just over the horizon! :yike: Now's a good time to:
Stock up on shotgun shells
Make sure your shotgun is clean and ready to rock
Start taking short walks with your hunting boots on (get into shape!)
Start thinking about birds on the wing, birds in the bag, and memories being made.
Plan a scouting trek to your favorite hunting grounds.
Take a camera along!
Incidentally, now's the time to start sharing what you see out there. I'll personally be hitting the high country north and south of Cle Elum, and I have a hankering to get up the Little Naches over in Yakima county again sometime this summer, maybe go up and over Government Meadows. Always grouse up there!
Post by: hunter399 on June 26, 2025, 11:53:19 AM
Picture taken recently....
He was on a branch that was hanging over the road.
Picture was taken through my windshield,about two feet away.
Post by: Dave Workman on June 26, 2025, 12:17:42 PM
Here ya go Dave.
Picture taken recently....
He was on a branch that was hanging over the road.
Picture was taken through my windshield,about two feet away.
OUTSTANDING! :tup: :tup:
The broods oughta be showing up over the next few weeks, and that will give us a fair impression about this year's hatch and the prospects for fall.
One thing I didn't mention and I really should have: This is ALSO the right time of year to start polishing up your skills with a pistol if you plan to plug away at fool hens with a sidearm. It's no secret (Heck, I've written about it!) that I have this quirk about conking grouse with a .22 pistol, and have done so many times. They always eat better when you're not trying to dodge lead pellets at the dinner table :chuckle:
For my practice sessions, I shoot at water-filled half-gallon milk jugs out to maybe 20-25 yards. The pistol in this image is a Ruger MK IV and it is remarkably accurate. I like a 40-grain RNL bullet and a couple of years ago, Roy Huntington (American Handgunner) sent me a little round die with which I can actually flat-file the tip of the bullet, and it is devastating for small game.
Post by: hunter399 on June 26, 2025, 12:42:18 PM
We did observe for a minute or twoHere ya go Dave.
Picture taken recently....
He was on a branch that was hanging over the road.
Picture was taken through my windshield,about two feet away.
OUTSTANDING! :tup: :tup:
The broods oughta be showing up over the next few weeks, and that will give us a fair impression about this year's hatch and the prospects for fall.
One thing I didn't mention and I really should have: This is ALSO the right time of year to start polishing up your skills with a pistol if you plan to plug away at fool hens with a sidearm. It's no secret (Heck, I've written about it!) that I have this quirk about conking grouse with a .22 pistol, and have done so many times. They always eat better when you're not trying to dodge lead pellets at the dinner table :chuckle:
For my practice sessions, I shoot at water-filled half-gallon milk jugs out to maybe 20-25 yards. The pistol in this image is a Ruger MK IV and it is remarkably accurate. I like a 40-grain RNL bullet and a couple of years ago, Roy Huntington (American Handgunner) sent me a little round die with which I can actually flat-file the tip of the bullet, and it is devastating for small game.
Didn't see any baby.
Seen a lot of turkey baby.
Your baby timing seems spot on....👍
Post by: ghosthunter on June 26, 2025, 02:33:01 PM
Got an itch to shoot some grouse with BP pistol.
My list of grouse guns is growing. This year it’s.
Judge pistol
BP pistol
.410 SS coach gun
12 ga SS Coach Gun.
And maybe the Ruger SP 101 in .22
Can’t wait.
Used The Coach guns last year.
Post by: ghosthunter on June 26, 2025, 02:34:30 PM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on June 26, 2025, 03:33:07 PM
Coach
Nice looking gun. Where did you get it?
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on June 26, 2025, 03:34:21 PM
Post by: ghosthunter on June 26, 2025, 05:50:49 PM
Coach
Nice looking gun. Where did you get it?
Bought from a member here. Has screw in chokes.
I got a standard model 410 too . Got it at Skagit Arms.
Post by: bobcat on June 26, 2025, 07:19:13 PM
Post by: EnglishSetter on June 26, 2025, 11:41:55 PM
I saw lots of baby Blue grouse when I was out scouting a couple days ago. I sure wish it still opened on September 1st. Seems to be a ton of grouse this year. At last Blue grouse. Haven't really been seeing ruffed grouse.
Is this on the west side anywhere near home?
I need to learn grouse. Hunted upland all my life. Chased roosters in 4 states last season.
Post by: Dave Workman on July 07, 2025, 09:26:53 AM
Grouse aren't like pheasants, except they both tend to explode from cover. Difference is you hunt grouse in forested areas and pheasants out in wide open corn/wheat/crop fields.I saw lots of baby Blue grouse when I was out scouting a couple days ago. I sure wish it still opened on September 1st. Seems to be a ton of grouse this year. At last Blue grouse. Haven't really been seeing ruffed grouse.
Is this on the west side anywhere near home?
I need to learn grouse. Hunted upland all my life. Chased roosters in 4 states last season.
Blue grouse hunt them at higher elevations. Forest grouse are in the lower elevations, along creek and river basins, in mixed hardwood and conifer forests.
My best advice is to keep checking back with this group and you'll learn plenty. Keep an eye on this thread especially! And watch for these critters along gravel roads mornings and evenings.
Post by: EnglishSetter on July 07, 2025, 09:41:07 AM
Grouse aren't like pheasants, except they both tend to explode from cover. Difference is you hunt grouse in forested areas and pheasants out in wide open corn/wheat/crop fields.I saw lots of baby Blue grouse when I was out scouting a couple days ago. I sure wish it still opened on September 1st. Seems to be a ton of grouse this year. At last Blue grouse. Haven't really been seeing ruffed grouse.
Is this on the west side anywhere near home?
I need to learn grouse. Hunted upland all my life. Chased roosters in 4 states last season.
Blue grouse hunt them at higher elevations. Forest grouse are in the lower elevations, along creek and river basins, in mixed hardwood and conifer forests.
My best advice is to keep checking back with this group and you'll learn plenty. Keep an eye on this thread especially! And watch for these critters along gravel roads mornings and evenings.
I've hunted a LOT of valley quail as well. Varied habitat.
Only shot a few ruffed grouse as opportunistic camp meat while traveling gravel roads. Would seem nice to get into the interior some but maybe that's not required(?).
Been told there's grouse to the west of me (Winlock), but it's all walk in from the blacktop. DNR land I think. Chased pheasants once at Lincoln Creek release site, that was kind of a joke for chickens but the surrounding area looked possible for grouse(???).
I do have HuntX.
Post by: Dave Workman on July 07, 2025, 01:01:22 PM
I've hunted a LOT of valley quail as well. Varied habitat.
Only shot a few ruffed grouse as opportunistic camp meat while traveling gravel roads. Would seem nice to get into the interior some but maybe that's not required(?).
Been told there's grouse to the west of me (Winlock), but it's all walk in from the blacktop. DNR land I think. Chased pheasants once at Lincoln Creek release site, that was kind of a joke for chickens but the surrounding area looked possible for grouse(???).
I do have HuntX.
If you want to hunt blue grouse, find a hiking trail and let it take you back into the forest on high ridges. The one drawback of trails early in the season are the jerks roaring their trailbikes along. screws up everything.
You might try your luck hunting up in Chelan and Okanogan counties, higher elevations, around berry fields. East Lewis and northern Skamania counties are good for blue grouse too. Green Trails or USGS topo maps show lots of trail areas all along the Cascades.
Post by: Dave Workman on August 04, 2025, 01:49:17 PM
Now's the time to be doing some pre-season scouting...despite the rotten high gasoline prices (thanks Jay & Bob)... up to places including Government Meadows north of Mt. Rainier, the Skate Creek drainage south of Mt. Rainier, Anywhere up in Okanogan County between Winthrop and Conconully, Chelan County up toward Maverick Saddle (where I clobbered the bird in the photo!), Kittitas County up above Liberty or up on Teanaway Ridge, The Cispus country in east Lewis County...
All of those secret spots that only 10,000 other people know about. :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Share your scouting reports. Buy a box of shells, make sure you've got your hunting license.
Think Grouse!!!!! :IBCOOL: :tup: :tup:
Post by: bmc02 on August 04, 2025, 03:58:27 PM
Post by: Dave Workman on August 04, 2025, 07:08:46 PM
@Dave Workman what kind of sights are on your Ruger mark IV? I've got a 22/45 lite and got one grouse with it. But can't stand the factory sights and found the accuracy was poor. Thought about upgrading to a Williams peep or maybe a red dot. Until I find a solution I'll continue to use a long 22. Even if I have to haul it up on a 60# pack for high buck grouse.
They're factory sights, rear adjustable. I spent time at the range zeroing this pistol for shooting grouse and rabbits. It is deadly accurate.
Post by: bmc02 on August 05, 2025, 05:15:54 AM
@Dave Workman what kind of sights are on your Ruger mark IV? I've got a 22/45 lite and got one grouse with it. But can't stand the factory sights and found the accuracy was poor. Thought about upgrading to a Williams peep or maybe a red dot. Until I find a solution I'll continue to use a long 22. Even if I have to haul it up on a 60# pack for high buck grouse.
They're factory sights, rear adjustable. I spent time at the range zeroing this pistol for shooting grouse and rabbits. It is deadly accurate.
Thanks. I definitely need some more range time with mine practicing. Also need to experiment with some different ammo.
Post by: Dave Workman on August 05, 2025, 09:37:15 AM
Thanks. I definitely need some more range time with mine practicing. Also need to experiment with some different ammo.
Might I suggest two good rounds for your 22/45?
Try the 38-grain Federal copper plated hollowpoint.
or
Try the Remington Thunderbolt. It's a 40-grain RNL bullet (no plating).
They have both worked for me remarkably well.
WINCHESTER also makes a .22 long rifle copper plated hollowpoint - 37 grains - and it is a consistently accurate load as well.
All three of these should work well in your 22/45.
Start by setting your target at 15 yards. Use a sandbag rest, two-hand hold, fire a five-shot string to see where your bullets hit. Adjust your rear sight accordingly. That's how I did it, and look at the results:
Post by: bmc02 on August 05, 2025, 11:10:02 AM
Thanks. I definitely need some more range time with mine practicing. Also need to experiment with some different ammo.
Might I suggest two good rounds for your 22/45?
Try the 38-grain Federal copper plated hollowpoint.
or
Try the Remington Thunderbolt. It's a 40-grain RNL bullet (no plating).
They have both worked for me remarkably well.
WINCHESTER also makes a .22 long rifle copper plated hollowpoint - 37 grains - and it is a consistently accurate load as well.
All three of these should work well in your 22/45.
Start by setting your target at 15 yards. Use a sandbag rest, two-hand hold, fire a five-shot string to see where your bullets hit. Adjust your rear sight accordingly. That's how I did it, and look at the results:
Thank you for the tips, appreciate it! I was going to ask what range you sighted in at, again helpful. I have multiple types of 22 ammo to experiment with, including 2 of your recommendations. Will be going to the range very soon.
I've been pretty deadly with my 10/22 takedown with tech sights so have been hesitant to try the pistol again. But I bought the pistol specifically for grouse opportunities while on other hunts, so going to give it some more effort this year.
Post by: Dave Workman on August 05, 2025, 12:54:35 PM
Thanks. I definitely need some more range time with mine practicing. Also need to experiment with some different ammo.
Might I suggest two good rounds for your 22/45?
Try the 38-grain Federal copper plated hollowpoint.
or
Try the Remington Thunderbolt. It's a 40-grain RNL bullet (no plating).
They have both worked for me remarkably well.
WINCHESTER also makes a .22 long rifle copper plated hollowpoint - 37 grains - and it is a consistently accurate load as well.
All three of these should work well in your 22/45.
Start by setting your target at 15 yards. Use a sandbag rest, two-hand hold, fire a five-shot string to see where your bullets hit. Adjust your rear sight accordingly. That's how I did it, and look at the results:
Thank you for the tips, appreciate it! I was going to ask what range you sighted in at, again helpful. I have multiple types of 22 ammo to experiment with, including 2 of your recommendations. Will be going to the range very soon.
I've been pretty deadly with my 10/22 takedown with tech sights so have been hesitant to try the pistol again. But I bought the pistol specifically for grouse opportunities while on other hunts, so going to give it some more effort this year.
Give this a read.. http://www.thegunmag.com/so-you-want-to-hunt-small-game-with-a-22-caliber-pistol-eh/
Post by: Dave Workman on August 13, 2025, 02:31:12 PM
Anybody been doing a little grouse scouting? Broods spotted?
It's time to be getting ready to rock! (I was younger and cuter, then! )
The shotgun in this image was a Stoeger Uplander, double triggers, fixed chokes and a great little grouse buster. It's actually a nice, lightweight smoothbore and the first 20-gauge I ever owned.
I'll be taking it out again this fall , I betcha!
Post by: ZaneHunts on August 13, 2025, 07:07:05 PM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on August 16, 2025, 07:07:14 AM
Post by: Dave Workman on August 16, 2025, 02:14:53 PM
Saw a hen with 4 or 5 chicks up by Hamma Hamma a couple weeks ago. Cute little buggers
Not quite sure how this happened, but your image shows up sideways! :dunno:
They'll be growing fast from now on! Looking good. Thanks for the observation
Post by: ghosthunter on August 17, 2025, 06:58:26 PM
But saw seven grouse in four encounters. All of them lived up to thr Fool Chicken name.
I could easily got any of them with any weapon.
Post by: desertbow on August 19, 2025, 06:38:42 PM
Grouse aren't like pheasants, except they both tend to explode from cover. Difference is you hunt grouse in forested areas and pheasants out in wide open corn/wheat/crop fields.
Blue grouse hunt them at higher elevations. Forest grouse are in the lower elevations, along creek and river basins, in mixed hardwood and conifer forests.
My best advice is to keep checking back with this group and you'll learn plenty. Keep an eye on this thread especially! And watch for these critters along gravel roads mornings and evenings.
Dave,
I'm just starting with grouse on the east side this season. I've seen a handful of forest grouse around 2,000'. When you say higher elevation, what elevation range is that?
Post by: Dave Workman on August 23, 2025, 04:57:04 PM
Dave,
I'm just starting with grouse on the east side this season. I've seen a handful of forest grouse around 2,000'. When you say higher elevation, what elevation range is that?
Above 3500-4000 ft. About where I encountered this hen and at least two of her brood Saturday afternoon. Anybody else spotting grouse these days?
Post by: bmc02 on August 23, 2025, 05:30:11 PM
Have some hikes I want to do between priest lake and Bonners ferry. Any grouse reports for that area? I'm thinking blues up high on the ridges around 6000+.
Post by: ghosthunter on August 23, 2025, 06:40:47 PM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on August 24, 2025, 08:45:32 PM
Idaho grouse opens on Saturday. Thinking of a NR small game license to get started over labor day weekend.
Have some hikes I want to do between priest lake and Bonners ferry. Any grouse reports for that area? I'm thinking blues up high on the ridges around 6000+.
Ugh, I saw four today in the Idaho mountains.🤣
Post by: desertbow on August 28, 2025, 07:35:42 PM
I'm visiting family in southern Idaho in early October and am planning to chase some blue grouse and chukar along the way. Probably around McCall (grouse) and NW of Boise (chukar).
Post by: TeacherMan on August 31, 2025, 11:22:52 AM
Post by: ghosthunter on August 31, 2025, 05:55:57 PM
.410 ready
Post by: ghosthunter on September 02, 2025, 06:40:33 PM
Post by: kellama2001 on September 03, 2025, 06:55:58 AM
Started the grouse season out in Idaho yesterday with a limit by 9am…
Nice job!
Post by: Naches Sportsman on September 05, 2025, 08:09:20 PM
Feels good to finally get one with a gun and have a day off though. Been tormented by grouse every day at work since the opener.
Post by: Dave Workman on September 15, 2025, 04:33:46 PM
:yeah:
Lucky devils! :dunno: :bash:
Post by: farmin4u_98948 on September 15, 2025, 06:27:38 PM
Post by: pianoman9701 on September 16, 2025, 09:12:21 AM
Post by: raydog on September 16, 2025, 11:46:43 AM
Post by: baldopepper on September 16, 2025, 11:57:01 AM
Post by: Angus on September 16, 2025, 09:33:46 PM
Post by: firtree on September 17, 2025, 02:40:26 AM
Post by: Dave Workman on September 20, 2025, 05:55:55 PM
Any tips on finding them in the Mt. Baker- Snoqualmie NF? My boys and I are new to Grouse. I grew up hunting small game and deer in Maine but I am out of my element here in WA. Now that salmon season is getting close to wrapping up on the sound, I'd love to get them out, and if we can find some decent habitat within an hour or two from home (King Co.) that would be all the better.
Suggest heading up high, and crossing over Snoqualmie Pass to the Lake Kachess exit, Head north from there and hit the gravel roads on the west side of the lake. Get a USFS map which will show all of the USFS roads. Should be some grouse up high. If you want to go a little farther, take the Stampede Pass exit, head for Stampede and hunt up around the pass (it's well marked).
Post by: Dave Workman on September 20, 2025, 06:03:40 PM
Very, very dry and dusty, and the wind is blowing smoke from the forest fire north of Cle Elum south to where I was hunting. Pretty tough if you have trouble with smoke.
Post by: BLH69 on September 20, 2025, 08:38:58 PM
Post by: EnglishSetter on September 21, 2025, 10:59:06 AM
Post by: Dave Workman on September 21, 2025, 11:06:22 AM
Dave you need to smile! Good job bud!
I am smiling! :dunno: :chuckle:
Post by: Dave Workman on September 21, 2025, 11:07:21 AM
After released pheasant hunting I went up to Randle and got on FS 25. Note that it’s closed about 7 miles in. So took a number of sides/spurs on the east side of 25 and came out on FS 23 back to Randle. I didn’t see any grouse, but I was mostly driving and never got far from civilization. More trying to learn new country. FS 23 towards mt st Helen’s woulda been better. Highest I got was round 2500.
What's the trouble on USFS 25? Why is it closed?
Post by: Turdle on September 21, 2025, 11:35:46 AM
Post by: EnglishSetter on September 21, 2025, 12:44:49 PM
After released pheasant hunting I went up to Randle and got on FS 25. Note that it’s closed about 7 miles in. So took a number of sides/spurs on the east side of 25 and came out on FS 23 back to Randle. I didn’t see any grouse, but I was mostly driving and never got far from civilization. More trying to learn new country. FS 23 towards mt st Helen’s woulda been better. Highest I got was round 2500.
What's the trouble on USFS 25? Why is it closed?
I looked it up when I got home. A bridge being replaced at the 7 mile mark and a landslide around 25 mile mark. Expected to remain closed until Thanksgiving.
Post by: firtree on September 23, 2025, 12:17:23 AM
Any tips on finding them in the Mt. Baker- Snoqualmie NF? My boys and I are new to Grouse. I grew up hunting small game and deer in Maine but I am out of my element here in WA. Now that salmon season is getting close to wrapping up on the sound, I'd love to get them out, and if we can find some decent habitat within an hour or two from home (King Co.) that would be all the better.
Suggest heading up high, and crossing over Snoqualmie Pass to the Lake Kachess exit, Head north from there and hit the gravel roads on the west side of the lake. Get a USFS map which will show all of the USFS roads. Should be some grouse up high. If you want to go a little farther, take the Stampede Pass exit, head for Stampede and hunt up around the pass (it's well marked).
Thanks!
Post by: GunsRus001 on September 27, 2025, 02:29:19 AM
Post by: Dave Workman on September 27, 2025, 05:15:49 PM
Just west and north of Stampede Pass.
I'm not sure what's happening with grouse amid all of the smoke from forest fires. Maybe rain will help knock down the smoke, help firefighters contain the fire north of Cle Elum.
Post by: pianoman9701 on September 28, 2025, 08:49:42 AM
Post by: Dave Workman on September 28, 2025, 05:19:59 PM
Nice bird.
Yeah, it's a young one but there's enough for a meal for one person. The shot charge actually caught him in the neck. Only found one pellet in the breast, so the breasts and legs were all intact. How often does that happen, eh?
Post by: dub870 on September 28, 2025, 06:51:00 PM
Post by: Dave Workman on September 29, 2025, 04:50:55 PM
Do you have a good recipe for the legs?
There are several. Some guys will simply rub the legs in a mix of flour, salt and pepper or some seasoning and fry them up.
Others might wrap each leg in a piece of bacon and cook them up that way.
If you roast the bird, leave the legs attached and do it up like a cornish game hen.
I have usually breasted my birds and cooked them up with the legs, and in the same pan might be some sliced potatoes. Tastes great at the campfire!
Bon Apetite!
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on October 01, 2025, 07:31:32 PM