Hunting Washington Forum

Other Hunting => Upland Birds => Topic started by: Dave Workman on June 01, 2010, 12:54:16 PM

Title: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Dave Workman on June 01, 2010, 12:54:16 PM: It's never too early to start thinking about grouse hunting.
Because of work schedules and home improvements...and the *^^#@$#ing weather, I haven't had a chance to really get out there and look for any broods.

Anybody else "jumping the gun" now that June has arrived and it's only 92 days until the opener???

Thunderchickens must die!
:yike:

I'm gonna try taking several this year with a .22 pistol. And hopefully I'll be hunting with my own shotguns, and not somebody's test guns....
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: carpsniperg2 on June 01, 2010, 01:19:45 PM: nope i was thinking about some freash grouse arrowed while archery elk hunting :drool: nothing like elk and grouse on the same plate :drool: :chuckle:
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: 10Key on June 01, 2010, 03:35:07 PM: With the new pup, grouse has been on my mind. In fact, I took the pup out to the woods for the first time this past weekend to see how he would do in the heavy timber...I can't wait!
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: littlemac on June 01, 2010, 04:43:00 PM: I hear some drumming around our place but I'm wondering with the weather if we'll be seeing many :dunno:

Just to give you an idea of how much rain there's been on the eastside around Cle Elum Rosly, I was talking to the golf superintendant at Suncadia the other day. they have only had the water on twice, mainly to see what spriklers are working.

They have used two million gallons of water year to date down from a normal year at fourteen million.

That's a lot of rainy days on our feathered friends vs the normal rainfall.
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: ICEMAN on June 01, 2010, 06:10:31 PM: It is never too early to think about grouse hunting.
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: PolarBear on June 01, 2010, 06:22:05 PM: I know what you mean!
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv103%2FPolrbear%2FDSCN0272.jpg&hash=8d0e9c7671599d93ac4bc2308a867f6f775599d0)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv103%2FPolrbear%2FDSCN0273.jpg&hash=0b25483b72b90440b430b43be180f6a4267f3e6b)
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: BigGoonTuna on June 01, 2010, 06:28:57 PM: saw a few back in the early spring(february/march) before winter came along in april. don't think it's looking too good for the little ones :bash:

still don't think i'll have much trouble finding any, most people won't go after them in places they can't drive, and even then hardly anyone around here tries to get them on the wing.
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: littlemac on June 01, 2010, 08:26:04 PM: Kids and chickens............
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Thenewguy on June 01, 2010, 08:42:07 PM: I saw a couple this weekend
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: satchel3006 on June 01, 2010, 09:57:16 PM: went scouting for new places on monday going to go check out a few more over the summer. can't wait got a new dog and a new shotgun to try out
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on June 01, 2010, 10:29:07 PM: I'll be going back to where I saw them last season. I missed several in each of my west side haunts so I'm hopefull that many of the same nest areas will be active. Chicks should be near or hatching any time now. My son was in the hills above Winthrop on the weekend and saw ground nests with up to six eggs in one. I asked, 'Grouse'? He confirmed. 'Not Pheasants, not Quale', 'Grouse in the sage'.

-Steve
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Dave Workman on June 02, 2010, 04:59:35 PM: where the heck do I find out how to insert images????
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: bobcat on June 02, 2010, 05:02:29 PM: When you post, you will see "Additional Options" at the bottom left. Click on that and you will then see an option to attach an image. Click on "Browse" and select the file from your computer. That's about all there is to it. There is a size limit so if it's too big you'll need to resize it first.
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Forrestrover on June 02, 2010, 05:08:55 PM: Saw a few during the turkey season, and took mental notes as to their locations!
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Dave Workman on June 02, 2010, 05:28:49 PM: Like this?
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: ICEMAN on June 02, 2010, 05:56:44 PM: Awesome!
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on June 02, 2010, 09:35:38 PM: Here's one from last year. Pretty sure I posted it in another thread, but I like the photo.

-Steve
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Bigshooter on June 02, 2010, 10:25:41 PM: It's to early for me. And I love to hunt grouse. With all the rain we have had on the west side there shouldn't be to many grouse this year.
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Dave Workman on June 03, 2010, 11:50:44 AM: Hey, Steve,
That IS a great photo. What caliber is that Ruger and what round did you use???
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on June 03, 2010, 12:52:56 PM: Ruger Super Blackhawk Bisley 7 1/2" 44mag. While deer/bear hunting it's loaded with three 250gn Sierra FPJ's loaded with (if memory serves me correctly -when I get home tonight I'll validate the powder charge), Anyway.. I think it's 19.3gns of AA#9, then there's three 300gn Sierra SP's loaded with near the same charge. (My Bear at 20yds took one each of these through and through. Brisket, rib and lung.) I guess that's a little overkill for grouse. :chuckle: In the grouse's case I had time to slip in a 240gn LSWC that I pour. With the birdie laying on the side for the photo, you can't see that I shot most of the neck off on the other side.

That's my aim. Not necessarily a head shot, but head, neck, top of spine area so I don't blow the bird up with one of those big bullets. I'm going to have to get one of my Ruger MKII pistols out in the woods for grouse this year. I'm deadly out past 50yds with them.

-Steve
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Dave Workman on June 04, 2010, 08:29:31 PM: How about this???
Clobbered this guy in early October. Big fat blue with plenty of breast meat.
I'm gonna try "grouse parmesan" this year with the breast meat and pasta...
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Sportfury on June 05, 2010, 07:47:08 PM: Like this:

Cody and Sage
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi52.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg6%2Fsportfury65%2FElkGrouseSept09029-1.jpg&hash=7f62fcea96e1a8bc57c21fa0b4bd7965c4a0afcd)

and like this:

Sofie
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi52.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg6%2Fsportfury65%2FHancockAug1509007.jpg&hash=4139c9d8a7b4d57a7e098a7f66eef1ea775c2dc9)
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: markts on June 05, 2010, 08:20:47 PM: I have seen and heard a lot o chickens. Mark
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: ribka on June 05, 2010, 08:48:23 PM: Have seen quite a bit of grouse shed hunting and mushroom hunting this Spring.

Hopefully will be a good year
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Dave Workman on June 08, 2010, 01:32:12 PM: 'markts' that has got to be one pretty dumb fool hen

Where did you snap this image? It almost looks like the Weyerhauser tree farm...
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: saylean on June 08, 2010, 01:44:15 PM: Heres one from last elk season...I missed an elk about 5 minutes before this...I hit a grouse at 23 yards?! I dont know...sometimes the hunting gods laugh at ya.
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: markts on June 08, 2010, 07:15:08 PM: 'markts' that has got to be one pretty dumb fool hen

Where did you snap this image? It almost looks like the Weyerhauser tree farm...
Took the pic in the Copalis spring bear unit, I have seen and heard plenty. Mark
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on June 08, 2010, 11:30:45 PM: Strutnrut1984 has been out in the woods recently and says there's a bunch of grouse up here in the northern interior.

-Steve
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Dave Workman on June 14, 2010, 09:35:34 AM: Quote from: JackOfAllTrades on June 08, 2010, 11:30:45 PM
Strutnrut1984 has been out in the woods recently and says there's a bunch of grouse up here in the northern interior.

-Steve

This is good news. I may take a shotgun up into Ferry County this fall, Curlew area, somewhere...Gotta have those fool hens.

:drool:
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on June 14, 2010, 09:41:52 AM: I was attacked last night by a grouse, I almost stepped on it's hatchlings, pretty funny to have a puffed up grouse thinking it's a baddass ! :chuckle:
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Dave Workman on June 17, 2010, 12:22:40 PM: Quote from: STIKNSTRINGBOW on June 14, 2010, 09:41:52 AM
I was attacked last night by a grouse, I almost stepped on it's hatchlings, pretty funny to have a puffed up grouse thinking it's a baddass ! :chuckle:

Attacked by a grouse! :yike:

That's awful. We need to call a special session of the Fish & Wildlife Commission and demand that "somebody's got to do something!"

:mgun: :hunt2:

I may get a chance to scout out one of my favorite grouse haunts over the weekend.

Meanwhile, keep your eyes peeled for the August edition of Northwest Sportsman, in which I once again give up a couple of my favorite grouse hunting haunts.
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: saylean on June 17, 2010, 12:34:09 PM: I saw lots of grouse when I went to eastern wa outside of ellensburg about 3 weeks ago. Seemed to be pretty healthy over there.
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: runamuk on June 17, 2010, 12:44:13 PM: Quote from: STIKNSTRINGBOW on June 14, 2010, 09:41:52 AM
I was attacked last night by a grouse, I almost stepped on it's hatchlings, pretty funny to have a puffed up grouse thinking it's a baddass ! :chuckle:

hey that grouse was *censored* who says grouse aren't bad ass :chuckle: :chuckle:
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: 44 Flattop on June 17, 2010, 01:20:17 PM: It is NEVER too early to think about grouse ;) Ever! :drool: :drool:

I was up shootin' above my house this morning and on the way out on the logging road there was a good lookin' little ruffie picking at the edge of the road. Little bugger saw me coming and actually came down the road toward me :yike: I had to come to a stop and back up to make sure I didn't hurt him. He was back pecking in my rear view mirror which is great since all I could think about was his breast browning in my frying pan this fall............. :drool: :drool:

44
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Pathfinder101 on June 17, 2010, 02:06:46 PM: Saw a big blue when I was up cutting wood the day before yesterday. No broods though. It's been a wet, cold spring....I'm not too optimistic... :( Here's a pic from last year..
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: ICEMAN on June 17, 2010, 09:43:18 PM: Great pic!
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Dave Workman on June 20, 2010, 01:09:28 AM: Great! All we need is another dyed in the camo grouse hunting fanatic.

Thumbs up!
:IBCOOL:
:chuckle:
;)
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Dave Workman on July 02, 2010, 05:21:10 AM: Be sure to watch the Northwest Sportsman magazine in August for this image and the stories I'm doing on two choice grouse haunts of mine..
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Dave Workman on July 20, 2010, 05:57:50 PM: Got an inquiry about the image above.

That's a Ruger New Vaquero in .45 Colt and I built the holster and gunbelt for it. Now everybody knows

The other gun in this image is my Blackhawk in .41 Magnum. Grips by the now-defunct Ajax Custom Grips.
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: ICEMAN on July 20, 2010, 09:13:09 PM: Nice! :drool:
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: 1bugman on July 20, 2010, 09:20:03 PM: :)
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Dave Workman on July 21, 2010, 10:57:15 AM: Quote from: ICEMAN on July 20, 2010, 09:13:09 PM
Nice! :drool:

Ice, if you're drooling on my leather gear, that's how I make a few extra bucks here and there.
I do primarily concealment rigs, however

www.danddgunleather.com (http://www.danddgunleather.com)
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: rasbo on July 21, 2010, 11:23:22 AM: 22mag headshots=good meat no holes
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Dave Workman on July 22, 2010, 10:22:19 AM: Ahhhhh, rasbo...

GOOD EATS!

:IBCOOL:
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Pathfinder101 on July 22, 2010, 03:27:14 PM: Not to be a negative nellie, but I have been up the hill cutting a little wood, seen VERY few birds, all singles, no broods at all... :( I think our wet, cold spring killed both hatches...
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: ICEMAN on July 22, 2010, 05:33:45 PM: :bash:
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Dave Workman on July 24, 2010, 05:40:48 AM: Quote from: ICEMAN on July 22, 2010, 05:33:45 PM
:bash:

I'm not getting this at all.

What are you bashing your head about?????

It's almost time to bash the heads of a few grouse.
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: ICEMAN on July 24, 2010, 06:21:42 AM: Dave, my headbashing was over Pathfinders observation about seeing very few birds.... :bash: :'(

Quote from: Pathfinder101 on July 22, 2010, 03:27:14 PM
Not to be a negative nellie, but I have been up the hill cutting a little wood, seen VERY few birds, all singles, no broods at all... :( I think our wet, cold spring killed both hatches...
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Alpine Mojo on July 24, 2010, 09:32:05 PM: Saw dozens of grouse, (one had a small brood) along the upper Chiwawa River this weekend.

I was scouting in the Entiat two weekends ago (before the Swakane fire) and saw nothing.

If you haven't found any grouse, don't give up. They are out and about.
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Pathfinder101 on July 26, 2010, 10:06:50 AM: Quote from: Alpine Mojo on July 24, 2010, 09:32:05 PM
Saw dozens of grouse, (one had a small brood) along the upper Chiwawa River this weekend.

I was scouting in the Entiat two weekends ago (before the Swakane fire) and saw nothing.

If you haven't found any grouse, don't give up. They are out and about.

Well, that's good to hear. I was referring to my spots here in the Blues.
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: runamuk on July 26, 2010, 10:32:32 AM: ok normally I see a number of grouse with little popcorn grouse bouncing along down the roads when I am out and about...saw zero this year....in fact I have seen almost no grouse at all when out in the capital forest and have been given a heart attack only twice in the Olympics usually I see more than that :dunno: everything seems off this year though berries are slow plants are slow trees are growing like weeds went out in the spring zero alders went in last night they are taller than me in a few spots its a hostile takeover of a road :chuckle:
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on July 26, 2010, 11:24:40 AM: Here in the northern interior, Grouse numbers appear to be up.

-Steve
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Dave Workman on July 26, 2010, 11:55:39 AM: Went scouting grouse on Sunday. Even with a late start, I found a bird here and there. Blues.

The biggest one I spotted was on the road heading up Taneum Ridge from Taneum Creek, just below Gooseberry Flat.

But keep yer hands off! He's MINE!

:IBCOOL:
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Skyvalhunter on July 26, 2010, 12:04:16 PM: You can have him I am looking for quality and quantity!! :chuckle:
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Dave Workman on July 26, 2010, 02:43:05 PM: Quote from: Skyvalhunter on July 26, 2010, 12:04:16 PM
You can have him I am looking for quality and quantity!! :chuckle:

In Washington state? Where WDFW "manages" fish and game?

:rolleyes:
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Dave Workman on July 29, 2010, 12:09:52 PM: The fool hens is waitin'!
I snapped this image with a telephoto lens last weekend up on the Taneum after this dumber-than-rocks hooter simply ba-dooped off of the road in front of me about 15 yards and then lingered under a tree about 10 yards out into the brush to see what I was up to. Had this been grouse season, this bonehead would already have been my main course.

33 days and counting!!!!!!
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: ICEMAN on July 30, 2010, 04:35:53 AM: Dave, why do you have to go and get me all riled up about grouse season each year? :chuckle:
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Dave Workman on July 30, 2010, 04:58:07 AM: Quote from: ICEMAN on July 30, 2010, 04:35:53 AM
Dave, why do you have to go and get me all riled up about grouse season each year? :chuckle:

I guess it's just my sadistic side, Ice.
:chuckle: :chuckle: ;)
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: rasbo on July 30, 2010, 05:19:11 AM: It is truly a sick mind that anticipates the taking of a feathered game,for the mere purpose of sport and food..To think for a moment of a bird browned in a little butter and oil,then smothered in mushroom soup and cut up asparagus,then have crushed BBQ chips strewn about the surface and a few shakes of Parmesan cheese, then baked till crisp and bubbly.Then ladled on a plate with some garlic toast on the side and a cold beer or glass of wine.OMG I'm a sick F^&*... :drool:
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Skyvalhunter on July 30, 2010, 05:50:23 AM: YEs you are!! :chuckle:
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Dave Workman on July 30, 2010, 07:42:58 PM: 32 days and counting..
:drool: :drool:
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: denali on July 30, 2010, 08:10:50 PM: Grouse scare me :yike: you boys and girls should hunt them...hard
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Dave Workman on July 31, 2010, 06:25:56 PM: We promise to do just that!
:IBCOOL:
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Dave Workman on August 04, 2010, 05:26:49 PM: 27 days and counting!
:drool:
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Lee Root on August 04, 2010, 05:35:14 PM: 31-4= ????????
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: ICEMAN on August 04, 2010, 07:36:58 PM: Dave is a noted expert and well written author on gun rights, not a mathematician.
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: runamuk on August 04, 2010, 07:38:09 PM: Quote from: ICEMAN on August 04, 2010, 07:36:58 PM
Dave is a noted expert and well written author on gun rights, not a mathematician.

:chuckle: :chuckle: poor Dave
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: bobcat on August 04, 2010, 09:58:42 PM: Maybe Dave has a special season that none of us normal people get to hunt? ;)
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Dave Workman on August 05, 2010, 03:26:31 AM: Even Dave in all of his brilliance can do a typo now and then. :bash:

But wait...isn't it better to hunt when nobody else is? Hmmmmm????????
:yike:
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: ICEMAN on August 05, 2010, 05:12:19 AM: Quote from: Dave Workman on August 05, 2010, 03:26:31 AM
Even Dave in all of his brilliance can do a typo now and then. :bash:

But wait...isn't it better to hunt when nobody else is? Hmmmmm????????
:yike:

What tribe? No, that can't be....

Oh, ....oh.....I know.......Whoo whooo! I can finally get my 10 points now!!!!! :IBCOOL:
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: rasbo on August 05, 2010, 05:29:44 AM: Quote from: ICEMAN on August 05, 2010, 05:12:19 AM
Quote from: Dave Workman on August 05, 2010, 03:26:31 AM
Even Dave in all of his brilliance can do a typo now and then. :bash:

But wait...isn't it better to hunt when nobody else is? Hmmmmm????????
:yike:

What tribe? No, that can't be....

Oh, ....oh.....I know.......Whoo whooo! I can finally get my 10 points now!!!!! :IBCOOL:
to late Ice,somebody let the dog out,if he cant nail dave,billy the exterminater will be all over it..
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Dave Workman on August 08, 2010, 10:13:46 AM: Rasbo...that guy in the photo...

I'm sure I've seen him in a lineup somewhere. Maybe Mexico?
;)

23 days and counting. :drool:
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on August 09, 2010, 09:32:14 AM: A week ago Friday.. On the east side... Lookin for a Blacky we'd been told about... Saw six Grouse within an hour walk!

-Steve
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Dave Workman on August 10, 2010, 01:55:33 PM: Well, the Eastside is a big place but that seems like good news.

I've seen a couple of grouse on my sojourns, but look to find more when I get cranked up on scouting later this month.

21 days and counting....
:hunt2:
Where will YOU be on Sept. 1???
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Pathfinder101 on August 10, 2010, 04:59:46 PM: A buddy of mine shot a 'yote yesterday that had a grouse in it's mouth... >:( Didn't that dirty little $#@ know that the season isn't open yet? That's OK though, Jon found him guilty. Judge, jury executioner... :chuckle:
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: seth30 on August 10, 2010, 05:01:45 PM: Uncoolperson and I saw the mother of all grouse last saturday, a VERY hard thing to pass on.
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: saylean on August 15, 2010, 09:40:03 AM: Seen lots of grouse recently out bear hunting. Looks like a good group on the west side.
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Dave Workman on August 21, 2010, 04:52:56 AM: 11 MORE DAYS !!!!!!!
:drool: :drool: :drool: :drool:
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: rasbo on August 21, 2010, 06:11:02 AM: yes sir,heads are gonna roll... :drool: :drool: watch out for this grouse,he has an attitude Dave
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Pathfinder101 on August 23, 2010, 12:58:51 PM: I hate to continue my depressive theme, but we were huckelberrying Saturday, and got a full load of firewood Sunday, and didn't see a single bird... :'( That's over 3 hours of driving gravel/dirt roads in the Blues... :(
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: 1bugman on August 23, 2010, 03:24:25 PM: Went shooting and saw two nice Ruffs!!!
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: ICEMAN on August 23, 2010, 08:15:45 PM: Quote from: Pathfinder101 on August 23, 2010, 12:58:51 PM
I hate to continue my depressive theme, but we were huckelberrying Saturday, and got a full load of firewood Sunday, and didn't see a single bird... :'( That's over 3 hours of driving gravel/dirt roads in the Blues... :(

Must you share info like this??? :'(
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Pathfinder101 on August 24, 2010, 12:53:19 PM: Quote from: ICEMAN on August 23, 2010, 08:15:45 PM
Quote from: Pathfinder101 on August 23, 2010, 12:58:51 PM
I hate to continue my depressive theme, but we were huckelberrying Saturday, and got a full load of firewood Sunday, and didn't see a single bird... :'( That's over 3 hours of driving gravel/dirt roads in the Blues... :(

Must you share info like this??? :'(

Sorry. 'Tis what it is... From the sounds of it, not all areas are as bad though. NE corner sounds like they faired pretty well.
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: ICEMAN on August 24, 2010, 05:40:59 PM: I hear ya... I always hate to hear that game are doing bad... Good quote: " 'Tis what it is... "
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: MHWASH on August 25, 2010, 11:55:16 AM: Quote from: Pathfinder101 on August 23, 2010, 12:58:51 PM
I hate to continue my depressive theme, but we were huckelberrying Saturday, and got a full load of firewood Sunday, and didn't see a single bird... :'( That's over 3 hours of driving gravel/dirt roads in the Blues... :(

Never have many grouse in the BLues. Not really suprised by this statement.
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: grundy53 on August 25, 2010, 07:20:41 PM: Surprisingly I've been seeing quite a few grouse.
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Pathfinder101 on August 25, 2010, 11:52:33 PM: Quote from: MHWASH on August 25, 2010, 11:55:16 AM
Quote from: Pathfinder101 on August 23, 2010, 12:58:51 PM
I hate to continue my depressive theme, but we were huckelberrying Saturday, and got a full load of firewood Sunday, and didn't see a single bird... :'( That's over 3 hours of driving gravel/dirt roads in the Blues... :(

Never have many grouse in the BLues. Not really suprised by this statement.

We have good years and bad years. This looks like its shaping up to be the worst I have seen though...
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: grundy53 on August 26, 2010, 03:29:55 PM: idaho 2008
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: MtnMuley on August 26, 2010, 04:06:10 PM: Hands down the worst I've year I've ever seen in Okanogan County. Saw my first blues of the season last wekend. A pair of adult females, and 2 single adult females. 475 miles of driving in Blue country and several hiked out ridges........... :(
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Dave Workman on August 31, 2010, 10:51:05 AM: TOMORROW!!!!!

YEEE HAAAWWWWWWW!

:yike: :IBCOOL: :drool:
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: runamuk on August 31, 2010, 10:56:50 AM: Dave you seem almost excited :chuckle: :chuckle:

I am sick I want to go out but need to get well and not make myself worser :bash: :bash:
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: quadrafire on August 31, 2010, 11:02:32 AM: Quote from: grundy53 on August 26, 2010, 03:29:55 PM
idaho 2008
Grundy did you lasso that thing on the run? Nice job!
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: PolarBear on August 31, 2010, 11:06:50 AM: Shuld be a good day for grousing tomorrow with this rain!
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Dave Workman on August 31, 2010, 11:53:21 AM: Quote from: PolarBear on August 31, 2010, 11:06:50 AM
Shuld be a good day for grousing tomorrow with this rain!

That's fer sure.
That's fer dang sure!

Off to "Blue Heaven" early in the morning with shotguns, .22 rifle and pistol...and more.
and photography gear.

and Cooler big enough for four fool hens

I'm very optimistic...

:bdid:
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: grundy53 on August 31, 2010, 02:05:49 PM: Oh ya. I'm a pro with the bailing twine :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: ICEMAN on August 31, 2010, 05:25:30 PM: Quote from: grundy53 on August 31, 2010, 02:05:49 PM
Oh ya. I'm a pro with the bailing twine :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:

I was thinkin'..... "Never seen a grouse on a stringer before...." :chuckle:
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Pathfinder101 on August 31, 2010, 05:26:47 PM: Quote from: ICEMAN on August 31, 2010, 05:25:30 PM
Quote from: grundy53 on August 31, 2010, 02:05:49 PM
Oh ya. I'm a pro with the bailing twine :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:

I was thinkin'..... "Never seen a grouse on a stringer before...." :chuckle:

:chuckle: :chuckle:
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: TangoU on August 31, 2010, 09:22:24 PM: I'll be out in the later morning. Save some for me...
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: uncoolperson on September 01, 2010, 07:30:39 AM: Quote from: runamuk on August 31, 2010, 10:56:50 AM
Dave you seem almost excited :chuckle: :chuckle:

I am sick I want to go out but need to get well and not make myself worser :bash: :bash:

I'm at work, I want to get sick so I can go out...
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Pathfinder101 on September 01, 2010, 08:26:01 AM: Quote from: uncoolperson on September 01, 2010, 07:30:39 AM
Quote from: runamuk on August 31, 2010, 10:56:50 AM
Dave you seem almost excited :chuckle: :chuckle:

I am sick I want to go out but need to get well and not make myself worser :bash: :bash:

I'm at work, I want to get sick so I can go out...

:yeah: :hunt2:
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: runamuk on September 01, 2010, 08:28:40 AM: Quote from: Pathfinder101 on September 01, 2010, 08:26:01 AM
Quote from: uncoolperson on September 01, 2010, 07:30:39 AM
Quote from: runamuk on August 31, 2010, 10:56:50 AM
Dave you seem almost excited :chuckle: :chuckle:

I am sick I want to go out but need to get well and not make myself worser :bash: :bash:

I'm at work, I want to get sick so I can go out...

:yeah: :hunt2:

well I want to not feel like I am gonna vomit at any moment :puke: :bash: :bash: I am going out tomorrow come hell or well you know....stupid waste of a weekend being sick :bash: :bash:
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Pathfinder101 on September 01, 2010, 08:37:06 AM: I think I feel something coming on... :rolleyes:might just get unbearable about the time PathfinderJR gets off school. He doesn't have football practice tonight...
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: MikeWalking on September 01, 2010, 09:08:26 AM: Damn I just realized what day it is....Double Damn I just remembered I have Grandpa's single shot 20ga...........hmmm it's my Friday :)
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Ray on September 01, 2010, 09:20:14 AM: Last saturday I saw several grouse. I might take a judo.
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on September 01, 2010, 12:39:55 PM: Sunday I saw three where there was NO water for a mile or so. 6,200'. Two together were sure noisy with the third inching closer so slow that I took a break and had a snack just to watch. They all seemed to be hens though. (I could be mistaken) Teritorial? Nest/brood near? I couldn't figure them out. And since they were in my path, I eventually flushed them as I continued my trek.

-Steve
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Pathfinder101 on September 01, 2010, 01:11:13 PM: Head Congesting. Sneezing. Voice getting raspy. Nose plugging up. Eyes watering. Can't stand this much longer.... :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Pathfinder101 on September 01, 2010, 01:19:20 PM: Sorry guys. Too sick to get anymore work done today. See y'all tomorrow...
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: Curly on September 02, 2010, 12:50:52 PM: Quote from: Dave Workman on August 31, 2010, 11:53:21 AM
Quote from: PolarBear on August 31, 2010, 11:06:50 AM
Shuld be a good day for grousing tomorrow with this rain!

That's fer sure.
That's fer dang sure!

Off to "Blue Heaven" early in the morning with shotguns, .22 rifle and pistol...and more.
and photography gear.

and Cooler big enough for four fool hens

I'm very optimistic...

:bdid:

Dave,

I've been anxiously awaiting pics and a story of your opening day grouse adventure. And I've been wondering how that .410 worked out for you.............
Title: Re: Too early to think about grouse???
Post by: SpringerFan on September 12, 2010, 02:40:59 PM: Got one yesterday!! Pups first. Almost retrieved it to hand :)