Post by: Dave Workman on April 24, 2011, 07:56:58 AM
For that matter, watch for grouse at all.
Last fall was bizarre. I saw grouse all over the place through the summer, and talked to a game cop who said likewise. I was expecting a pretty good season, but it turned to :crap:
And then about last August....they disappeared. I ran into an old pal who had shot more than a dozen in 2009 at one of our most productive spots, and he hadn't seen a thing. Places where I traditionally found grouse were barren. I DIDN'T see grouse in the Okanogan on two separate trips. (Now THAT is bizarre...) Didn't see any up around Blewett. :dunno:
The last grouse I DID see in 2010 was walking up the middle of I-90 at dusk in October on a Friday evening, the second weekend of the deer season. That was weirder than skaditch. Maybe the sucker was lonely to the point of attempting suicide or something. :chuckle:
Then over the winter, in early January, as I headed out to work one morning, there was a durned grouse on the edge of my road just east of North Bend. I have NEVER seen a grouse in the neighborhood before, and that covers about 25 years.
Those of you who frequently scored, good for you.
Post by: Gutpile on April 24, 2011, 08:00:21 AM
Saw this little guy yesterday while scouting for bear.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi4.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy136%2FSprayer%2FBeartrip3.jpg&hash=534695bdd1419ee5118197bbc10da15c2d0777df)
Post by: Jerbear on April 24, 2011, 08:06:16 AM
Post by: Wazukie on April 24, 2011, 08:07:14 AM
Post by: bigtex on April 24, 2011, 10:03:05 AM
Post by: billythekidrock on April 24, 2011, 10:12:35 AM
Saw a couple in the CF two weeks ago.
Post by: JKEEN33 on April 24, 2011, 11:11:26 AM
Post by: Dave Workman on April 25, 2011, 10:13:14 AM
You can actually get the dumb $#!&es to answer if you blow across the top of a long neck bottle.
Post by: grundy53 on April 25, 2011, 10:33:36 AM
Post by: Dave Workman on April 25, 2011, 06:37:06 PM
saw three Ruff's this weekend. One real big one. No broods.
The idea is to tell where!
:chuckle:
Post by: SkookumHntr on April 25, 2011, 06:47:47 PM
Post by: phishisgroovin on April 25, 2011, 06:50:27 PM
-I seen a ton in colville Turkey Huntin! Way more then Turkeys thats for damn sure!when Moose eyes and i were scouting moose last year we seen alteast one around every corner. YUMMY!
My Heritage rough rider got a workout that trip, even if i couldnt hit anything with the magnum rounds in it (sucks with mags).
Post by: JimmyHoffa on April 25, 2011, 06:55:23 PM
Post by: CWUhunter9 on April 25, 2011, 11:13:39 PM
Post by: Bigshooter on April 25, 2011, 11:18:59 PM
Post by: bobcat on April 25, 2011, 11:20:33 PM
Post by: BigGoonTuna on April 26, 2011, 08:18:43 AM
i didn't start seeing them in the woods until around december when i was walking to the river to go fishing. saw 4 in about 200 yards walking into the humptulips one day.
Post by: RClare1223 on April 26, 2011, 08:33:53 AM
Post by: MtnMuley on April 26, 2011, 09:46:39 AM
Post by: Kain on April 26, 2011, 04:01:43 PM
I also saw TONS of coyote sign and heard them every night and morning during bear and elk season down here. I am guessing the predators are getting their fair share.
Post by: Dave Workman on April 27, 2011, 07:34:45 AM
Down here in SW WA I saw lots of rabbits and grouse down low around 500-1000 feet last year. I only saw a couple grouse around the 2000 foot level. Talked to some guys elk hunting and he was amazed he had not seen any all elk season.
I also saw TONS of coyote sign and heard them every night and morning during bear and elk season down here. I am guessing the predators are getting their fair share.
Well, you are witnessing "modern management" by the WDFW!
Post by: Dave Workman on April 27, 2011, 07:36:36 AM
In the north central part of the state this spring, the blue numbers seem to be about 20% of normal in their breeding grounds. Nearly every bird has been a big mature bird. With the wet spring we're having again, the forcast for them looks horrible to say the best. Maybe the original poster could make the comment in their magazine about this sad situation we're in, in the Blue Grouse Capitol of the state. I, along with my friends, will most likely take the year off again. :(
Alas, grouse don't read my magazine.
:chuckle:
Post by: MtnMuley on April 27, 2011, 07:58:31 AM
In the north central part of the state this spring, the blue numbers seem to be about 20% of normal in their breeding grounds. Nearly every bird has been a big mature bird. With the wet spring we're having again, the forcast for them looks horrible to say the best. Maybe the original poster could make the comment in their magazine about this sad situation we're in, in the Blue Grouse Capitol of the state. I, along with my friends, will most likely take the year off again. :(
Alas, grouse don't read my magazine.
:chuckle:
Nope, but there's many of outdoorsmen/women that do read the magazine, and get excited every year when you publish the articles getting everyone fired up ready for some grouse action. All I'm saying is that maybe this year, the sad truth might be exposed, enlightening hunters that our blue grouse in the north central part of the state are in real jeopardy instead of the "get your guns out and get some tablefare" approach. You have the ability reach out through your magazine, and I feel that's important. I don't. It's apparent that our WFDW here is more concerned with wolves or wolverines than the game that's kept them in business for years. That's very apparent.......upping the bag limit to 4........
Post by: bobcat on April 27, 2011, 05:11:00 PM
Post by: BigGoonTuna on April 27, 2011, 07:37:06 PM
Post by: MtnMuley on April 28, 2011, 08:08:44 AM
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on April 28, 2011, 08:44:18 AM
Quote
How many people are actually going to shoot 4 grouse in a day anyway?-Only a hunter that's truly targeting Grouse will do this and that's pretty rare, as most of the time someone goes Grouse hunting, they are actually scouting for Bear or Deer and will miss opportunity on birds. :dunno: Once in a while they'll get lucky. Bagging 2 or 3 in a day, with say a 70% success rate is a good hike in the woods in my book.
-Steve
Post by: JKEEN33 on April 28, 2011, 09:07:15 AM
I agree in some areas I think the population is down and I am guessing it has a lot to do with the extremely wet springs, but while turkey hunting this spring I was seeing and hearing grouse drumming all over the place. Seems like I was seeing more than usual, so hopefully it will be a great year for hunting.
Why is it you need someone to tell you how many you can shoot? I like the 4 limit, but if I know an area is low on numbers, I leave it a lone.
Post by: Heartsblood on April 28, 2011, 09:55:47 AM
I'm seriously asking because I do not know the answers to those three questions.
Post by: MtnMuley on April 28, 2011, 12:35:16 PM
One thing I haven't heard in this discussion relates to habitat change. Is there a possibility that some of us who have honey holes hold on to them longer than they themselves remain good grouse habitat? Is there merit to the idea that a specific favorite grouse habitat (honey hole) can out grow it's suitability for grouse? Is it reasonable to expect to see grouse in the same covert every year?
I'm seriously asking because I do not know the answers to those three questions.
Considering I have dozens of "honey holes", and each one of them is down in population considerably, I'm not thinking that they've out grown their habitat. I hunt the north central part of the state, which vastly differs than other areas. Fire is to blame for some of the habitat loss, but other areas haven't changed at all. I never take more than a limit or two out of each area, and I'm sure nearly all of the areas I hunt aren't overhunted. I do believe in the "cycle" of the grouse, and have it seem to prove its truth, but this population decline we're in now is strictly weather related in my opinion. They aren't getting the hatch with these wetter springs for 3 consistant years now. I've never recalled 3 years in a row when we've got this much moisture in certain areas in this time frame.
Post by: walt on April 28, 2011, 01:09:45 PM
No wait... that would be ridiculous! :chuckle:
Post by: Heartsblood on April 28, 2011, 02:08:02 PM
Considering I have dozens of "honey holes", and each one of them is down in population considerably, I'm not thinking that they've out grown their habitat. I hunt the north central part of the state, which vastly differs than other areas. Fire is to blame for some of the habitat loss, but other areas haven't changed at all. I never take more than a limit or two out of each area, and I'm sure nearly all of the areas I hunt aren't overhunted. I do believe in the "cycle" of the grouse, and have it seem to prove its truth, but this population decline we're in now is strictly weather related in my opinion. They aren't getting the hatch with these wetter springs for 3 consistant years now. I've never recalled 3 years in a row when we've got this much moisture in certain areas in this time frame.
I just haven't been hunting long enough to observe the cycles thing. Last year was my 2nd year hunting grouse. I don't hunt over dogs. My first year, my first hunt I got a false sense of how easy grouse hunting is because I was lucky enough to take a ruffed grouse. Last year I improved by 100%. Meaning I was lucky enough to take two. Hardly enough experience to understand the cyclical nature of breeding success rates etc.
I have read a coupla few books about grouse and grouse hunting over the last two years. That's probably where I read about coverts changing from their previously suitable habitat.
Regardless, that first hunt hooked me good. Perhaps I have more favorable "cycles" to look forwards to?
Then there's this really stubborn part of me that doesn't want to believe that the birds aren't there, or that I won't be able to find them...
Post by: MtnMuley on April 28, 2011, 03:16:53 PM
Post by: jdurham on April 28, 2011, 03:54:59 PM
Post by: Heartsblood on April 28, 2011, 04:19:04 PM
In my neck of the woods, the Ruffled Grouse populations aren't hunting nearly as bad. The reason I posted on this topic is because the original poster influences many hunters from this state, and I was hoping maybe he would look into my observations. Grouse hunting is one of my favorite pastimes. It gets me out in the mountains to get in better shape for the upcoming hunting seasons, while providing me with tablefare that I think is better than chicken. This is a great resource we have, that's in trouble right now. I'd like to see it continue to be a successful pastime for people like you Heartsblood, and everybody that would like to enjoy it, that's all.
I know. I was just reading an old F&H mag the other day. While I have been and continue to be influenced by publications, they sometimes scare me with the sorta industrial/commercial approach to the wild.
I really appreciated your post about the sorta everyone get out there and get 'em excitement that I too get caught up in. It's hard for me to tell all the way from Bothell what is happening in say Tonasket, on a land base that I don't have much of a relationship with. I hafta read alot and talk with others. But there's alot of views on the thing...
I got into grouse hunting to get me into the mountains as well. I have yet to take a blue grouse but ruffed grouse is excellent table fare. I agree. I only wish I didn't hafta travel so much to hunt.
Ah well. I'm hooked now so there won't be any stopping that.
Post by: alecvg on May 15, 2011, 01:59:37 PM
Post by: Kain on May 21, 2011, 08:57:48 PM
Post by: Armadillo on May 21, 2011, 09:13:15 PM
Post by: stumprat on May 21, 2011, 09:44:06 PM
The problem in the areas I hunt. Are a large population of Bobcats, and Coyotes.
But by far the worst years we have are after the timber companies !!!!!!!!!!!SPRAY THE ALDERS!!!!!!!!!!!
Which is what happened in our grouse areas.
Post by: grundy53 on May 22, 2011, 11:10:49 AM
Post by: Dave Workman on May 24, 2011, 09:40:10 AM
But god help us if the WDFW ever figures out a way to "manage" the population.
I'm waiting until June to start hitting my honey holes and checking on grouse. By then the hatches out to be out and we could get a clearer picture of what to anticipate Sept. 1.
BTW: I don't think I have that much influence on things. If I did, there'd be a different governor and different commission. :chuckle:
Post by: Heartsblood on May 24, 2011, 09:47:19 AM
Generally, how far to females travel after mating, to nest? And, afterthe brood hatches, (generally) how far do they travel, and how long do they stay a flock/covey?
I understand there are so many variables but, is there really eve any kinda general consensus?
Post by: grundy53 on May 24, 2011, 12:37:19 PM
In regard to grouse "doing their own thing", I have a question that may not have a steadfast answer:
Generally, how far to females travel after mating, to nest? And, afterthe brood hatches, (generally) how far do they travel, and how long do they stay a flock/covey?
I understand there are so many variables but, is there really eve any kinda general consensus?
Blues tend to covey up more/longer then roughs.
Post by: Pathfinder101 on May 24, 2011, 12:52:43 PM
Post by: Dave Workman on May 26, 2011, 07:11:26 PM
Post by: magnanimous_j on May 27, 2011, 03:19:16 PM
Thanks to a hint on this forum, I’m going to check out Monroe Camp Road in Snohomish over the weekend. But I wanted a couple other spots within an hour and a half or so of Bellevue.
I’m still a total n00b to hunting and I don’t have a strong understanding of where its ok to hunt and not. My biggest fear is to stumble into a city park with my shotgun and get myself arrested.
I don’t need anyone’s honey spots, but anywhere I can have a decent chance at some grouse, and not accidently crashing someone’s backyard BBQ.
P.S. I have a 12 guage, Thats not too big is it?
Post by: MtnMuley on May 27, 2011, 04:15:16 PM
It is pretty hard to mis-manage grouse because they sort of do their own thing.
Upping the limit to 4 throughout the whole state is mis-management. What other species in this state are struggling in areas and the limit is upped??? Steelhead aren't having a good run, they shut down the sport fishing season. Overharvest of bull elk in a unit, they limit the number of tags the next year. This is common sense reasoning that even a 3rd grader could understand.
Post by: Dave Workman on May 29, 2011, 08:49:15 AM
Upping the limit to 4 throughout the whole state is mis-management. What other species in this state are struggling in areas and the limit is upped??? Steelhead aren't having a good run, they shut down the sport fishing season. Overharvest of bull elk in a unit, they limit the number of tags the next year. This is common sense reasoning that even a 3rd grader could understand.
Actually, in my interview Friday with a gamebird biologist — which readers of Northwest Sportsman magazine will see as part of my annual grouse treatise in an upcoming issue — upping the limit didn't have an impact at all. Quite the opposite! The harvest last year actually dropped from 2009 by (are you ready for this?) approximately 45,000-50,000 birds.
It all hinges on the weather during the next couple of weeks. Pray for mild temps, blue skies, lots of bugs and mushy creatures that feed little grouse, and we could be in for decent hunting.
And I may even sneak a column or two about grouse hunting into my "Seattle Gun Rights Examiner" column here and there, so read up.
Post by: bobcat on May 29, 2011, 08:57:39 AM
Post by: Tom Reichner on May 29, 2011, 09:04:22 AM
Places where I traditionally found grouse were barren. I DIDN'T see grouse in the Okanogan on two separate trips. (Now THAT is bizarre...)
Dave,
I live in the Okanogan, and have seen far more grouse (Ruffed) this spring than I have ever seen before around here. I located 8 drumming logs with very little effort.
In one area, there are so many grouse that the males' drumming locations are only about 100 yards from one another - that's right, a different male grouse drumming every 100 yards, over an area of prime habitat about 3/4 mile long by 1/4 mile wide. I'd say that is maxing out the capacity of the habitat!
As far as Blue Grouse are concerned, this spring I have seen many of them here in the hills within 10 miles of the Okanogan River. Many more than in past seasons.
I'm not sure what was wrong when you came here looking for grouse, but I can assure you that there are plenty of 'em here now.
Post by: Pathfinder101 on May 30, 2011, 07:49:52 AM
Post by: Ironhead on May 30, 2011, 08:38:51 AM
I think this cold weather delays things a bit. It was the same way last year up there and I ended up killing 19 grouse, 13 Blues and 6 Ruffed.
Post by: bobcat on May 30, 2011, 10:06:54 PM
Post by: MtnMuley on May 31, 2011, 07:55:08 AM
Do you think that maybe the low population numbers might be to blame for the dropping of harvest?? All the more reason not to up the limit in certain areas.
Upping the limit to 4 throughout the whole state is mis-management. What other species in this state are struggling in areas and the limit is upped??? Steelhead aren't having a good run, they shut down the sport fishing season. Overharvest of bull elk in a unit, they limit the number of tags the next year. This is common sense reasoning that even a 3rd grader could understand.
upping the limit didn't have an impact at all. Quite the opposite! The harvest last year actually dropped from 2009 by (are you ready for this?) approximately 45,000-50,000 birds.
Post by: MtnMuley on May 31, 2011, 08:01:32 AM
Tom, Have you lived around here long? Do you realize that nearly every blue grouse comes way down to the lower elevations to strut and breed. Areas you might hear 5 blues drumming in now usually have 20. They're typically way more spread out. Now they are concentrated much more in smaller areas. If you think these birds will be around in the fall where you're finding them now, you're greatly mistaken, as they have hundreds of miles to disperse out in. The blue population is NOT doing well around in Okanogan.Places where I traditionally found grouse were barren. I DIDN'T see grouse in the Okanogan on two separate trips. (Now THAT is bizarre...)
Dave,
I live in the Okanogan, and have seen far more grouse (Ruffed) this spring than I have ever seen before around here. I located 8 drumming logs with very little effort.
In one area, there are so many grouse that the males' drumming locations are only about 100 yards from one another - that's right, a different male grouse drumming every 100 yards, over an area of prime habitat about 3/4 mile long by 1/4 mile wide. I'd say that is maxing out the capacity of the habitat!
As far as Blue Grouse are concerned, this spring I have seen many of them here in the hills within 10 miles of the Okanogan River. Many more than in past seasons.
I'm not sure what was wrong when you came here looking for grouse, but I can assure you that there are plenty of 'em here now.
Post by: Tom Reichner on May 31, 2011, 12:52:15 PM
I have lived here in the Okanogan region since 2006.
I do know/realize that Blue Grouse take to the more heavily timbered areas as fall progresses, as that is their preferred winter habitat. I also know/realize that these areas are often (although not always) at higher elevation than their preferred summer habitat.
Dave Workman opened this thread asking us to "watch for grouse in our May wanderings". I was simply giving him a report of what I have seen this May. All I can do is tell Dave that I am seeing many grouse now.
Post by: MtnMuley on May 31, 2011, 01:19:09 PM
Post by: Dave Workman on May 31, 2011, 05:13:55 PM
Hey, Mtn Muley
I have lived here in the Okanogan region since 2006.
I do know/realize that Blue Grouse take to the more heavily timbered areas as fall progresses, as that is their preferred winter habitat. I also know/realize that these areas are often (although not always) at higher elevation than their preferred summer habitat.
Dave Workman opened this thread asking us to "watch for grouse in our May wanderings". I was simply giving him a report of what I have seen this May. All I can do is tell Dave that I am seeing many grouse now.
EXACTLY, and you done good.
Now, it would have been helpful if folks had narrowed down where they are seeing these birds, identify general areas, for example. As it is, I don't find comments like "I saw some grouse where I was on a road this morning" to be very useful. I've made a living from time to time sharing specific information about where to catch fish and kill game. Anybody who has read my stuff knows that I traditionally gave up 1-3 of my favorite hot spots every year prior to the opener. On some occasions, that information got very specific, and more than once, I found people went in and shot out whole populations, which was kind of stupid IMHO but that's another story, but I take that as a matter of course because those grouse weren't mine, I don't own the public land (we all do) and that was my job.
I think we all want each other to share in the success. and besides, where you see grouse now is not necessarily where they will be in three months.
Post by: Dave Workman on May 31, 2011, 05:15:51 PM
I guess what I'm getting at is just because you see grouse in the lowlands this time of year strutting and drumming doesn't mean at all that the population is doing well, and in my opinion, doesn't tell us much of anything about the upcoming hunting season. The horrible weather we have had all spring is the third very wet spring in a row, and I will assure you that the blue hatch will be VERY PISS POOR...........again. :(
Not necessarily. When you get a chance to read my story in an upcoming edition of NORTHWEST SPORTSMAN, it will explain that the next couple of weeks is critical in terms of weather. Warmer and relatively dryer will make for a better hatch. And the forecast is shaping up that way right now, so crossed fingers is the word!
Post by: MtnMuley on May 31, 2011, 05:23:19 PM
:o
And now you want specifics about where the struggling birds that are left are hanging out???......to print in a magazine for anybody to buy and read???.............I've had a great time hunting grouse over the years with lots of other hike-happy hunters and friends by keeping tight lipped and letting our legs find the birds. Anybody can do that.
Also, the forecast in the Okanogan area calls for increased temps over the next couple weeks, but also calls for more rain showers.........I do have my fingers crossed though.......for the bird's sake. ;)
Post by: Tom Reichner on May 31, 2011, 08:11:02 PM
Now, it would have been helpful if folks had narrowed down where they are seeing these birds, identify general areas, for example. As it is, I don't find comments like "I saw some grouse where I was on a road this morning" to be very useful. I've made a living from time to time sharing specific information about where to catch fish and kill game. Anybody who has read my stuff knows that I traditionally gave up 1-3 of my favorite hot spots every year prior to the opener. On some occasions, that information got very specific, and more than once, I found people went in and shot out whole populations, which was kind of stupid IMHO but that's another story, but I take that as a matter of course because those grouse weren't mine, I don't own the public land (we all do) and that was my job.Dave,
I think we all want each other to share in the success. and besides, where you see grouse now is not necessarily where they will be in three months.
Sorry, but I can't give specific information about the grouse I find because I photograph them. This is a hunting forum. If I write on here exactly where these grouse are, people are going to read about it here, then go shoot at these birds.
Trying to get excellent, close-up photos of wild grouse behaving naturally is extremely difficult, even with grouse that aren't hunted. If anyone goes hunting these areas, the grouse will be pretty near impossible to photograph properly. Then all my work - all the dozens of hours afield - will be for naught.
Post by: ribka on May 31, 2011, 08:18:48 PM
This weekend I ran into quite a few birds that were paired up. Did not hear any drumming.
Seems to be more grouse this year in my area based upon observations hiking in the same areas in the Spring in the past. Pray for dry weather the next few weeks
Post by: MtnMuley on June 01, 2011, 08:04:13 AM
Post by: Heartsblood on June 01, 2011, 08:28:02 AM
But, I was turkey hunting this year in the Teanaway almost every week and I saw and heard more grouse both ruffed and blue than I remember in the past 3 years.
I sure hope we start getting some warm sunny days.
Post by: Dave Workman on June 11, 2011, 08:41:59 AM
Read my story in the upcoming edition of Northwest Sportsman where the importance of good weather right now is explained.
Meanwhile, keep your eyes peeled for new broods.
:tup:
Post by: Dave Workman on June 16, 2011, 04:34:18 AM
Sorry, but I can't give specific information about the grouse I find because I photograph them. This is a hunting forum. If I write on here exactly where these grouse are, people are going to read about it here, then go shoot at these birds.
Trying to get excellent, close-up photos of wild grouse behaving naturally is extremely difficult, even with grouse that aren't hunted. If anyone goes hunting these areas, the grouse will be pretty near impossible to photograph properly. Then all my work - all the dozens of hours afield - will be for naught.
They're not your grouse, either, Tom. If they are on public land, they're fair game.
It is also very likely that where you see them now, they won't be come September.
Admittedly, you have a dilemma.
Post by: ICEMAN on June 16, 2011, 06:09:33 AM
Post by: CP on June 16, 2011, 07:08:40 AM
Post by: MtnMuley on June 16, 2011, 07:54:26 AM
I don’t think grouse get cleared out of any area by hunters.
Oh yes they do! I've seen first hand. More than once. One group of 4 guys would come over every year for a 4-5 day grouse trip and consistantly take their limits of Blues daily off of the same ridge line. This was over the course of a few years. They quit coming because of the lack of birds. The last trip they ended up with 4 total, and 2 were shot driving down the road miles away. I seriously don't think they realized they were to blame. This all happened several years back when the grouse hunting was good to great.
Post by: Dave Workman on June 18, 2011, 07:17:08 PM
I don’t think grouse get cleared out of any area by hunters. They do get educated however.
That's not entirely accurate. It happened to me. However, I've also found that where one sees grouse in the spring and summer isn't necessarily where they will be come fall.
Post by: TangoU on June 21, 2011, 02:06:04 AM
-Allen
Post by: teal101 on June 21, 2011, 12:27:23 PM
Sorry, but I can't give specific information about the grouse I find because I photograph them. This is a hunting forum. If I write on here exactly where these grouse are, people are going to read about it here, then go shoot at these birds.
Trying to get excellent, close-up photos of wild grouse behaving naturally is extremely difficult, even with grouse that aren't hunted. If anyone goes hunting these areas, the grouse will be pretty near impossible to photograph properly. Then all my work - all the dozens of hours afield - will be for naught.
They're not your grouse, either, Tom. If they are on public land, they're fair game.
It is also very likely that where you see them now, they won't be come September.
Admittedly, you have a dilemma.
Is this some sort of guilt trip to get him to divulge his grouse areas? Really? There is no dilemma. He worked hard to find that spot and doesnt owe it to anyone to give its location out, especially not to a hunting magazine writer.
Post by: MtnMuley on June 21, 2011, 02:53:31 PM
Post by: Dave Workman on June 21, 2011, 09:00:04 PM
I know a lot of wildlife photographers. I am occasionally one, myself.
If animals are on public land, they are indeed fair game, and it is very likely that where one finds grouse today, they will be somewhere else tomorrow. Maybe in the same general area, but that's about as close as it's gonna get, at least in my experience.
Post by: sebek556 on June 21, 2011, 09:19:54 PM
Post by: ribka on June 21, 2011, 09:22:32 PM
Post by: Dave Workman on June 22, 2011, 04:43:33 AM
I kicked up 2 ruffed and 2 blue tonite hiking. Still were drumming
They were still drumming?
That's interesting.
Post by: Dave Workman on June 22, 2011, 04:49:58 AM
isnt that kinda like asking you hey where is your elk honey hole? i mean yah he is snapping photos not rounds but thats his way of doing it.. I personaly enjoy the wildlife photos on here both kill shots and live game. Hunting is what I do, i dont expect to have someone tell me where their spot is, some info on a spot is nice but thats all i expect..
This is Washington. That means I have a secret spot that maybe only a thousand other guys know about.
I think I've written about nearly every "honey hole" for grouse I ever had, and some of the "secret spots" I have for big game. I keep going back to those areas, and find grouse and elk and deer.
What's amusing about this is that a spot I *haven't* written about was a bust last year, and I ran into a guy who 'fessed up that in 2009, when I first stumbled onto this place to find lots of birds, he hit it hard and killed 13-14 grouse out of the area.
So, my knowing and writing, or not writing, about an area has nothing to do with people finding the same spot and shooting the hell out of it. I'm not taking the rap.
Post by: Skyvalhunter on June 22, 2011, 05:58:25 AM
Post by: MtnMuley on June 22, 2011, 07:55:38 AM
Post by: quadrafire on June 22, 2011, 08:26:47 AM
Sorry, but I can't give specific information about the grouse I find because I photograph them. This is a hunting forum. If I write on here exactly where these grouse are, people are going to read about it here, then go shoot at these birds.
Trying to get excellent, close-up photos of wild grouse behaving naturally is extremely difficult, even with grouse that aren't hunted. If anyone goes hunting these areas, the grouse will be pretty near impossible to photograph properly. Then all my work - all the dozens of hours afield - will be for naught.
They're not your grouse, either, Tom. If they are on public land, they're fair game.
It is also very likely that where you see them now, they won't be come September.
Admittedly, you have a dilemma.
Is this some sort of guilt trip to get him to divulge his grouse areas? Really? There is no dilemma. He worked hard to find that spot and doesnt owe it to anyone to give its location out, especially not to a hunting magazine writer.
I hope I am reading more into it than was mean't, but that is what I sense when I read it.
Sounds like he is saying if they are on public ground Tom is obligated to divulge the location. I say to Tom Keep your location secret!!!
Post by: ribka on June 22, 2011, 08:35:13 AM
I kicked up 2 ruffed and 2 blue tonite hiking. Still were drumming
They were still drumming?
That's interesting.
I thought so too. Seemed a little late to still be drumming but am not an expert in grouse behavior. Maybe someone can chime in
Post by: CP on June 22, 2011, 08:45:48 AM
Post by: Dave Workman on June 22, 2011, 02:57:11 PM
You have got to be kidding me. If you post a "secret grouse spot" in your magazine for thousands to read, and don't think it will hurt the grouse population in that area, then you don't know nearly as much as I thought you did. Example: You have a high remote basin that holds 20 Blues consistantly on a regular basis in the fall. You go in there with 3 buddies for a 3-4 day trip and limit out every day. You don't think that hurt the population in that area???
You are misinterpreting or misrepresenting everything I said, and I believe you know it.
Post by: teal101 on June 23, 2011, 11:19:53 AM
I was simply stating a fact.
I know a lot of wildlife photographers. I am occasionally one, myself.
If animals are on public land, they are indeed fair game, and it is very likely that where one finds grouse today, they will be somewhere else tomorrow. Maybe in the same general area, but that's about as close as it's gonna get, at least in my experience.
Pretty sure we all know that here, thats not being disputed. You sound like you're throwing a fit over him not divulging his grouse location.
And if you think magazine publications dont increase pressure on published areas, you're out of your mind.
I've never met Tom, but enjoy all of his photos of grouse. Why would he even think of jeopardizing his opportunities?
Post by: fethrduster on June 23, 2011, 05:21:29 PM
Post by: MtnMuley on June 23, 2011, 10:17:05 PM
Post by: Dave Workman on June 24, 2011, 12:02:36 PM
I was simply stating a fact.
I know a lot of wildlife photographers. I am occasionally one, myself.
If animals are on public land, they are indeed fair game, and it is very likely that where one finds grouse today, they will be somewhere else tomorrow. Maybe in the same general area, but that's about as close as it's gonna get, at least in my experience.
Pretty sure we all know that here, thats not being disputed. You sound like you're throwing a fit over him not divulging his grouse location.
Who threw a fit?
I simply said that if birds are on public land, they are fair game, and that birds in a spot in the spring probably won't be there in the fall..
Others tried to make more of it.
Post by: jackmaster on June 24, 2011, 12:33:06 PM
Post by: WA hunter14 on June 24, 2011, 01:10:24 PM
Post by: headshot5 on June 24, 2011, 02:20:16 PM
Post by: jackmaster on June 24, 2011, 03:18:52 PM
whats the details on this bounty for squafish? where do you collect? does how much you get depend on size?well i couldnt give you exact details on the bounty for sqaw fish but you could get up to 3 dollars per sqaw fish that you turned in, alot of retirees made a good chunk of change when they had them bad boys down to a science, obviosly you know how bad the sqaw fish are on the fish in the rivers and stuff, well thats the same affect that possum have on the grouse population, and everyone knows how thick those hailess tailed *censored*s are in this state,. back to the fish i would bet a fella could go to the wdfw site and find the exact details on the bounty
Post by: JimmyHoffa on June 24, 2011, 04:06:24 PM
http://www.pikeminnow.org/ (http://www.pikeminnow.org/)
Post by: RadSav on June 24, 2011, 04:43:13 PM
Where I was at in Clark County 2010 we had great numbers of Ruffs. Killed a few and lost lots of arrows! Only been out a few times this spring. Haven't seen too many, but there seems to be drumming everywhere we go.
Post by: Dave Workman on June 24, 2011, 06:44:06 PM
well aside from the little argument that is going on here, one of the number one reasons for grouse decline in certain areas is because of the ever increasing opposum population, the only way to make are population better is to get rid of the possums which may require a bounty on them
I've also seen more possums over the past couple of years, but they're a lowland animal, not high country critters where I hunt blues.
I'd shoot possums just to be rid of them.
Post by: ICEMAN on June 24, 2011, 07:30:31 PM
Post by: Dave Workman on June 30, 2011, 02:38:40 PM
Must have been a dozen or more in that group.
I will go back there sometime in September to, uh renew acquaintances :chuckle:
Of course I'll have my .22 Ruger and a shotgun along. Whaddaya think I'm crazy?
:drool:
Post by: Pathfinder101 on June 30, 2011, 05:40:36 PM
Post by: Heartsblood on June 30, 2011, 06:54:39 PM
I think the biggest bunch of blue grouse I ever encountered was up at the top of Teanaway Ridge about two years ago.
Must have been a dozen or more in that group.
I will go back there sometime in September to, uh renew acquaintances :chuckle:
Of course I'll have my .22 Ruger and a shotgun along. Whaddaya think I'm crazy?
:drool:
Is that ruger a pistol or are ya packing a shottie and a rifle? That would be somethin' to see...
I hope to get out to the ridge as well this season.
We nearly ran over a ruffie drivin' thru Sinlahekin valley yesterday. I think we dusted him/her out - all I saw was a thick cloud of road dust in my rear view as I tried to re-acquire visual after passing.
Post by: Dave Workman on July 01, 2011, 06:57:29 PM
Is that ruger a pistol or are ya packing a shottie and a rifle? That would be somethin' to see...
I hope to get out to the ridge as well this season.
We nearly ran over a ruffie drivin' thru Sinlahekin valley yesterday. I think we dusted him/her out - all I saw was a thick cloud of road dust in my rear view as I tried to re-acquire visual after passing.
Ruger pistol.
One of the old Standards before they became the MK I
Post by: Ironhead on July 12, 2011, 09:19:19 PM
Ruffed Grouse had older chicks than the Blues.
Post by: buckcanyonlodge on July 12, 2011, 09:41:04 PM
Rick Wakefield here. Used to sell you my photos back in the 70's and 80's when you were with Fishing and Hunting News. I own and operate Buck Canyon Lodge up here on Lake Roosevelt. Quite a few ruff's up here and one of my leases has a few blues. I think it will be a good year if all the sightings during turkey season is an indicator. Here is a photo of one of my guests with a ruffed. He fall hunts turkeys and after he scores he and MAX the black lab go grouse hunting. Good luck in the coming season.
Post by: Dave Workman on July 13, 2011, 10:22:24 AM
Long time amigo. Lots of birds under the belt since we shot pheasants down at Corky Smith's place that day. So, you got out of Yakima and moved northeast. good for you!
This Buck Canyon Lodge have a website?
Where's it located?
Post by: buckcanyonlodge on July 13, 2011, 04:53:40 PM
We'll have to keep in touch.
Post by: Kowsrule30 on July 13, 2011, 07:00:31 PM
Post by: Dave Workman on July 19, 2011, 05:36:39 PM
They hatches ought to be out and about, little mother's walking along with their broods...
I'm hearing some good reports, some so-so...
Gotta oil up the shotgun....
:tup:
Post by: Pathfinder101 on July 19, 2011, 08:00:56 PM
Post by: MtnMuley on July 20, 2011, 07:54:37 AM
Post by: ribka on July 20, 2011, 07:57:27 AM
Post by: Heartsblood on July 26, 2011, 01:32:18 PM
Post by: shooternme on July 26, 2011, 09:08:44 PM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on July 28, 2011, 08:38:49 AM
Post by: Dave Workman on July 31, 2011, 03:16:41 PM
Good for the broods.
Post by: Kain on August 01, 2011, 10:24:57 PM
Grouse Hunting With A Bow (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2jgEu_sZ3U#)
Post by: Pathfinder101 on August 02, 2011, 07:57:40 AM
I've got a hunch we'll see more birds. It dried out in June in a lot of places.
Good for the broods.
Not in the Blue Mountains. Headed up there again today for another load of firewood. I'll report...
Post by: Woodchuck on August 02, 2011, 08:22:15 AM
Post by: TangoU on August 03, 2011, 12:23:31 AM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on August 03, 2011, 01:54:50 PM
Did see a decent 3 point Mulie though :tup:
Post by: Dave Workman on August 15, 2011, 06:23:32 PM
Only 16 more days to go.
:drool:
Post by: Wea300mag on August 15, 2011, 07:12:49 PM
It/s 8/15
Only 16 more days to go.
:drool:
I've been seeing quite a few in my hiking adventures. I'm looking forward to some grouse & dumplings.
Post by: Kola16 on August 15, 2011, 09:16:45 PM
Everybody I've talked to agreed that last year was the worst for grouse and rabbits in recent memory :twocents:
Last year was the best year for grouse for me. I think i filled up my limit. Rabbit SUCKED. I only got like three. This year while bear hunting total opposite. I seen 1 blue grouse (didn't even see a ruffed) and like 6 or 7 rabbits. Let my dog chase um around :chuckle:
Post by: bobcat on August 15, 2011, 09:44:28 PM
Post by: jackmaster on August 16, 2011, 06:39:53 AM
Post by: bobcat on August 16, 2011, 07:31:48 AM
Post by: jrebel on August 16, 2011, 07:45:40 AM
Post by: jackmaster on August 16, 2011, 10:28:32 AM
Don't need to ask a biologist. It was the wet/cold spring last year that did it, and probably the same thing this year. If we get a warm/dry spring next year the grouse population should jump right back.i remember alot of dry and warm springs and the ruff grouse population wasnt any better i have not seen grouse numbers like the ruff numbers were back in the late 80s and early 90s. i dont believe it has evrything to do with a wet and cold spring, anyone on here that huntns elbe hills or pleasant valley or national will probably agree that the numbers arent even close to what they use to be, now vail on the other hand i have seen a ton of grouse in there when my son drew that youth buck tag
Post by: ICEMAN on August 16, 2011, 09:10:15 PM
It/s 8/15
Only 16 more days to go.
:drool:
I've been seeing quite a few in my hiking adventures. I'm looking forward to some grouse & dumplings.
Dumplings? :dunno: Never heard of them... :chuckle:
Post by: Wea300mag on August 16, 2011, 09:14:17 PM
It/s 8/15
Only 16 more days to go.
:drool:
I've been seeing quite a few in my hiking adventures. I'm looking forward to some grouse & dumplings.
Dumplings? :dunno: Never heard of them... :chuckle:
Great camp food, they are the younger (less smarter) grouse :chuckle:
Post by: MtnMuley on August 16, 2011, 10:43:41 PM
Post by: buckcanyonlodge on August 21, 2011, 11:43:36 AM
Post by: alecvg on August 21, 2011, 11:59:14 AM
Post by: RadSav on August 21, 2011, 08:16:31 PM
Post by: Ellensburg on August 22, 2011, 01:55:04 PM
This year looks to be the same. I feel bad for everyone who is having poor luck. Pm me for my grouse hunting services.
Post by: MtnMuley on August 22, 2011, 03:17:48 PM
Post by: BIGINNER on August 22, 2011, 03:58:33 PM
It has nothing to do with poor luck, it's all about poor hatches and bad weather in the areas I hunt.
THATS THE EXCUSE ALOT OF PEOPLE ARE STARTING TO GO WOTH THESE DAYS :chuckle: :chuckle: :stirthepot:
Post by: netcoyote on August 22, 2011, 04:06:44 PM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruffed_Grouse (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruffed_Grouse)
I've read about this in almost every document talking about grouse populations. It's probably been kicked around on this forum somewhere. Generally speaking, grouse populations seem to rise to a peak and then fall back over a ten year cycle. This seemed to align with my experience because I started hunting grouse about ten years ago and seemed to find a lot of birds. I also had lousy luck the last two years. If the cycle theory is valid, we should start to see an increase in populations soon. Again, this is general cycle information and all the local impacts mentioned above still apply to local populations.
At least a guy can dream....
Post by: MtnMuley on August 22, 2011, 04:17:59 PM
Post by: Ironhead on August 22, 2011, 05:20:02 PM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on August 24, 2011, 08:23:21 AM
I believe in the cycle theory also. However, when the hatch is pretty much non-existant (except for maybe a few late 3rd hatches) for 3 straight years, reguardless of any part of the cycle, hunting won't be good.:yeah:
Post by: fethrduster on August 25, 2011, 07:42:08 AM
Post by: bobcat on August 25, 2011, 08:59:49 AM
Quote
I find it curious that the grouse thread on this forum always exceeds six or seven pages, while posts about other species rarely exceed two. Interesting.
That's probably because EVERYBODY is a grouse hunter, even if it's only while they're deer or elk hunting. But very few people actually hunt the other upland birds because you pretty much have to have a dog to be successful.
Post by: Dave Workman on August 25, 2011, 09:10:46 AM
QuoteI find it curious that the grouse thread on this forum always exceeds six or seven pages, while posts about other species rarely exceed two. Interesting.
That's probably because EVERYBODY is a grouse hunter, even if it's only while they're deer or elk hunting. But very few people actually hunt the other upland birds because you pretty much have to have a dog to be successful.
EXACTLY!
Grouse hunting is the way most kids get started in this state, and there are some of us loons who actually delight in chasing those old thunder chickens.
I like it so much I've written volumes about it, as many of my veteran readers are aware. Giving up some of my favorite grouse haunts is probably the work of madness setting in, but I love it when people can go out, using my tips, and fill their bags.
(One reason they'll never let me be WDFW director! )
:yeah:
But the late summer and early fall are *MY* time of the year. I relish it.
Post by: Pathfinder101 on August 25, 2011, 04:34:18 PM
It has nothing to do with poor luck, it's all about poor hatches and bad weather in the areas I hunt.
THATS THE EXCUSE ALOT OF PEOPLE ARE STARTING TO GO WOTH THESE DAYS :chuckle: :chuckle: :stirthepot:
I know you were just stirring the pot, but the truth is that it depends on your area. I live in the Blues and we saw almost no birds last year. I went up to Colville NF with my son and saw tons over only a weekend. If my boy and his cousin had been a little quicker both could have filled thier limits both days, with a couple to spare. As it was, they each killed 4 birds.
Post by: fethrduster on August 26, 2011, 04:07:32 AM
QuoteI find it curious that the grouse thread on this forum always exceeds six or seven pages, while posts about other species rarely exceed two. Interesting.
That's probably because EVERYBODY is a grouse hunter, even if it's only while they're deer or elk hunting. But very few people actually hunt the other upland birds because you pretty much have to have a dog to be successful.
I suppose that's true. I don't big game hunt much anymore, as I have gotten so into upland hunting with my setter that I can't think of anything I'd rather do. To me, a couple days chasing chukars, huns, quail and pheasants with my dog is as close to heaven as it gets. As for grouse, they can be fun to hunt, and a good excuse to get out in the woods, but I seem to have a lot more success hunting other upland birds.
Post by: TangoU on August 26, 2011, 11:16:33 PM
Post by: SpringerFan on August 27, 2011, 10:09:14 AM
I'll be out on Sept 1st. It would be nice to fill the bag. But it WILL be nice to be out in the woods and not working as well. ;)
Me too!!! Going 1st and 2nd. Good luck!!!!
Post by: cwegga on August 27, 2011, 11:27:44 PM
Last year Dad and I got 12 birds out of Yakima County... 6 Blues.... 6 Ruffed...... Also got 8 out of Kitsap County.... All Ruffed..... We usually don't have a problem finding them...... If the hunting is slow or not seeing much and get into some grouse I pull out the Contender .410 and have a nice meal....Mind sharing any tips for Kitsap? I don't see many out here. I'm not asking for your spots (unless you want to share :drool:) but some tips would be cool.
Post by: Pathfinder101 on August 29, 2011, 12:46:24 PM
Post by: grundy53 on September 30, 2011, 01:37:35 PM