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Other Hunting => Upland Birds => Topic started by: ZaneHunts on September 15, 2021, 12:21:20 PM


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Title: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: ZaneHunts on September 15, 2021, 12:21:20 PM
Here is a spot to post all your 2021 Grouse harvests.
I'll get us started with an opening day ruffy I shot this morning. Saw three total while I was out.
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: ZaneHunts on September 15, 2021, 01:19:32 PM
Apon further review it turns out it was a Sooty Grouse, not a Ruffed.
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: Grousehunter19 on September 15, 2021, 04:07:47 PM
Nice grouse man! I unfortunately can稚 get out till this weekend, but I can稚 wait to be in the woods!

Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: ZaneHunts on September 15, 2021, 04:16:33 PM
Thanks! Good luck this weekend!
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: Moccasin_Mountain on September 15, 2021, 07:31:15 PM
Nice grouse!  :IBCOOL:
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: mathew92 on September 15, 2021, 07:45:47 PM
Almost had one today, but missed it! Nice looking bird though!
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: Moccasin_Mountain on September 15, 2021, 07:56:13 PM
Almost had one today, but missed it! Nice looking bird though!

They fly fast!
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: run870 on September 15, 2021, 08:16:02 PM
Nice! Hoping to bump some in between trying to fill my archery deer tag this weekend...
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: fly-by on September 15, 2021, 08:19:18 PM
Just got back from my go-to spot of the last 3 years.  Owner applied herbicide to the shoulders of the road and all the little yellow flowers the grouse like were gone, along with the grouse. 
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: Duckslayer89 on September 15, 2021, 08:39:08 PM
First triple grouse encounter
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: Bluegrouse Bill on September 16, 2021, 12:29:08 AM
I went out this afternoon on a exploratory mission to a spot I've never been here in Spokane county. My Golden flushed 3 ruffs but I didn't even get off a shot it was so damn thick. Heading out again tomorrow around Pend Orielle County. I've got an invite to hunt some private land that borders a large chunk of timber company property around Little Blue Grouse Mountain. I'll post the results tonight hopefully. Grouse numbers were way down everywhere I hunted last year, and I covered a lot of good ground too. Even spots that have produced for me for 20 years were a bust, which was concerning seeing as my ace in the hole spot that's been dubbed "The money draw" by a friend failed to produce a single bird. This is the same draw that on opening day of 2019 had produced 19 flushes and 3 bird limit.  And I could have shot a fourth too but I'm sticking to a self imposed 3 bird limit, as I'm not a fan of the 4 bird limit. This is my first post BTW- Excited to be here.
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: Duckslayer89 on September 16, 2021, 06:01:12 AM
I went out this afternoon on a exploratory mission to a spot I've never been here in Spokane county. My Golden flushed 3 ruffs but I didn't even get off a shot it was so damn thick. Heading out again tomorrow around Pend Orielle County. I've got an invite to hunt some private land that borders a large chunk of timber company property around Little Blue Grouse Mountain. I'll post the results tonight hopefully. Grouse numbers were way down everywhere I hunted last year, and I covered a lot of good ground too. Even spots that have produced for me for 20 years were a bust, which was concerning seeing as my ace in the hole spot that's been dubbed "The money draw" by a friend failed to produce a single bird. This is the same draw that on opening day of 2019 had produced 19 flushes and 3 bird limit.  And I could have shot a fourth too but I'm sticking to a self imposed 3 bird limit, as I'm not a fan of the 4 bird limit. This is my first post BTW- Excited to be here.

I saw way less grouse this season so far where I like to bear hunt. Usually count on seeing a lot
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: Bullkllr on September 16, 2021, 02:41:20 PM
Went out for a half day today. Only 1 flush and no shot. Not many birds in usual hangouts. Maybe the coming rain will get them dispersed a bit.
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: KP-Skagit on September 16, 2021, 02:53:39 PM
Saw plenty on Labor day weekend, you know, opening weekend? Must have all been brood hens.
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: 87Ford on September 16, 2021, 04:09:05 PM
Hunted the opener yesterday with my son and saw plenty of grouse..  Ended up with six and missed a few too.
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: Moccasin_Mountain on September 16, 2021, 04:18:04 PM
Hunted the opener yesterday with my son and saw plenty of grouse..  Ended up with six and missed a few too.

Dang, nice job! Were they in lowlands or higher elevation?
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: hunter399 on September 16, 2021, 08:32:33 PM
Kid got one before dark.
Had a couple run off before he could get a shot.
I like to clean and cook them,otherwise they get pushed to the back of the freezer.
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: hiway_99 on September 19, 2021, 04:26:48 PM
Had a couple hrs before the seahawks started (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210919/906928d74f0a375060b45c18c64a07d9.jpg)

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk

Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: salt n sage90 on September 20, 2021, 08:08:10 AM
Found a few nice blues on the high hunt.
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: PointBlank on September 20, 2021, 08:48:08 AM
Opening day. Went 2/5. They sure are quick to flush!
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: metlhead on September 20, 2021, 08:54:42 AM
A walk to enjoy
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: Skyvalhunter on September 20, 2021, 09:36:38 AM
I will say this about this years grouse hunt after going on the HH first. I saw less birds than normal on my 3 day hunt and hunt an area where there's very few grouse hunters. Partly could be the weather and I also attribute it to a lot more of UTV's, road hunters(archery) even though I hunt away from the roads. There was a lot more UTV and motorcycle tracks than normal. My wife was rock hounding on Red Top and said they were flying all over the place on the roads with bows strapped to them. Don't get me wrong its good to see people committed to getting out there but the grouse opener date change has been affected by this. :twocents:
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: Tracker0721 on September 20, 2021, 08:16:23 PM
Well I知 3 for about 50. Though a covey of about 20 blues were all sitting on the road at a fork between private and public so I let um live. The rest I dunno, they fly quicker than an arrow(recurve) and I知 out of practice for wing shooting to be honest.
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: Tracker0721 on September 22, 2021, 02:41:37 PM
Now I知 getting dialed. Ended the noon hunt with 3 blues
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: CedarPants on September 22, 2021, 04:01:20 PM
Now I知 getting dialed. Ended the noon hunt with 3 blues

That looks delicious  :tup:
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: wannabhntr on September 30, 2021, 11:57:24 AM
Three generations of Page boys. Went three for five. Great day.
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: swampbear on October 03, 2021, 07:56:27 PM
Had a slow start to grouse season so far. Managed a couple the other day.

(https://i.ibb.co/0Gh3z2S/A896-AFE9-4562-4-F15-AC95-97-BD161-C822-C.jpg) (https://ibb.co/0Gh3z2S)
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: Sitka_Blacktail on October 03, 2021, 08:10:46 PM
Now I知 getting dialed. Ended the noon hunt with 3 blues

Where's the gizzards?
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: Lady Grouse hunter on October 05, 2021, 01:44:49 AM
HEY ALL,
when we encounter a group, (not called a covey), of Grouse it's usually a family! from THAT season's hatch,
soo PLEASE don't shoot them ALL!  take 2-3 then walk away
Soo they can carry on that Next Year's season
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: Lady Grouse hunter on October 05, 2021, 01:51:17 AM
Censic says Most Grouse/& game-birds R wasted, Not cooked well. ONE MUST Know how to roast or BBQ them Fast and easy! :IBCOOL:
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: Lady Grouse hunter on October 05, 2021, 01:56:15 AM
Censic says Most Grouse/& game-birds R wasted, Not cooked well. ONE MUST Know how to roast or BBQ them Fast and easy! :IBCOOL:
Go to the Cooking Board!
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: ian_padron on October 07, 2021, 10:35:02 AM
First grouse for me and the 7 month old pup yesterday. We've had a few opportunities and have flushed lots of birds the past couple weeks, but finally connected on a nice plump ruffie loaded with berries.
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: mcrawfordaf on October 07, 2021, 10:38:02 AM
Great looking pup and bird Ian!
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: wannabhntr on October 08, 2021, 12:55:48 PM
Great morning with the little monkey. Up at 0500 back home by 0930 with a limit and even stopped for breakfast. She was a trooper.
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: Smokepole on October 08, 2021, 02:10:29 PM
Great morning with the little monkey. Up at 0500 back home by 0930 with a limit and even stopped for breakfast. She was a trooper.

This is cool.  Looks like the little monkey is a lucky monkey!   :tup:
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: Platensek-po on October 08, 2021, 02:11:19 PM
Great morning with the little monkey. Up at 0500 back home by 0930 with a limit and even stopped for breakfast. She was a trooper.

Awesome job dad!!!
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: wannabhntr on October 08, 2021, 02:18:07 PM
Great morning with the little monkey. Up at 0500 back home by 0930 with a limit and even stopped for breakfast. She was a trooper.
Funny you say that. I'm embarrassed to say that was my first ever limit. I made it very clear that she was my good luck charm.

This is cool.  Looks like the little monkey is a lucky monkey!   :tup:
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: mcrawfordaf on October 12, 2021, 02:38:58 PM
My daughter has every heart on reserve - she loves them fried up in beef tallow.
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: RugerRay on October 12, 2021, 04:09:21 PM
5 birds down on a fun, quick morning hunt with my oldest a few weeks ago. Populations are looking pretty healthy in the areas I hunt this year. Hopefully we'll put some more in the freezer as the year goes on.
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: HunterofWA on October 12, 2021, 07:23:37 PM
This was a fun hunt! Such a beautiful ruffed grouse...
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: 22shtur on October 28, 2021, 12:51:45 PM
Found a few last month, got a limit.
(https://i.imgur.com/oPz6nHk.jpg?1)
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: salish on October 28, 2021, 12:57:10 PM
Found a few last month, got a limit.
(https://i.imgur.com/oPz6nHk.jpg?1)

Nice. Beautiful old pistol. Do you use standard velocity solids, or hollow points? I've got a couple of .22 revolvers I would be interested in using.
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: 22shtur on October 28, 2021, 04:12:08 PM
I use Standard Velocity solids in my Colt woodsman pistols. I use CCI mini mags in my S&W revolvers, due to some velocity loss in the cylinder gap.
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: drewbogey on November 03, 2021, 07:06:32 PM
Anybody have suggestions on where to find them/tips for this time of year?  Taking my older son out and want to have some fun. I知 in western wa, Capitol forest/Elbe hills preferably but I知 in that general area. Thanks guys happy hunting. Nice to see the pics, only been lucky enough to see a couple fly off thus far
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: Fletch on November 04, 2021, 03:53:17 PM
@HunterofWa   That is a beautiful ruff all right... great bird!
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: HunterofWA on November 08, 2021, 01:47:20 PM
Anybody have suggestions on where to find them/tips for this time of year?  Taking my older son out and want to have some fun. I知 in western wa, Capitol forest/Elbe hills preferably but I知 in that general area. Thanks guys happy hunting. Nice to see the pics, only been lucky enough to see a couple fly off thus far

I bumped into a few while deer hunting the general season. Been seeing them in the mornings (even as late as 9:30am) by small creeks that run through riparian areas. Find a spot like this that has a gravel road that runs through it and you'll see them out picking up grit.
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: drewbogey on November 11, 2021, 02:19:30 PM
Anybody have suggestions on where to find them/tips for this time of year?  Taking my older son out and want to have some fun. I知 in western wa, Capitol forest/Elbe hills preferably but I知 in that general area. Thanks guys happy hunting. Nice to see the pics, only been lucky enough to see a couple fly off thus far

I bumped into a few while deer hunting the general season. Been seeing them in the mornings (even as late as 9:30am) by small creeks that run through riparian areas. Find a spot like this that has a gravel road that runs through it and you'll see them out picking up grit.

Thank you!  I値l keep at it and heed your advice. Everyone I know says the only find them when they池e not looking for them lol
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: Phil Fravel on November 27, 2021, 11:16:19 PM
Figure I should jump in here and post something

Long time Pheasant hunter.  This is my first year looking for Grouce.  I致e been reading and watching everything I can and feel I have a decent idea of what I知 looking for.  It seems hard to keep elevation below 2O00 feet.


When talking with loggers and deer hunters. I知 hearing numbers of Grouse are down this year.  I have also read they are on a 10 year cycle.

I致e got roughly 15 hours on foot walking trails in Eastern Pierce county.  I知 find it quite enjoyable and love not doing the long drives to Eastern WA.  That said  I have yet to see a bird.   Is this the norm this year or me just learning the ropes.  Or perhaps it has more to do with me looking in Eastern Pierce county.  Or am I getting started late in the season?

I realize this is a lot like mushroom foraging and fishing I知 not asking for locations.  Just curious how others are doing in S King / Pierce County

Any help/advice would be appreciated
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: Humptulips on November 28, 2021, 12:23:34 AM
I'm not in Pierce so for what it is worth I am not seeing many blues which is what I generally see up high. ow elevation I am seeing an average number of ruffed. I am a trapper so I am out all winter and I always see more grouse after deer and elk seasons are done. Less traffic? Also, it seems like the grouse sit still longer in nasty weather.
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: hunter399 on November 28, 2021, 12:56:56 AM
Always see a ton of them ......
When all I have is a deer rifle. :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: Phil Fravel on November 28, 2021, 05:31:13 AM
I'm not in Pierce so for what it is worth I am not seeing many blues which is what I generally see up high. ow elevation I am seeing an average number of ruffed. I am a trapper so I am out all winter and I always see more grouse after deer and elk seasons are done. Less traffic? Also, it seems like the grouse sit still longer in nasty weather.

Thanks Bruce.   Trapping sounds like an interesting line of work. 😊
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: Phil Fravel on November 28, 2021, 05:35:18 AM
Always see a ton of them ......
When all I have is a deer rifle. :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:

Lol. Ok. I get it.  Next time I値l bring the 30 30.  Seeing them with the wrong gun would  at least be an improvement over what I知 doing.  By chance were you referring to S King Pierce County?
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: Humptulips on November 28, 2021, 11:47:52 AM
Always see a ton of them ......
When all I have is a deer rifle. :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
When I was a kid and was packing the old 30 30 I would shoot their heads off. Almost never missed and with open sights. Wish my eyes were still that good. Doubt if I could do that again.
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: Phil Fravel on November 29, 2021, 06:10:32 AM
Always see a ton of them ......
When all I have is a deer rifle. :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
When I was a kid and was packing the old 30 30 I would shoot their heads off. Almost never missed and with open sights. Wish my eyes were still that good. Doubt if I could do that again.

This getting older thing realy sucks!!
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: Remnar on November 29, 2021, 06:43:50 PM
Always see a ton of them ......
When all I have is a deer rifle. :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
When I was a kid and was packing the old 30 30 I would shoot their heads off. Almost never missed and with open sights. Wish my eyes were still that good. Doubt if I could do that again.
Even if you could with the price of 30-30 ammo you could buy a 20# turkey for two or three rounds worth . lol.. :o
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: Phil Fravel on December 01, 2021, 10:51:08 PM
Just an update.  I would like to give a big thanks to the few people who have reached out to help my start.  I would like to say I致e had some success. I have. I致e added 8 more hours and 2 more trips to different areas.  I have found lower forest service roads. And on top of that I have found other Grouse hunters.   So I must be getting close.  Though all of the hunters I have talked to so far also seem to be a bit perplexed as to where痴 the birds.   It sounds like earlier in the season birds were easier to find.  And either with the cold or the rain the food sources have changed. It痴 either that or the other hunters are also hunting heavily pressured or just a lack of birds.  So be it.  I知 enjoying the now and am looking forward to getting out again. Let the adventure continue.
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: Skyvalhunter on December 02, 2021, 05:55:37 AM
This time of the year the birds change their habits of being near roads as much as they do earlier in the year. They are typically more flighty.
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: millerwheeler on December 02, 2021, 08:11:38 AM
31  ruffed
3 blue
2 west side pheasant
 Been decent year for them still have till Jan 15 on the grouse


All out while scouting , hunting , driving  the 410 been putting In the work and I have missed a bunch also
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: mcrawfordaf on December 08, 2021, 12:19:19 PM
I was doing really good on being able to locate Ruffed up here in the NE region. Since deer season ended I've been back out and no luck. What's their winter activity like?
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: hunter399 on December 08, 2021, 01:26:24 PM
I was doing really good on being able to locate Ruffed up here in the NE region. Since deer season ended I've been back out and no luck. What's their winter activity like?
More often herd up in little group of 5-10 birds.
Sometimes in the winter they roost a lot,in brush and such.
But on a sunny day like today you could catch them running about.
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: dwrags on December 17, 2021, 09:14:16 PM
My boy killed his first grouse this year!
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: millerwheeler on December 18, 2021, 05:02:59 PM
My boy killed his first grouse this year!


Great job kid!!!
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: Lady Grouse hunter on January 13, 2022, 10:43:23 PM
Soo I see alot of success here in 2021, WOW they doo cycle every 5 years or soo!! BUT Did anyone get a Spruce Grouse?
I had posted earlier about these chickens...
In a one week trip (1998) I had managed to harvest ALL three species our state has to offer...
3 Spruce
3 Blue's
3 Ruff, two were Gray phase tailed.. Limit was 3 per day back then...  :hello:
All were in Eastern Wa.
I am soo proud of this as Who knew one could doo this,, especially a Woman huntress one her own... :yeah:
Will try again as I am getting up there in years... :bdid:
Title: Re: 2021 Grouse Harvest
Post by: Dave Workman on July 10, 2022, 04:38:20 PM
Soo I see alot of success here in 2021, WOW they doo cycle every 5 years or soo!! BUT Did anyone get a Spruce Grouse?
I had posted earlier about these chickens...
In a one week trip (1998) I had managed to harvest ALL three species our state has to offer...
3 Spruce
3 Blue's
3 Ruff, two were Gray phase tailed.. Limit was 3 per day back then...  :hello:
All were in Eastern Wa.
I am soo proud of this as Who knew one could doo this,, especially a Woman huntress one her own... :yeah:
Will try again as I am getting up there in years... :bdid:


Withm any luck, you'll do a repeat performance this fall.  ;)
 :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup:
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