Grouse woods etiquette

[McCRIZZLEY]

New grouse hunter here... Versatile dog isn't a huge fan of water so I'm slowly trying to transition from waterfowl hunter to upland.

While out hiking a few weeks ago (without shotgun) we bumped a handful of grouse near Mazama/Winthrop. I'd like to return to the area this weekend (with gun) and have our first real attempt at grouse. However, the unit I'm eyeballing (218) opens for modern deer this weekend as well.

What's the etiquette here... Stay home duck hunting in an attempt to not bumble around in the woods while the pumpkin army is out having their fun? Go for it anyways, but avoid gated roads with trucks? Sign a will and head out regardless?

I don't deer hunt... anyone know how bad that area gets for modern deer? Am I overthinking it?

[Dmc]

That area does get a lot of hunting pressure during deer season.  If you go, make sure to wear your blaze orange

[ducks4days]

Same etiquette as deer hunting during deer season. Give yourself and your partner plenty of orange, and if you see orange give it a wide berth.

Some people are pissy and look for excuses to gripe at anybody they encounter. Sometimes those people are small game hunters hunting public land during deer season. Its just the way the world is, dont let it stop you from getting after it.

[metlhead]

Flip it, those folks are gonna hunt deer during grouse season. Be courteous and stay wide if you see someone glassing. Deer hunters may be happy to point you towards birds.

[lovetogrouse]

I second this. You have just a right to be out there are they do. I’ve run into deer hunters while grouse hunting and have never had a negative interaction.

If you do go out, I’d wear an orange cap so what’s likely to be the first part of you that comes into view is easily distinguishable.

I usually avoid gated roads with cars parked in front of them unless I know they’re arterial lanes.

[follow maggie]

Get out & hunt! Wear orange, be safe, be considerate of the people around you, & have fun.

[PsoasHunter]

Deer hunter in 218 here. You have every right to be out in the woods,  there's grouse to be had. I got a triple on grouse driving back from a deer spot today, only recovered because of my dog. Get your dog on some birds and you'll both be hooked! Good luck!

[PsoasHunter]

Also, the pumpkin patch hasn't been too bad this year, too many years without deer now...

[McCRIZZLEY]

Thanks for the advice all! We got out and had a great weekend. Dog bumped half a dozen birds, I bumped one myself, and still managed to come home empty handed. Was a good time scouting, learning a new game, and camping in probably the last nice weekend of the year.

Deer hunters were not bad at all, much fewer than I've experienced in other units. Mostly road hunters and people hanging out at camp. Had more frustrations with the larch hikers at top of Washington pass!