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Author Topic: Winter grouse hunting  (Read 10097 times)

Offline Glockster

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Winter grouse hunting
« on: December 12, 2011, 10:44:46 AM »
Anyone ever hunt grouse in December?  I'm always into ducks that time of year, but it's open until 12/31. 

Offline JimmyHoffa

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Re: Winter grouse hunting
« Reply #1 on: December 12, 2011, 11:15:29 AM »
I have in the past.  When there are fewer leaves on trees they can see you better so your shot might be a little longer.  Also, there is usually a better chance of rain to cover your sound.  I'm thinking of going soon, for some reason I'm seeing a lot more this year than in years past.

Offline Glockster

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Re: Winter grouse hunting
« Reply #2 on: December 12, 2011, 11:42:58 AM »
Longer shots....good point!  I'm thinking to head to the eastside so won't have to deal with the rain...only snow. 

Offline BOWHUNTER45

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Re: Winter grouse hunting
« Reply #3 on: December 12, 2011, 12:18:43 PM »
I used to go all the time when I had my shorthair ....its fun ...just find alder thickets ....plus the leaves are off now so you can actually see them to throw some lead at them  :chuckle: :tup:

Offline Wapiti7

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Re: Winter grouse hunting
« Reply #4 on: December 12, 2011, 12:44:44 PM »
I have also seen way more grouse this year than in the past and a good portion of that has been just over the past two weeks during late muzzie. Good luck to you!
The mountains are calling and I must go. ~ John Muir

Offline Glockster

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Re: Winter grouse hunting
« Reply #5 on: December 12, 2011, 02:05:27 PM »
I would love to hunt grouse with a real grouse dog some day.  Maybe snow might make it easier until then. 

Offline Stilly bay

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Re: Winter grouse hunting
« Reply #6 on: December 12, 2011, 05:09:07 PM »
I just did some winter grousing this morning, I heard more flushes than I saw. I should have brought some Spred-R loads with me, since the only bird I shot was Mid-air-mince-meat. my lab pup who is always a good sport brought me the bird, but he didn't look too thrilled about it :chuckle:

I think that the west side has the east beat for once, I would much rather chase grouse over here at this time of the season.
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Offline JackOfAllTrades

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Re: Winter grouse hunting
« Reply #7 on: December 12, 2011, 05:17:32 PM »
Grouse are very skidish once the leaves and natural cover they hide in has fallen or blown away. A scoped rimfire rifle, binoculars with you on the trail will bring best chances of success.

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Offline MikeWalking

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Re: Winter grouse hunting
« Reply #8 on: December 12, 2011, 05:19:08 PM »
The Boss seems to keep finding ways to F'up my time off but I want to get out before the end of the month.  Haven't had a real day off in a couple weeks, wondering what the snow line is on the West side...

Offline BB

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Re: Winter grouse hunting
« Reply #9 on: December 13, 2011, 08:51:23 PM »
Do grouse usually stay/move below the snow line?

Offline bobcat

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Re: Winter grouse hunting
« Reply #10 on: December 13, 2011, 08:58:01 PM »
Blue grouse are odd, probably the only bird or animal for that matter that migrates up in elevation for winter. I remember many years ago when there used to be a late muzzleloader season in the Alta unit, we were hiking in the snow on Sawtooth Ridge, and flushed about 100 blue grouse that were sitting in just a couple of trees. I was sure wishing for a shotgun at that moment instead of the muzzleloader.

Ruffed grouse I'm not sure but I think they stay below the snow.


Offline JackOfAllTrades

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Re: Winter grouse hunting
« Reply #11 on: December 13, 2011, 09:51:49 PM »
I've seen Ruffed 'around' the snow line. Seldem above it.  But Blues.. Yeah, well above.

Years ago a few of us hiked up Bear hunting and got some 18" of snow on us that night. Next morning saw the biggest fluffy Blues we'd ever seen but didn't take a shot. (stupid!)

Other times, I've seen Blues when snow shoeing.

-Steve
The NRA says I'm a Master!
Colt's, Ruger's, Dan Wesson, & Kimber are my friends!
Proud to be a U.S. Navy Veteran.

If you never follow your dreams, you'll never go anywhere.

Critical thinking keeps people from freaking the hell out every time some half baked blogger forgets his meds. Unlike some of you, I do not have TawkethOutOfAnus© syndrome.

Offline Wapiti7

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Re: Winter grouse hunting
« Reply #12 on: December 18, 2011, 08:22:57 AM »
I live in Western WA and am in the woods pretty much year round. I don't think I can ever recall seeing a ruffed grouse above the snowline over the years. This website is kind of neat, so I thought I would share it: http://birdweb.org/birdweb/bird/ruffed_grouse
The mountains are calling and I must go. ~ John Muir

Offline Recurve-Elk

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Re: Winter grouse hunting
« Reply #13 on: December 18, 2011, 07:07:32 PM »
I was hunting them up through November.  Saw a bunch and managed to get one.  Listen for their drumming. 

Offline Glockster

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Re: Winter grouse hunting
« Reply #14 on: December 19, 2011, 10:00:33 AM »
I did't know they drum in the winter.  Kewl!

 


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