Coastal Grouse

[EBroncoFlyfisher]

I hunted the Nehelem watershed for some grouse today. Travelled up some nice logging roads (Wolf Creek Rd), only saw one grouse. Was wondering where a good spot on the coast, or eastern oregon, that is good for grouse. I'm rather new to hunting these birds, so any tips/techniques would be much appreciated. Thanks.

[Chum King]

What I have found with the ruffed grouse on the coast is that you will usually find them not too far from a stream. Conversely the mountain quail are more likely to be on the ridges.

As for "hot spots" the few I have I wouldn't give out. One thing that seems to hold with the grouse is that if you see them in a spot one day, you are very likely to find them in darn near the same spot the next day. Generally you are going to only find single birds, unless you run across a brood that hasn't split up yet, but there may be several birds within a couple hundred yards of the one that you did find.

Good luck, and make sure you cover a lot of ground.

[birdhunter]

Hunted today on the coast between Waldport and Florence in the Siuslaw Natl Forest. Spent all day driving and hiking around and only have one ruffed to show for it. Pretty dry. On the plus side I did see a ton of bandtails. Don't know what to tell you. I've been seeing gobs more birds in the cascades than I saw today at the coast. Keep lookin.