Grouse tips needed

[wet-net-32]

I went out about three weeks ago with a buddy for deer, up on Squaw Mt. Ended up with 1 ruffed and 1 blue. I want to get out & do it again. I enjoyed it so much, I went to joe's the next day and bought my 12ga.

Are there other grouse areas besides Squa mt?

do you mainly find them graveling, or in the field?

Too many ?'s to list tonight. anything would be greatly appreciated. [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img]

[Jellyhead]

You'll find grouse just about in any forested area in oregon. Eastern oregon has more blue grouse. But for ruff's the coast range and cascades should produce. You'll find them in fairly thick cover (alder thickets) off the roads. Look up in the trees too. Sometimes they'll watch you walk right under them then flush after you've passed.

I also hunt them by walking gated logging roads. I like to find an area that has a mix of timber and cuts, that way I can get some quail shooting in the cuts and have a good chance for a grouse in the wooded areas.

If you have a dog, you're odds will go up a bit, and make retriving downed birds easier. I don't hunt with a dog, but still do fairly well.

Good Luck. (You might want to wear some orange until the rifle seasons are over, just to be on the safe side)

Aaron

[BlueWater]

JellyHead covered it realy well but one thing I could add is this. Hunting them on a Mt bike with a gun rack on the bars is also a good way to go after them. If you are dogless, as I am, you can cover more ground improving your chances. Also, if they flush don't just give up on them. Most the time the don't fly that far away if you pay attention you can sometimes sneek up on them again.

I second the ORANGE.

BlueWater.

[Flying Roast Beef]

I want to add to this. I leave the 12 at home grouse hunting. I prefer a 20ga over/under. Grouse hit top gear in about two wingbeats so you must be quick.

[skein]

Bluewater,

Another thing about hunting them on a mountain bike is they seem to hold better. I think they're keyed to predators walking up on them, but haven't a clue when some other "thing" comes along. Yeah, I know, they aren't the sharpest knives in the drawer, but they're a lot easier to ride up on than sneak up on. I love to ride gated roads, especially those that are getting overgrown and provide some cover along the edges so the birds feel safe.

Skein

[Gus Orviston]

whether on a bike, rig or whatever, one trick i learned is if you see them and they see you, keep on going, stopping will usually flush them immediately. Go around the corner and sneak back, and flush'm when you are ready.

[wet-net-32]

Hey, Thanks you guys for all of the grouse help. My dog is to gun shy to enjoy a grouse hunt [mabey she could tolerate a bow [img]graemlins/idea.gif[/img] ] I love the mountian bike trick. I noticed that a couple of the Longview-Fiber gates were locked. All-right! I'm in business baby ! Thanks again Mate's.

-J