Need grouse hunting advice

[Sniping12]

Any grouse enthusiasts in here? Boy and I are heading up north to the cabin this weekend and want to try grousing for the first time.

[yukonjasper]

Where is the cabin?

[Sniping12]

Where is the cabin?

Were just south of Remer. Do I need a dog? Any places in particular to look?

[Sigfan220]

What sort of advise specifically? They write books on the subject.

This is a great time of year. I was out a couple weeks ago and things seemed slower than other years. I also like to go out aver deer season when there is snow on the ground. My favorite gun is a Montifeltro(sp?) in 12ga with a 26" barrel, I'd get a 24" next time but got a killer deal on this one. My favorite load is 7 1/2 magnum shot at about 1300fps out of a cyl choke for sept and oct, then I run skeet or IC in late nov and dec. I think using the magnum shot helps keep the patterns together and the pellets seam to draw less feathers into the bird. If you don't reload buying good shells like Remington STS, Nitro 27 or Winchester AA would be similar. The cheap stuff works OK but the shot deforms more so you will probably need a tighter choke and the pellets will draw more feathers into the bird. Other than that they are OK.

My favorite is woodcock, man are the a blast!! We really got into them on the last trip. I shot my limit and my buddy got 1. Just remember your plug if you are going to shoot woodcock, you don't need a plug for grouse. The woodcock are probably long gone with the frost we have had the last few nights.

[Sigfan220]

No dog needed. I leave mine in the truck most of the day and bring him out more or less so he gets some exercise. A well trained dog may be useful for grouse but a poorly trained dog will likely get in the way or bump birds too far out.

I like areas around low land with thick trees. A lot of new hunters just hit old stands of trees which are not ideal for birds. You will also need to get off the trail every once in a while. Especially on years when the numbers are down. When the numbers are up you can pretty much just drive around or trail hunt. Later in the year when the snow is on the ground I find them in the spruce trees. Usually a few birds at a time. It's pretty fun. Early in the year you may bump 1-2 at a time.

If you don't use a dog you will need to look and listen for the birds carefully. Stopping often helps too. They will let you walk by but if you stop they will be more likely to flush. You will also catch them trying to run away. Don't look for the whole bird, look for the head. They have a very distinct looking head that stands out like a sore thumb. Otherwise they blend in pretty well.

[Evad]

I'm a long time lurker and family of some former forum contributors ....

Don't you know some sort of grouse master?

[Thunder71]

Be prepared, I've practically stepped on one once - if that happens your heart will about come out of your chest, sounds like a helicopter is taking off.

[Billy-bob]

Be prepared, I've practically stepped on one once - if that happens your heart will about come out of your chest, sounds like a helicopter is taking off.

Holy smokes, the OP was banned already. He must not have read the rules

[Thunder71]

Be prepared, I've practically stepped on one once - if that happens your heart will about come out of your chest, sounds like a helicopter is taking off.

Holy smokes, the OP was banned already. He must not have read the rules

Here we go again.

[Evad]

Be prepared, I've practically stepped on one once - if that happens your heart will about come out of your chest, sounds like a helicopter is taking off.

Holy smokes, the OP was banned already. He must not have read the rules

Sweet. We have a new member.

[ttousi]

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