Anyone know any grouse hunting "techniques"?

Question

I recently got a new shotgun and would like to try hunting grouse with it. Anyone know any good techniques or methods? Maybe tips? Thanks.

Answer 1

Depends on the habiat you're hunting. I still hunt/walk through the woods and swamp very slowly and look for pears and pear trees. By that I mean, Grouse are very well camoflauged and it is better to train your eye to look for their shape in the trees or on the ground. They have a pear shape to them.

Answer 2

One of my favorite activities. I have road hunted them in a truck or and ATV, just barely moving down the trail or road watching for them in the woods, gravel pits and ditches. Road hunting is productive because they need gravel to help grind up what they have eaten. The best time of day for this tactic is usually early morning and late afternoon.

Another favorite of mine is stalking them in the woods. This is a challenging approach because they know exactly where you are, but you have to be able to spot them in their habitat and get close enough to get a shot or two when the flush. One, maybe not so well known pearl of wisdom that has worked for me many times is that once flushed, they tire easy and do not fly as far as the last time they were flushed. In other words keep a sharp eye on where they go and go to that area and again begin stalking slowly and deliberately paying close attention to everything. They will often freeze and wait to see if you can find them.

I know a lot of hunters who will "Arkansas" them, meaning shoot them on the ground rather than flush them before shooting. I neither condone or condemn this practice but it isn't as sporting for sure.

Another way of hunting them if in a group of hunters is to push the birds ahead of the line of hunters. When doing this you are basically walking through the woods scaring the animal into movement in front of you hopefully. I and the guys I hunt with often will just stop while we are walking and look all the way around us closely. I am not certain if it is the eye contact they perceive or the not knowing what you are up to, but often times just doing this will flush a bird or covey.

One word of advice might be that before you road hunt the birds, read your hunting regulations very closely to find out how far off the road or away from your vehicle or any other requirements your state may have about this method. This is a fun sport and can be good exercise as well as putting some food on the table and getting to do some shooting.

Best of luck!

Answer 3

Half rack of beer and full tank of gas works for me,before anyone boo-hoos me for this statement i will say i never litter,i drive slowly enjoying the day,never drink more than three beers in a day a enjoy the mountains immensely.
One word of advice though,grouse are best taken with a 22 with a scope on it,only head shots at a fair distance with a bolt action rifle will challenge you,either you hit or you miss.
Grouse arent called fool hens for nothing you know?
Have fun and please dont litter.

Answer 4

Two things for Lee. Yes I will boo hoo you for your statements. As a hunter safety instructor we try to teach youth that alcohol and guns DON'T MIX. For you to promote drinking ANY alcohol while handling firearms, including while you drive along enjoying the day is the worst possible example you can set. Second, in most states it is illegal to shoot game birds with a rifle. A shotgun with appropriate sized shot and chokes should be used for grouse.

Answer 5

Hunt them hard, slowly, deliberately and be on the alert & ready constantly prepared for them to flush.* Avid Grouse Hunter myself. I hunt without a dog.* I do hunt Cottontail rabbits with my three (3)* Beagles though.* Good Hunting to you.*

Answer 6

Yes get a good dog I had a German Short hair and man was he good but me now was not so good . Grouse are very skittish birds they will take flight fast and now u c them now u don't, must be very fast. Good Luck

Answer 7

Walk slowly through areas of popple or aspen trees and be ready to shoot.