First Time Chasing Grouse (Montana)

• Sep 23, 2018

• #1

R.K.

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Jan 24, 2017

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937

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MT

Started up around 8000', blanked on the dusky grouse. Came down to around 6000' and jumped a ruffed grouse in an aspen thicket, under a lone conifer. He was a bit close, but I got his head.

Jumped another one about an hour later, but I couldn't get the shot off in time. Final score: 1-1. I can't wait to go back out to chase these things. That being said- I gotta get a dog...

Cheers,

R.K.

 

• Sep 23, 2018

• #2

onpoint

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Feb 12, 2011

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Gallatin Valley, MT

Be careful. First a dog. Then another shotgun. Then lotsa $$ on gas chasing birds all over the goddamn place. Then another dog. Then......
I love hunting antelope. Muleys fascinate me. I hunt elk like it's a chore that will be completed. I'll probably never get my Breaks sheep tag I apply for annually. They all have their place.
However-
I'm not religious whatsoever, but hunting birds is as close as I come to it.
Welcome to it. In MT, four straight months of continuous-go back out again tomorrow even though you were successful today-different spp., different country tomorrow-hunt with your best friend happiness.

 

Last edited: Sep 23, 2018

• Sep 23, 2018

• #3

D

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Well said Tim.

 

• Sep 23, 2018

• #4

onpoint

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Having blue grouse batter fried breasts dipped in honey tonight - shot this morning, never saw the freezer.
Try it R.K.
That fuzzy face pointing yet, JLS??..........

 

• Sep 23, 2018

• #5

Kneetopia

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Nov 15, 2012

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Missoula, MT

Got a couple myself the other other day. 3 shots and cost me 2 arrows... So worth it.

 

• Sep 23, 2018

• #6

D

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Grouse are some of the best eating birds! Welcome to the addiction!

 

• Sep 23, 2018

• #7

D

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onpoint said:

That fuzzy face pointing yet, JLS??..........

Click to expand...

Yes, but not solid. Very close.

 

• Sep 23, 2018

• #8

MNHunter67

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Aug 2, 2017

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Montana

Got my first Dusky this weekend. Had a few missed opportunities on Ruffies as well. Can’t wait to get back out.

 

• Sep 24, 2018

• #9

Ben Lamb

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Aug 6, 2010

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Cedar, MI

Nicely done, and absolutely what Tim said.

 

• Sep 24, 2018

• #10

R.K.

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MT

Oh, I grew up chasing ducks and almost always had a lab to sit with on the couch- I'm no stranger to the feather addiction, or the associated costs. And I need a spare shotgun for when my dad comes to visit, anyways.

I'm hoping to get into the blues- they look a little bigger than the ruffies, but I'm just not sure how to find them. I thought I heard some booming in the one area I hunted, but never saw one. Lots of moose sign, but that was about all I ran across up there.

I would like to find someone as crazy as I am too hunt with, though- it's a bit unnerving hunting solo in bear country, especially without cell service.

 

• Sep 24, 2018

• #11

Ben Lamb

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R.K. - here's a decent primer on them, and the habitats and locations they prefer: https://www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/m...hunting-tips-targeting-underrated-blue-grouse

 

• Sep 24, 2018

• #12

R.K.

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Jan 24, 2017

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MT

Ben- thanks for the article. That describes almost exactly the first spot I tried (and thought I heard faint drumming), but never flushed a bird in two hours of kicking brush.

I'm not sure if I'll go back up there- if I get a flat, I don't trust my spare tire (donut) to get me off the mountain. The road was a bit rough with spire rock pointing up.