Grouse! Let’s See Them

[Triggw]

Why is everyone calling them duskies now? Is “blue” racist now or is “dusky” in vogue?

The name was officially changed by taxonomists some years ago. "Blue" grouse were divided into two separate species: Dusky Grouse (Rocky Mountains) and Sooty Grouse (Northwest).

 

[Gus Chiggins]

The name was officially changed by taxonomists some years ago. "Blue" grouse were divided into two separate species: Dusky Grouse (Rocky Mountains) and Sooty Grouse (Northwest).

A few years ago I think Oregon F&W in the regulations had changed blue grouse to dusky grouse. But hunters didn't adopt the terminology, so F&W changed it back to "blue grouse". That's what I've always called them out of habit from hunting as a kid.

 

[mt cowboy]

I just call them tasty!

 

[AlaskaHunter]

Due to low human hunting pressure, grouse tend to be fairly tame in parts of Alaska.
Interior has sharptails, ruffed and spruce grouse.
Southeast Alaska has sooty grouse in the coastal rain forest.
The season is Aug 10 - March 31.