Grouse hunting tomorrow...

[gspman]

Gents,

I may go grousin' tomorrow. With this wintery mix of rain and snow that we are forecasted to get where do you think they'll be and what types of areas would you target? I'm guessing they may be up in pine trees. Would you hunt areas near roosting cover like pines? Inquiring minds want to know.

Thanks,

gspman

[Chef]

If you can find an area with blow-downs (trees that have fallen due to storms)I've had my best luck in this type of weather working these areas. Especially the ones with leaves still on them from the summer.

The Pines and areas adjacent to them are also pretty good, and with a Dog to go into the pines and push the birds out you'll have a much better chance at a clear shot.

Have a great time!

[TylerS]

I also am heading out for the first time this weekend (Still have to buy my licesne though, oops!) I'll be hunting around the Chisholm area. Can't wait! Look forward to this trip every year.

[TProGuy]

We didn't actually shoot any, but my GSP and I were out in the Crosslake area last weekend in all of the snow, rain and wind. We kicked up 9 birds on Saturday, and all of them were in or around young pine trees (12-18 feet tall). The ones with the heaviest brushy cover along the edges held the majority of the birds. With the woods still being so thick and green, getting off a good shot was nearly impossible.

[lindy rig]

With the woods still being so thick and green, getting off a good shot was nearly impossible.

This was the story last weekend for us. I probably heard 4 birds for every 1 I saw. Of the ones I saw, getting a shot off was tough. We had a couple open shots but had to work for them. It was awesome having that much action though.

[SledNeck]

When it rains and snows they sit on the sides of the road under pines/balsams and dont usually move till you get right up on em. They get up slower too cause their wings are wet.

[gspman]

Great info. Unforunately I wussed out yesterday and didn't go. I'm taking today off though but intend to head West.