Late Season Grouse

[GottaGo]

I made it out for the first time since the snow fell today and it was rough going. I went to a swampy area that normally holds a handful of birds before the snow falls, but found only two old sets of tracks. I normally dont have too much trouble finding birds before the snow comes, but I really struggle after there is some on the ground. Does anybody have any tips for finding some late season birds?

[Matt Breuer]

If you search back a bit there's a good thread on hunting ruffies in the snow/winter.

When the snow is this deep, you're best bet is to wait for a VERY sunny day when the birds are out and about. They're burrowing now for roost, and spend a good portion of their day either burrowed or hunkered down in the thick stuff. On sunny days they'll hit brush on trail edges and sit in the trees feeding on buds.

If you find tracks, follow them, and wait for a ruff to bust out from under the snow! It's a blasty!

[brittman]

Very sunny days are often sub zero and I often do not see birds then. I suspect they do not feed but sit in the balsams all day or roost in deeper snow if available.

I prefer days in the 20s (sunny or cloudy) and if there is a new dusting of snow from the night before, tracks don't lie. Day before a blizzard has been good too (same with pheasants) = such a decision to go into the woods or the cattails.

[Matt Breuer]

I should have said warm as well, as I agree that on very cold days they're hunkered down...

[tacklejunkie]

i usually hang the old 20 gauge up when the snow gets too deep. there is a lot of good roosting snow this year and thats were they would be. some evenings, you may have a shot at them when they come out to feed. nothing like a ruffie bursting out of the snow