Things I've learned about grouse

B

bones

New member
Hunting close to Co. Springs for grouse has been an adventure. I'm sure the birds are out there, several other forum members have shot them. I just have not found them yet. Below is a few of the things I learned.

While the Rampart Range may not have many birds there sure are a ton of elk. Every aspen grove had elk in it yesterday. I learned that if I farted loud within 50 to 100 yards of a bull he would bugle. (Had some burritos from the "gut truck" the day before that had my stomach rolling). Elk crap on pine needles going up hill is slicker than greased owl crap. Turkey in thick aspens flush like quail, and will scare the tar out of you. Big pine squirrels are everywhere up there and they hate me; the feeling is mutual. (I may make a trip with my .22 just to let them know how much and replenish my stock of zonker strips for tying some streamers.)

Hope my lessons learned help anyone else out there; or at least give you a good laugh. They are sad but true.


Have a Good 'Urn,
bones
 
Good lessons.

I learned that when your buddy tells you " I have always seen grouse here" but he doesn't want to go with you. There is probably a reason he is not going.

The only good side is I found a great place to hunt mtn lion........ Might be why there are no grouse.

Come on Ptarmigan. I know where those little buggers are.
 
bones,
dude that is funny stuff....:p

I agree on the blue grouse on the front range.

I have heard about the elk though. I may actually go buy an otc tag and see what happens.

What i hate is those damn magpies....I would like to shoot everyone of them if I could....some call the "camp robbers"

unforunately you are going to have to drive a bit for grouse....good luck and take care,

Greg
 
HA - I'd recommend an air gun for the tree rats - spooks less of the neighbors;-) Contrary to popular belief, pine squirrel isn't bad tasting either - just takes a few of em to do anything with.

My theory is it's about elevation - and it never seems to be the same place at the same time two years running. Look for water, look for those little red berries, look for pine edges near grass/aspen, and whatever you do LOOK OUT FOR MOOSE - crabby SOB's aren't afraid of anything - got charged by one last year. Just minding my own business watching the dog look for birds and the bearded lady got all ticked off - most wildlife wants far less to do with you than you want to do with it - all the bears I've met included - but not this old gal...
 
one problem solved. Now if we can only find grouse

squirel-1.jpg
 
Thanks for the replies guys. I think I have found some off of Rampart, gonna try 'em on Friday. Have visual proof this time and in an area I'm pretty familiar with. Another member had given me an area last week, but I probably jacked his directions up.

I agree on the moose; did not expect to see them on the Front range and this far south. Saw one on a little blue line, while I was out chasing brookies with my little 1wt. He was not moving from his spot in the willows, ornery sob.

Have not seen the magpies when I'm actually out hunting. Stellars Jays on the other hand have dive bombed me like little Stukas. still squirrels be ware come Oct 1.



Have a Good 'Urn,
bones
 
So??
How'd it go on Friday bones?
I took Friday off myself to burn a little shoe leather, but saw nothing - ok, that's not true, not nothing - actually saw everything but grouse. This spot had been reliably productive before last year, but my honey hole has been dry lately - apparently I need to start finding new areas :confused:

On another note - if anyone ever wins a moose tag lottery, lemme know - have I got a spot for you - figures I'm not a big game guy...
 
Another day out and another bust. Lots of miles on the truck and lots of worn shoe leather. By just being out there as much as I have been and covering ground, I'm pretty confident I'll bump into them some time.

For any elk hunters out there, it is covered with them on Rampart. Get there early and you should be able to tag out. Had one close enough to kill with #6s yesterday, maybe 5 yds.


Have a Good 'Urn,
bones
 
I dunno bones - Ive been saying that the last three Fridays. I've taken birds in this region before, so I know they use the area, but in the last 3 weeks I've hunted from 9,000 to 10,500 feet and hiked up to 11,500. The GPS logged over 20 miles of hiking alone in 3 valleys and still nothing.
Heck, if it wasn't for this fella I'd think they all just disappeared:
http://www.coloradowaterfowl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=24693
Thankfully these trips are a joy just to get out of the city, even if birds are never found.
 
Well guys I went up to Rampart (the spot I tried to direct Bones into; I apologize if my directions weren't good. It is one of those spots I just mindlessly drive to.) Scored a covey 50 yrds from the truck. My hunting partner scored one and I had a fleeting shot at another. They flew downhill but we couldn't follow as the rocks kept us from going down to far. We walked for a few miles along the high ridges and didn't see any others in that area. Went North from that spot to another I know of and killed three more out of a covey. They are on Rampart you just have to touch alot of ground. I ususally find them above the 9500 mark....
We spent an entire Saturday and at least ten miles of ground for not a single bird last weekend. We were above Green Mountain Res. to the West. Normally find ptarmigan and blues there. Not a single bird or sign of one. Talked to an archer who was in there for a week and had seen one bird. That is a bad omen for that area. I really think last Winter did a number on the birds. Lots of snow and a very late Spring. Noticed some of the high country birds I shot were immature where as the Rampart birds were older. Clutches must have been late in the high country.
Going to try West of the Divide on Saturday. Will keep everybody posted.
Good Luck Guys........
 
Well the Gods smiled upon us and we were limited out in less than a hour....West of the Divide. They do exist just have to burn the boot leather to find them,,,View attachment 2375
 
Headed up in a few minutes. Think I finally found the spot Uplandhunter67 was trying to direct me to. There are just two of the landmarks he was using to guide me and threw me for a loop. Checked it out friday afternoon and found feathers so pretty sure this is the one.

Good job limiting again.


Have a Good 'Urn,
bones
 
Bones,
Hope you found the spot. Worked for us last week. Covey was only short one bird.. Lets me know how you did....
 
So bones - did you finally find em?

I spent a couple more days up around Kenosha - and only flushed one - out of range though. Plenty of elk and a juvenile bull moose though. Unfortunately my mountain season may be over this year due to other obligations
 
Definately on the right spot found many tailfeathers on the ground all over the trail going west and then on the part that cuts more to the north every side spur of the main ridge had some on it. The Unfortunate thing is I saw no birds. I know they are there and will try again the weekend of the 8th. This weekend my .270 and a speed goat have a date. Thanks again for the directions!

Hard to believe but just a little over a month until Phez season opens.



Have a Good 'Urn,
bones
 
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