Are there any Grouse hunters on here? if so what is some advice and experiences you've had for hunting them here in TN?
Grouse hunting
- Thread starter Chickencoop96
- Start date
Go North
we talking north as in yankee territory ? LOL
Yep
I don't know what happened to them here but they are gone. I used to love to see them in the woods.
I heard a bunch drumming and saw several in Minnesota this spring. Three different ones were drumming at the same time in one spot.
I heard a bunch drumming and saw several in Minnesota this spring. Three different ones were drumming at the same time in one spot.
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Wisconsin, Maine, etc
Willysman
Well-Known Member
Hunted the South Cherokee for many many years. Used to jump 12-15 a day (no dog). As the years went by the numbers steadily declined. Old growth forest and no new cuts due to tree huggers. Lucky to see one now. Sad.
Mattt
Well-Known Member
Pennsylvania is the closest good grouse hunting I know of. Even when they say numbers are down. Central and western still holdgood numbers
Chiflyguy
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Ontario Canada
I used to see them all the time around 25 years ago. I haven't seen one in years now so not sure what to tell you other than to go north.
Put it this way. This is even with a dog. You will walk miles and miles and probably not see one in some tough terrain. We usually average from the truck and back about 8 miles. And not get the dog on one. Sometimes the dog gets hot scent cause one has been there but who knows when. Then on your 3rd or 4th outing you'll see one or 2. So if you don't like watching dogs work or anything forget about it.
I haven't seen a grouse in 20 or 30 years
On another board long ago we had a fellar from Canada, posted pictures on his hunts, 22 rifles are legal or were then. would love to be able to do that some day but afraid it's too late these days. Minnesota I think still has a good amount of numbers to keep from crossing the boarder
JOS
Well-Known Member
Michigan and Wisconsin have good public land Grouse hunting. Michigan manages areas for Grouse and Woodcock (GEMS) Grouse Enhanced Management Sites by clearcutting certain sections for new growth ,planting food and cover sources and such. Hopefully they will keep managing some areas down here in TN for Quail and start doing some management for other Upland Birds.
Willysman
Well-Known Member
Gone on the South Cherokee. Might see one a year if you are lucky. TWRA does nothing for grouse. Habitat now on the SC is not conducive for grouse. Minnesota I understand is the grouse capital.
hopefully TWRA's new quail project will help the grouse. i can remember hearing that low Thumping sound they make as a kid but i haven't heard that in years
If only they would let them clear cut it. grouse and quail might come back.
To my Knowledge TWRA has hired someone From Kansas to help bring the quail numbers back. hopefully this is true and the grouse will follow
