Grouse numbers

[7mm08]

I know giving out locations of grouse habitat is like giving out your SSN#, but is anyone east of Crossville flushing any grouse? Do you think the numbers are up or down this year as compaired to the previous years since they tend to run in cycles? And just for grins, do you think that the proliferation of turkeys has hurt the grouse numbers, RUFFLY speaking?

 

[InfoMan]

Ruffed grouse populations fluctuate in Tennessee but do not have the true cycle that is experienced in the north. The most significant factors that effect grouse populations in Tennessee are habitat and weather.

Big news!! They like thick places. You didn't know that did you?

You can generally look at turkey hatches and figure grouse have similar success. Heavy spring rains are a problem for turkeys and grouse.

If you are finding turkeys in places you used to find grouse, the habitat has changed. Grouse like it thick...turkeys like it open.

For grouse, check out Royal Blue, Sundquist, and Ataya.

 

[shootdonniebrook]

I've only been grouse hunting 5 or 6 times this season, but I have flew grouse every time. So far it looks to be a better year than last season. I think I've flew maybe 25 or so birds so far, and only shot 5. They have all been in 15 plus year old clear-cuts, and shots are fast.

 

[7mm08]

yeah, I like a 20guage with a cylinder and skeet choke tubes for those fast flying shots. Used to live in Maine. The locals used #9 shot..more lead out quicker, thin skinned bird. I don't normally go until after deer season is over around here.

 

[Model70Man]

I haven't flushed any grouse this season, mainly because I haven't hunted that much this year. My parents live in Morgan county and their property holds quite a few quail, grouse, and turkey.

 

[bonekelektr]

I know giving out locations of grouse habitat is like giving out your SSN#, but is anyone east of Crossville flushing any grouse? Do you think the numbers are up or down this year as compaired to the previous years since they tend to run in cycles? And just for grins, do you think that the proliferation of turkeys has hurt the grouse numbers, RUFFLY speaking?

I used to hunt the Paint Creek/Hurricane Gap area of the CNF(S. of Greeneville off 70) used to fly quite a few there in the cuts....I dont think so much the turkeys as the varmints hurt the nests...........

 

[7mm08]

Reason I mentioned turkeys is because several "old timers" I have talked to say that turkeys eat the eggs and chicks....those that would dispute this are probably the same ones that say stripers only eat shad...but that's another story.

I do know grouse in the south can not be compaired to the north. They all contend with loss of habitat, not enough true clear cutting, weather, snipers on ATV's and cars, and yes hawks, owls, and the other trash varmits. (the guys in MN, and ME look at us like we are crazy for "going in" after the birds with our dogs, beeper collars, and compasses to get ourselves out with!)

Sad part of the whole deal is...before you get these birds figured out...your body gives out and chasing them again is impossible.

Thanks for everyone imput. BIRD!!!!!

 

[PickettSFHunter]

I have seen 3 in the thickets on my property this year, and I bet I havent seen a total of 12 grouse here my whole life.

 

[InfoMan]

Never really thought it was possible, but the stripers may be eating the grouse.

 

[7mm08]

Infoman,
So......stripers eat grouse too? HAHA

Now that explains the feathers the other day in that 15# striper I caught below Melton Hill, but those were chicken feathers and dyed deer tail!!!

OK, I need some info on grouse. What causes the red/gray phase of grouse colors. Up "North Country" in Maine all the birds are gray except for one red one I killed of which my buddy called it a rather slanderous word.. Dont want to get kicked off the board.

In the South, all the birds are red..genetics, food?

 

[roadracer]

7mm-08, favorite caliber, have a Rem. model 7 all weather. Are you from Maine, Greenville, ME here. I haven't found much for birds around here but once deer season ends I am going to check out a few spots.

 

[7mm08]

Born in VA, but now my body is in TN past 20 years, my brain and soul still live in ME. I lived there but a year. I always wanted to live there. Finally landed a job there at Maine Med in Portland. One of the docs I worked for there was crazy....Certifiable, and HE was finally fired after I and two more people left because of him..

However, I made great friends there and still keep in touch 20 years later. I go back about once every year or so to hunt grouse(pats)or trout and salmon fish. I hunted and fished all around Parmachenee, Megalloway, Azicohos Lakes up in Rangeley. Great folks.. Found out Mainers are not openly friendly, but once they know you would gladly give you the shirt off their back. Interesting folk, between the loggers and seamen. Incredible history. Ever read "Tall trees, tough men"?

BTW...Remington 700 Mountain DM...WICKED great gun

 

[roadracer]

Haven't read Tall Trees, Tough Men, but I have cut my fair share of trees. I was just back in Maine for Thanksgiving, even had a little snow to hunt on. I have been considering moving back but the 3 feet of snow and $12,000 difference in cost of living are giving me second thoughts, hard to beat the life in the Great North Woods though.

I really enjoy the Rangely lakes region, I used to live in Farmington and spent a few weekends up that way hunting and fishing.

You hit the nail on the head about Maine personalities, as long as you aren't from Mass.you will usually find a friend or two.

Those Mountain Rifles are wicked good and light, I went with the synthetic stock because I am wicked hard on stuff, second chioce was the Mountain rifle.

later