Grouse hunting is a fun way to spend time in the mountains. Ruffs and Blue Grouse are abundant and available. They can be found along forest trails and roads. Recently timbered areas can be hot spots. Hunt areas where watersheds are nearby.
When I bow hunt for elk, it’s common to bump into grouse. It is not uncommon to find several birds together. To shoot them, I use a small game point on a sturdy shaft. The bow shots are on the ground and need to be precise. It’s amazing how those Mountain Chickens can duck away from a fast arrow. Shotgun hunting means a 12-gauge lightweight gun that swings fast and throws a spread of 7 ½ shot or skeet loads.
Other hunters walk the edges or ride wheelers to locate birds. My preference is to shoot these amazing birds on the wing. Flying grouse are tough targets even for the best shooters. Others simply target the birds on the ground. They call it Ground Swatting. Dogs can be helpful to locate and retrieve these well camouflaged birds.
My favorite game birds to eat are grouse. Just breast them and remove the legs. Cook over a grill with butter and season all salt. Just do not overcook them. The legs/ thighs can be perfect for soups and stews, along with the legs from pheasants and other wild game. A wild game Brunswick stew can include grouse, rabbits, squirrels, and…
Grouse are just another reason to spend more time in the Montana wild places.
Hunt Hard, Hunt Harder!
Montana Grant
