Quick Answer
For early season grouse, the ideal hunting style is a combination of stealth, mobility, and aggressive cover calling, allowing hunters to effectively locate and draw out birds.
Early Season Strategies
For hunting sharptail grouse in early season, it’s essential to focus on areas with newly greened-up cover, such as aspen groves and meadows. These areas tend to attract grouse as they move to find food and escape the cold. When scouting, look for bird sign like scratch marks, droppings, and feathers.
Mobility and Stealth
To hunt effectively in early season, hunters should be prepared to move quickly and quietly through the terrain. This can be achieved by wearing camouflage, using trekking poles or walking sticks to minimize noise, and staying alert for signs of birds. Aim to cover 2-3 miles of terrain in a morning hunt, pausing to glass for birds and call when necessary.
Calling Techniques
When calling sharptail grouse in early season, it’s crucial to use a loud, aggressive tone to mimic the sounds of a female grouse. Try using a mouth call or a box call to produce a loud, raspy “kek-kek-kek” sound. Experiment with different call patterns and volumes to determine what works best in your area. Aim to call 10-15 minutes at a time, pausing to listen for responses before calling again.
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