Blue grouse, recently renamed the dusky grouse, are a fun and sporting bird to hunt, especially over both flushing and pointing dogs. The challenge not only lies in the speed of the bird, but also in the terrain that the blue grouse is found. These tips and techniques will help hunters to maximize their time in the field hunting Colorado's elusive high country grouse.
Blue Grouse Habitat in Colorado
According to the Colorado Division of Wildlife, blue grouse can be found in in elevations ranging between 6,500 feet to 11,000 feet. They are considered a forest bird, but will be found in a variety of habitats throughout the course of the year. The summer breeding habitat is in lower elevation aspen stands with heavy cover that includes service berry, currents, snowberry, and rose bushes. After the breeding season is over, the large male blue grouse are the first to move up to higher elevations, such as spruce and fir stands. Thus, hunters will find success hunting lower elevations, along the edges of sage and aspen stands. As the hunting season progresses, hunters should focus their efforts on the higher elevation forest stands as the females and young brood also make their way up in elevation.
No matter the time of the year, blue grouse prefer steep slopes and ridge tops. Hunters should always focus on semi-forested rocky ridge tops and the edges of scree fields. Grouse that are flushed will almost always fly down the slope for a quick escape. Hunters who plan ahead can use this to their advantage. A recent forest cut, within the last three to four years, is another hot spot for grouse. The post-cut revegetation provides good cover and food for grouse and can provide easy walking for the hunter.
Hunting Blue Grouse With Dogs
Blue grouse can be a tricky bird for an inexperienced bird dog, but the chances of success are much greater when hunting with a dog. Blue grouse tend to congregate in coveys – sometimes as many as fifteen birds to a covey. Without a dog it is unlikely that a hunter will ever know there are multiple birds in the immediate area. A good pointing dog will give the hunter a chance to set up for the best possible shot. A flushing dog, on the other hand, will work closely flushing the birds in front of the hunters.
Hunters need to be aware that there is little water available for the dogs in most grouse hunting locales in Colorado. Plenty of fresh drinking water will need to be carried along on the hunt to provide to the dogs. Dogs risk severe heat exhaustion and dehydration if they do not get enough water while they are hunting. Some hunters will wear a two or three liter hydration pack and teach the dogs to lap water from the mouthpiece as if it were an inverted fountain. Another option is to carry bottled water and a collapsible water bowl for the dogs.
Guided Blue Grouse Hunting in Colorado
Hunters that are new to hunting blue grouse in Colorado may want to book an outfitter for their hunt. These outfitters will help hunters access the best blue grouse habitat and maximize their chance for success. Some outfitters even offer blue grouse hunts from horseback in Colorado's high country. These guided blue grouse hunts will ensure a safe and successful hunt for newcomers to the sport.
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Upland Bird Hunting in Western Colorado by Sue Melus
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