Hunting Grouse in Alberta

[Suspect187]

My search function doesn’t seem to work so I went back to last years threads to read up a little. Looking for some additional information for Alberta.

My friend and I are hunting grouse for the first time this year. He has no experience and I’ve only hunted Hungarian Partridge a couple times along side an experienced hunter in Taber and Milk River areas (WMU 104, 106, 108, 112, 128, 130). We hunted abandoned farms and wheat fields (i think). Now I’m looking to add some grouse in the mix. My questions:

What type of grouse will I find in these areas?
Where should I be looking for them?
Should I be hunting different areas?

Any info beyond the questions I asked would be welcomed. Thanks in advance.

 

[altagunguy]

Sage grouse are protected. Don't shoot them. You may see a ruffed or sharp, but I doubt that you will see any grouse in the area you are going. I have seen lots of Hungarian and pheasant in the south. Good luck.

 

[rautenstrauchc]

Never hunted grouse that far south before. Up North we just walk around the edge of a field (clover, pea, etc.) usually fill our bag limit before noon. We usually start when the frost hits at night, and its still on the ground at sun-up. Grouse don't seem to like being cold so they will try to move from shaded cover to open sunlight. Try that.

 

[Pudelpointer]

WMU 104, 106, 108, 112, 128, 130

Likely to only find Sharptail Grouse in the majority of these zones. If you find some larger forested areas along the rivers you *may find some ruffed grouse. As already stated there are a few Sage Grouse left in the area south and east of Manyberries - they are endangered and shooting one would land you hip deep in horse s**t, if you get my drift.

As for Sharpies, the season is only the month of October in those zones. I would also suggest that you only shoot one or two your first trip out, and then try eating them. Some people do not find them good to eat, others think they are great. My wife is one type, I am the other, so I do not take many each year.

Sharpies are usually found in areas with a bit more brush, and like longer grassy areas (water courses - weedy areas within ag fields are often good spots to look).

This goes without saying (but since you are asking about what is out there, and your self professed limited knowledge) but please know what you are shooting at BEFORE pulling the trigger. Some things are hard to learn without a good mentor or a lot of field experience. If you don't know better, a hen pheasant (no open season) can look an awful lot like a Sharptail Grouse. You will need to see both fly (a couple of times at least) to be able to make the micro-second judgment of whether you should shoot or not.

I guess what I am saying is "go out this year with a little restraint; make learning the priority."

 

[Suspect187]

Thanks for the info everyone. Maybe I will try somewhere further North with a higher population of grouse, specifically ruffies. Does anyone have suggestions on areas close to Calgary? I'd say a 3 hour drive or so max.

This goes without saying (but since you are asking about what is out there, and your self professed limited knowledge) but please know what you are shooting at BEFORE pulling the trigger. Some things are hard to learn without a good mentor or a lot of field experience. If you don't know better, a hen pheasant (no open season) can look an awful lot like a Sharptail Grouse. You will need to see both fly (a couple of times at least) to be able to make the micro-second judgment of whether you should shoot or not.

I guess what I am saying is "go out this year with a little restraint; make learning the priority."

I hear ya loud and clear. Thanks for the advice.