Identifying Grouse?

kaiviti

kaiviti

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Calgary, Alberta
I'm looking to go out with a .22 to hopefully shoot some grouse. I've seen some around on my hikes and they look tasty!

I believe I will be hunting in WMU's 316 412 414.

In those WMU's Ruffed Grouse, Spruce Grouse, Blue Grouse, all open on Sept. 1st. with sharp tailed grouse not being open till Sept 15th.

Plus I know Sage Grouse is protected. The bag limit is 10 for most of those but 5 for some.

With all the different requirements I know I need to be able to quickly identify species, is there a resource or web page or trick you guys know about to do this? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Also is there somewhere you guys can point me towards to get better details or maps of the different WMU's and there boundaries. I believe I've gotten those 3 figured out but I am worried about making mistakes as I've never done this before.

Thanks again for any taking the time to reply.
 
They sound different when they flush :D. Just kidding.

No expert, but I don't think you'll find sage and sharpies in the same habitat as ruffs, blue, or spruce. Spruce are very dark and look more "ptarmiganny". Be careful you don't accidently step on one. Not sure about blue - I've never seen one in the wild.
 
Follow the link CD posted - very good information regarding appearance and habitat for each species. Since you're planning on using a .22 you'll likely be hunting them on the ground so be quiet and take the extra time to identify it correctly before you shoot (or they flush).
 
Hunters training book

You can go to the nearest fish and wildlife office pick up the hunters training course book and have all the info you need.I think it is $10.00 for the book.
 
Wing shooting grouse is far more challenging, and arguably more sportsmanlike than potting them on the ground with a .22.......


Having said that, I have had a friend throw rocks and sticks at them, to get them to fly, but they just won't. So now, unless I brought my dog, the .22 comes out.

There, I said it!
 
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