Montana gets a lot of press for its big game hunting opportunities, and rightly so. Montana is home to some of the most diverse and plentiful big game populations in the world. Our state can also boast about the many opportunities to hunt those big game animals on public land. And it’s well known that the Bitterroot Valley is home to a diverse and plentiful population of these incredible game animals. But, lesser known, is that the Bitterroot Valley is also a must-go destination for upland bird hunters.
Yes, there are pheasants and grouse in the river bottoms and the open land, as there are all over the state of Montana, but did you also know that the mountains are full of two separate species of grouse, both of which offer unique and exciting opportunities for the upland bird hunter?
If you are an upland bird hunter, who has never had the chance to hunt the mountains for both ruffed grouse and dusky grouse (also referred to as the more common distinction of blue grouse) you’re missing out. These birds offer the wing shooter plenty of excitement, and, also, excellent table fare after a good day’s hunt.
Dusky Grouse
Dusky grouse are found in the fall in high meadows, usually in places immediately adjacent to thick woods that provide cover. Dusky grouse are large grouse colored a slate-blue, and are well-suited for hunting with dogs—pointing or flushing (both breeds can excel equally on these birds)—and, also, for the hunter without any dogs (In fact, it’s commonly thought that because grouse season coexists with the state’s general big game archery season, that many more grouse are skewered by bow hunters than hunted traditionally by a bird hunter with a shotgun). Dusky grouse can be found in groups, also known as a covey, and also as singles.
Ruffed Grouse
Ruffed grouse, or Ruffs, are found in typically denser cover than the Dusky grouse. Usually areas where there’s a creek bed and dense cover you’ll find these birds. Ruffs are smaller in size to the Dusky Grouse, colored differently, however, with intricate patterns of tans, browns, and whites. Again, like Dusky grouse, Ruffs are equally well-suited for both the flushing and pointing breeds of dogs.
Grouse hunting in the mountains of Montana is both exciting and inspiring (Don’t forget to look up and enjoy the incredible scenery every now and then!). Also, because grouse are located in areas where bears, grizzly and black, live, it’s important to remember to also carry bear pepper spray. And, when the general rifle season commences in October to wear enough orange to be recognized as a fellow hunter. Good luck, and enjoy the fall season in Bitterroot Valley.
