Haven't heard much chatter around grouse numbers this year. What are people's experiences this fall so far? Numbers up, down, about the same? Heading up in a couple weeks and just wondering if I should bring my .410 or not.

Bring it. Most reports show they're down from last year, but still there.

The numbers go in cycles and now seem to be on the downside a little. Still good numbers, but not like 2 years ago.

I live out in the country and drive back roads often. I have seen one grouse since July.

We hunt with Springers mainly in Aitkin and Itasca counties. Been flushing around 3-4 birds per hour. Down from the last couple years.

The numbers are definitely down. I walked over 30 miles last weekend and probably saw less than 15 ruffed grouse. Surprisingly I’ve seen more spruce grouse. Although one area I hunt outside the bwca I continually flush over a dozen in less than 2 hours of walking.

I hunt a couple of times a week and the numbers seem down. I am curious to see what happens now that the temperature is dropping a little bit. I suspect I’ll see a few more birds. It is starting to get loud now that the leaves have really started to drop.

Grouse numbers are definitely way down here in northeastern Minnesota. The last few years have been excellent, and a downturn was long overdue.

I'll take the word of others that numbers are down, but in my limited time in the woods I have seen plenty to make it worthwhile.

Spent a long weekend in NE MN and numbers were way, way down. The area where my husband shot his limit on our 4 day weekend 2 years ago, he only shot 1 and only saw a couple others. Two years ago I was seeing 25-30 on a couple hour day hike, this year I saw 5 one day, one the next day and none the rest.

straighthairedcurly: "Spent a long weekend in NE MN and numbers were way, way down. The area where my husband shot his limit on our 4 day weekend 2 years ago, he only shot 1 and only saw a couple others. Two years ago I was seeing 25-30 on a couple hour day hike, this year I saw 5 one day, one the next day and none the rest."

Thanks for the info

Well, grouse numbers were down, yes, but had a great time and managed to bag a few birds. Anyone have a secret recipe they want to share? I normally crock pot 'em with potatoes and veggies and some chicken stock.

Was up around Ely earlier this week. Saw one grouse on the road and found one kill site near Ep77, as well as lots of wolf scat.

Kawishiwashy: "Well, grouse numbers were down, yes, but had a great time and managed to bag a few birds. Anyone have a secret recipe they want to share? I normally crock pot 'em with potatoes and veggies and some chicken stock. "

Do you like Chinese? This recipe is one that kills for Pheasant. Should be just as good with grouse. I’d Brine the grouse in sugar, salt water for 12 hours to make it more tender and juicy.
General Tso’s Pheasant

I’d recommend this book Pheasant, Quail, Cottontail it has a lot of great tasting upland bird recipes. Guy was a big time chef in NY then moved to Minnesota, tried hunting then switched to cooking wild game as a passion.

T

Cube up the breast, sprinkle with Montreal seasoning, fry in butter until medium, let rest for five min., if you can, then eat.

Kawishiwashy: "Well, grouse numbers were down, yes, but had a great time and managed to bag a few birds. Anyone have a secret recipe they want to share? I normally crock pot 'em with potatoes and veggies and some chicken stock. "

timatkn: "

Kawishiwashy: "Well, grouse numbers were down, yes, but had a great time and managed to bag a few birds. Anyone have a secret recipe they want to share? I normally crock pot 'em with potatoes and veggies and some chicken stock. "

Do you like Chinese? This recipe is one that kills for Pheasant. Should be just as good with grouse. I’d Brine the grouse in sugar, salt water for 12 hours to make it more tender and juicy.
General Tso’s Pheasant


I’d recommend this book Pheasant, Quail, Cottontail it has a lot of great tasting upland bird recipes. Guy was a big time chef in NY then moved to Minnesota, tried hunting then switched to cooking wild game as a passion.


T"

Thanks T. Looks amazing!!

The Grouse numbers are definitely down from previous years. My usual spots have produced very little.Yet, I've shot over 20 so far, but I've walked over 10 miles each hunting day. There seems to be pockets that hold many birds, but I usually see only one or two in most locations. My cousin has property south of Ely and I've seen 5-10 birds on his road.

egknuti: "The Grouse numbers are definitely down from previous years. My usual spots have produced very little.Yet, I've shot over 20 so far, but I've walked over 10 miles each hunting day. There seems to be pockets that hold many birds, but I usually see only one or two in most locations. My cousin has property south of Ely and I've seen 5-10 birds on his road. "

Thanks for the info

egknuti: "The Grouse numbers are definitely down from previous years. My usual spots have produced very little.Yet, I've shot over 20 so far, but I've walked over 10 miles each hunting day. There seems to be pockets that hold many birds, but I usually see only one or two in most locations. My cousin has property south of Ely and I've seen 5-10 birds on his road. "

This is my experience this year also.

I'm sure glad I planted foods they like on my land. Address withheld.