Grouse Cycle

[john g]

Where are we in the grouse population cycle. Is this supposed to be a good year?

[Jelvis]

I think it's on spin dry lol
Jel

[LOC]

I hope it's not a good year!

In the few times I've gone out I've seen a total of 7 birds in 5 days.

[Steeleco]

This year isn't off to the great start I saw last year. In three days I only saw 5 grouse. By this time last year I'd already got a few days limit with lots that I never even tried to shoot.

[coquitlam]

2 years ago I called the game biologist in Merrit and asked some questions regarding grouse and what he said was the main determination on grouse pop. is that in the spring when the hens have the eggs that it is dry during the incubation time and not alot of rain. That`s why last year was such a great year but where I hunt it was a wet spring and i have not seen as much as the previous year.

[gamer]

Last year was crazy, I found them everywhere. I have only seen about a dozen this year.

[sawmill]

Haven`t seen one yet this year.

[TyTy]

i've been all over the coast this year. i can count the grouse i've seen on 2 hands.

[Little Red Man]

Was out for a drive last night and saw 7 in just a couple hours.....

[lostindian]

Seen 2 birds got 1 of them last Saturday on my first time out up here.

[jml11]

In terms of the 'cycle' it will vary from region to region depending on weather patterns and predator numbers. I think the Omineca will have a decent population this year.

Saw 6 ruffies yesterday during a short road hunt with the family. That's more than I saw the last two seasons combined. The warm early spring this year bodes well for bird populations up here. Last year, spring was very late and wet and I only saw 4 birds all year...

[dougal]

one of the guys I work with went for an anual family grouse hunt and out of a dozzen guys they got maby ten and they ate most when they were hunting. still a good time but not for the long run

[Fisher-Dude]

Saw 4 birds in 2 weeks of elk hunting in the EK. Went out yesterday to my region 8 chicken honey holes and didn't see a single bird. Old timer friend of mine is cursing the lack of birds here too. The wet spring seems to have had a big effect. :(

Last year was excellent - birds everywhere.

[Gope]

I have seen more birds this season then any in recent years...got a 3 person limit in a day this season also! (Vancouver island though)

[1/2 slam]

The critical time for Grouse is the month of June. If it is wet like here on the coast in June the chicks don't do well. A lot die from pneumonia. I think this year is going to be the sh!ts.

[TPB]

Yep like sawmill said not a single bird.

[Jelvis]

A bird in the hand, is better than two in the bush ..
Jel .. Confucious..

[shadow1982]

I thought it was a good year, so far i have hunted 9 and saw 9... lol this gives me more hope for yrs to come

[chinookkiller]

gone out last tuesday for 4-p deer at reg3,but not even seen a doe in two days,the way came home shoot 13 birds of 15.