In the Western uplands, these species get little pressure.
Oct 4, 2004
Spruce Grouse
Fool's hens are perhaps the least hunted of all our birds, primarily because they often refuse to fly when startled. Technically known as spruce grouse or Franklin's grouse, these birds are too bold, too trusting. They'll often stand on the forest floor and allow a person to approach within a few feet. In fact, it's not uncommon for people to
dispatch them with sticks or rocks, though you need to check the legality of this in areas where you hunt. The answer to their refusal to fly is to use a dog to make the flush.
Both blue and spruce grouse are
typically hunted during long, liberal seasons. Hunters who focus on them with enthusiasm have no trouble finding plenty of birds, unless the cycle is down and grouse are scarce. If that's the case, you might do well to find a bird or two during a day's hunting.
Ptarmigan
Across the north country, ptarmigan often live and die without ever seeing a human. Most are taken by caribou hunters who happen to bring along a shotgun. There are three subspecies: rock, willow and white-tailed ptarmigan. My Michigan writer buddy, Tom Huggler, is the only person I've ever known to make a trip exclusively for these birds. An ardent bird hunter, he takes his dog with him, both of them flying in small planes.
When bird cycles are up, action can be fast and furious, but count on plenty of walking when they're down. These birds often refuse to fly and might walk maddeningly in front of you as you try to get them to flush. All you can do is keep pressing, sometimes dashing toward them. Bag limits are liberal and seasons are long. If you plan a caribou trip, a couple members of your party should bring along shotguns.
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