Grouse/Ptarmigan Near Fairbanks

[Jim McCann]

TnUplandHntr,

Well sir, you're one up on me. I have no idea at present where to find sharptails and it sounds like you're finding some. Sure, I know a few places where I could look, but I haven't had the time lately (work!) and I sure put a pile of sharptails in the freezer again this fall and probably don't deserve any more this year. I eat so many birds I tend to be a bit spooky around folks who approach me too slowly, or too fast, and I tend to flush wild!

The dogs and I have been out harrassing the ptarmigan though, and will likely do so right down to the April 30 season closure. Because of my dogs, for me it's a matter of snow depth. If the dogs can't move around without killing themselves because of too deep snow, I stay at home and work on writing and such in the home office or just watch football.

As for CHS road...I'm sorry, but I won't ever publicly point out one particular spot because it can be too hard on the resource. But I will tell you that there is great grouse habitat all along CHS rd. There are logging areas, and there are aspen hillsides, willow and alder runs, and that's where you can find ruffed and spruce grouse, and the treeless domes will have ptarmigan. Lots of private property about so you have to be careful not to encroach upon someone's property. A fitting end to a great day of grouse hunting along the CHS rd-especially for my aging bones and muscles - is a hot soak and a good dinner at the CHS resort. Of course, after all that, I might not have enough energy left in me to drive home and will have to remain over night, and then hunt my way home the next morning.

Jim

[TNUplandHntr]

Absolutely respect not pointing out particular locations. I made that mistake once a while back with someone I worked with and next thing I know he and all his buddies were wearing out this particular area and nearly ruined it for quail back in TN.

As usual the hints shared in your email are always appreciated on what to look for during my outings around Fairbanks. CHS may be best left for chasing grouse so likely will look to other roads to travel down. Will be interesting to see what this latest snowfall does on bird hunting. Like you I've enjoyed the tablefare offered up with Sharps and Ruffs this Fall with a few left in the freeze for a dinner or two while catching a football game.

I've got Veterans Day off next week and hope to make my way around the area in search of Ptarmigan. Hopefully I will have many places to myself for a day!

Hope your dogs put you in the middle of some memorable times this weekend! Hunt safe.

[GrouseH100]

if you want to hunt grouse all you need to do is drive down logging roads and look for thick brushy areas. with the snow you should be able to see tracks and then you can pattern there movements and find there roost but the slower you drive the better chance u have of finding them.

[ga2akwild]

I was coming down CHSR the other day and at about mile 10 I saw the fattest ruff Ive ever seen, I mean I had to stop the truck to verify it wasnt a chicken!!!!! Ive been hunting grouse up here for almost 10yrs and this is by far the biggest bird Ive seen. It was on the ATV trail on the north side of the road. This thing was huge and if I wasnt in a hurry to get back to work I would have pursued it through the woods. I dont venture up there too much so any of you around that way, I hope you get the oppurtunity at pursuing this awesome bird.