Spruce Grouse Strategy and Tips
Strategy: In late August, you will find spruce grouse along the streams and trails. They obtain gravel and berries from these locations. Hunt them early in the season, because once the snow falls the birds spend the day in the trees making them hard to locate and flush. In addition, once spruce needles are their only food source, their meat tastes like pine needles.
Tip: The spruce grouse has a tendency to sit tight instead of flying away when approached. This provides an excellent opportunity for a headshot. However, never aim directly at the head with the shotgun. Always keep your aim 1 to 2 feet above the head, depending on their distance. This way the bottom of your spray pattern will get the head and not the breast (unless of course you like picking BB’s out of your teeth when eating).
