Fall in the Colorado mountains brings crisp air, golden aspens and the promise of a great grouse season. Fall grouse hunting is a favorite for many outdoor enthusiasts, and those in my family know, it’s not just about the hunt – it’s about building memories, passing on traditions, ensuring safety and skill in the field and also, scouting for the upcoming big game seasons.
This fall, along with my sister, Tracy, and her kids, I hit the high-country mountains of southwestern Colorado to hunt grouse. Here are some things I learned along the way.
For grouse, a shotgun is generally the weapon of choice. A 20-gauge shotgun loaded with Field Dynamics (#7.5 or #8 shot ) from Fiocchi is ideal for these birds. The lighter recoil, yet still high velocity of the 20-gauge, makes it perfect for younger hunters or those just starting out, like Tracy’s niece and nephew, who are learning the ropes this season. For those who prefer a bit more punch, a 12-gauge also is effective, though it’s important to be mindful of shot placement to avoid excessive damage to the bird. I prefer the brand new Field Dynamics Upland Steel loads from Fiocchi so I don’t have to worry about lead in my game meat.
If you’re inclined to use a rifle, a .22 or .17 HMR can work for ground shots, but always be mindful of your backdrop and surroundings. Safety is paramount in these mountain woods.
My niece and nephew started out carrying their .22s to learn the ropes of safety in the woods, which is more complex than just plinking at the range. With constant movement, muzzle awareness is key and a big lesson learned for Tracy’s young kids, Tiegan and Grady (9 and 8). This setting, however is a great way for young kids to learn the ins and outs of hunting without the pressure of larger game.
Colorado offers excellent grouse hunting opportunities, particularly in the higher elevations. The dusky (blue) grouse is a common target for hunters in this region, often found above 8,000 feet. The San Juan Mountains, the Flat Tops Wilderness and areas around the Gunnison National Forest are prime spots for hunting. Look for areas with a mix of open meadows and dense, brushy cover where grouse like to feed on insects and berries.
One of the most rewarding aspects of grouse hunting for me is hunting with dogs. This fall, I brought along my dogs on a couple of outings, adding another layer of excitement to the hunt. Watching the dogs work to flush grouse from cover not only increases your chances of success, but also deepens the connection between hunter and dogs.
Having dogs in the field makes a huge difference for my hunts. Not only do they help flush the birds, but also they’re also fantastic for retrieval, especially in rugged terrain.
On one outing, the dogs were pivotal. At high altitudes, where oxygen is thinner and the birds are often camouflaged in dense brush, the dogs’ keen senses were key to flushing out the grouse. They scouted ahead and worked in tandem with me, especially when the birds were stubborn and stuck to cover.
This season, the hunt was as much about teaching as it was about the thrill of the chase. Tracy and her kids spent time target practicing before heading into the woods, reinforcing safe firearm handling. From learning how to carry the shotgun or rifle safely in rough terrain to understanding trigger discipline, it became a hands-on education that was just as important as the hunt itself.
“The kids are getting more comfortable in the woods with a firearm,” Tracy noted. “We spent time practicing with different calibers, and when we finally got into the field, it was great to see them applying what they learned: keeping the barrels pointed in a safe direction and fingers off the triggers until ready to shoot.”
For the younger hunters, the goal wasn’t just to bag a bird, but to gain confidence in their skills and respect for the sport. Both kids have aspirations of hunting big game one day, so it’s great to get them started with small game so they’re learning the base skills of hunting.
One of the lesser-known benefits of grouse hunting, especially in the fall, is its potential to double as a scouting trip for bigger game like elk and deer. In Colorado, grouse season coincides perfectly with the pre-rut and early rut periods for elk, as well as the beginning of the deer hunting season. For hunters looking to maximize their time in the field, grouse hunting offers an excellent opportunity to scout new hunting grounds and observe the movements of larger game.
During this year’s outings, I made a point of keeping my eyes peeled for elk and deer sign while walking through high-altitude meadows and timber. As we moved through the terrain, we noted rubs, scrapes and fresh tracks – clues that could inform future hunts for big game. The kids loved pointing out the signs and made it a bit of a competition to find it. It’s a perfect way to familiarize yourself with the lay of the land, and we often discover new areas that hold promise for the upcoming big game seasons.
Exploring different terrains in search of grouse can often lead to uncovering hidden pockets of prime elk and deer habitat. Dense stands of timber where grouse are found can also serve as excellent bedding areas for elk and mule deer. Open meadows, where grouse feed on insects and seeds, are often frequented by elk during dawn and dusk as they move between bedding and feeding areas.
Additionally, early scouting provides a low-pressure way to familiarize yourself with the landscape without the intensity of a big game hunt. Carrying lighter gear for grouse allows for more mobility, and you can cover more ground while scouting for elk or deer movement patterns.
For me and my family, combining grouse hunting with scouting has become a key part of our fall hunting routine. It not only increases our chances of success in the field, but also deepens our knowledge of the areas we hunt, ensuring they’re always a step ahead when it comes time for the bigger hunts later in the season.
Grouse hunting in the fall offers more than just a chance to fill your game bag. It’s about building traditions, teaching the next generation and working with the land – and sometimes, your dogs – to enjoy the beauty of the hunt. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just starting out, you’re sure to gain a lot of hunting knowledge, as well as have a memorable fall hunt.
With the right preparation, good company and a bit of patience, grouse hunting can become a cherished part of your autumn outdoor adventures.
Find the perfect ammunition for fall hunting trips at Fiocchi.
Lanny Barnes is a three-time Olympian in Biathlon, as well as a National & World Champion in several shooting disciplines. She is currently teaching courses to military, law enforcement and competitive shooters on physiological and psychological aspects of shooting and is the director of Commercial Sales for HIVIZ Sights. Lanny and her twin sister spend much of their free time traveling around to schools, 4-H clubs, Boys & Girls Clubs, etc., talking to them about following their dreams, setting goals, and leading a healthy active lifestyle. Taking wounded vets and terminally ill kids on hunts through Freedom Hunters and OE4A is also one of Lanny's passions. View all posts by Lanny Barnes
