Backpack Hunting for Mountain Grouse

Mountain grouse are abundant across the Rocky Mountains and beyond.  They occupy elevation ranges from the valley floor all the way up to peaks.  I’ve seen blue grouse up in boulder fields near mountain peaks over 9500’ in elevation.  Hunting licenses are inexpensive, comparing to big game.  You can get a three day license in most states.  Throw in a fishing license and go to high mountain lakes and you have it made. 

You don’t need a dog, although it is more enjoyable with one.  A backpack mountain grouse hunt checks all the boxes of traditional backpack-style hunt.  And you can fit it in around other hunts of the season, greatly expanding your season, giving you more experiences, more opportunities to test gear, and more fun!

When to go Hunting for Mountain Grouse

Grouse seasons in the west are very long giving you plenty of options. My preference is to go early in September in the high country when there is still good weather and it is cooler than other areas. Also, between the grouse opener in September and the October rifle hunt for big game the woods are relatively quiet, making for a much more enjoyable hunting experience.

Backpacking Meals with Grouse

Adding grouse is also one of my favorite backpacking meals.  Catch a few fish and you have it made.  There’s nothing like having fresh fish and grouse next to a high mountain lake. 

Here’s how I do it:

Breast out the grouse.  Wash in lake or creek.  Soak in salt + sugar water for at least an hour and up to overnight if you have it.  Remove from water.  Coat in a batter, ideally flour, salt, pepper.  Keep it simple.  And you can use all of these for other meals.  Fry in oil.  Other option to cook over fire but not as good.  Turn often.  Eat and tell stories. 

Backpacking Mountain Grouse Recipe

Other option if you want to get fancy – Rosemary-Honey Crispy Grouse

Season the grouse meat with salt, pepper, and rosemary. Lightly dredge each piece in flour or breading mix. Heat oil in the pot over your stove or fire. Cook the grouse pieces for about 4 minutes on each side until crispy. Drizzle honey over the meat and let it cook for another 2 minutes until slightly caramelized.

The flour can also be used for making a pan bread side with honey. 

Backpacking Meal of Mountain Grouse and Huckleberry Sauce

Even better in early September is to find some huckleberries to add to the meal. Here’s a Blue Grouse recipe with Huckleberry Sauce Recipe

Season the grouse meat with salt and pepper. Lightly cover each piece in breading mix or flour. Heat oil in the pot over your stove or fire. Cook the grouse pieces for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. In a separate area of the pot (or remove the grouse and use the pot afterward), combine the huckleberries and honey, cooking until a thick sauce forms. Serve the grouse drizzled with the huckleberry sauce.

For similar articles check out A New Take on Backpack Hunting and Mother Chukar.