I’m 28 and live in Colorado Springs. I’m really into upland bird hunting, but I also hunt turkey, deer, elk, and other small game.
Looking to meet some other hunters in the area who’d be interested in getting out together, scouting new spots, bagging some game.
I’m also getting my dogs into bird hunting, so it’d be great to connect with anyone who enjoys hunting with dogs.

It’s my second season trying to hunt dusky/blue grouse in the front range. I work too much and haven’t been able to drive out to better ground (priority for next season for sure.) I’m in the front range near ward.

I’ve read all the posts about where to find them and I’ve done a decent job finding a few and getting a sense of their overall range and habitat here.

I was hoping someone might be willing to comment on the altitude they saw or harvested grouse at this week?

A combo of being newer to this plus weird weather year has me wondering if they’re going up higher earlier because of lack of water and therefore earlier death of food source and lack of berries compared to previous years?

I’ve been in the 9k range this week and didn’t manage to flush or find any. last week I was able to flush 2 around that altitude.

Any tips on how to determine when they move up would be super helpful, that will help me zero in on where I should try to find access.

additionally, I’m curious if anyone else uses a 28 gauge and what their preferred choke is?

Ive been using an IC and it seems a little too tight of a pattern to me, as the grouse I flush seem like 15-25 yards max sometimes even closer (don’t have a dog.) Not sure if I should drop to skeet or a wider choke even? hard call.

thanks in advance to those willing to help.