It was a dry may in interior Alaska so should be good survival for grouse.
We have 3 species: ruffed, spruce, sharptails.
Season opens Aug 10, ends March 31.
Don't forget the three ptarmigan species, they are also grouse.
I didn't get a chance at ruffs or sharptails when I was up there but did get the other 4. It was great to put experience on a dog as one could take up to 15 grouse depending on the unit. A two day trip with 4 hunters and a dog could have as many as 60 birds shot over it though I had two dogs but ran them one at a time. I could get out for at least 6 days which could be more birds than most dogs see in a couple years.
I didn't care for willow ptarmigan nor spruce grouse as the odds of meeting a bear seemed higher. I didn't see a brown up close but saw a couple over the years. Having pointing dogs that could run big along with beeper collars and bells probably helped the most. I am not afraid of bears but I felt responsible for those with me so didn't want any problems. Moose, porcupines, and the guests were the actual problems.
