GrouseChaser: Yeah I have seen them at this elevation (5,400') as early as March 1st - but not really in Huntable numbers at all then.
This has been a harsh, cold and snowy winter hereabouts - I think they are just done hibernating and are either low on food stores down below or just restless?
What little grass/crops are available here are dried out and probably poor fare.
Was chasin guns over Missoula, Montana way yesterday and saw an extremely dark colored Rock Chuck alongside I-90 on my way home.
Things are starting to stir but spring has not sprung hereabouts.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy
