On these hot days the grouse like to stay cool and they will look for shade in the lower lying areas of the terrain which tend to hold more vegetation for them to snack on. I will scan the area looking for dips, gullies and downhill streams while also looking for different transition zones in the tree lines. This is why I prefer to walk the bush than driving or using an atv as the noise of the vehicle can drown out the sounds around you. A scurrying grouse is a noisy grouse and when I step off the road or trail into the thick bush I immediately take a minute to stop, crouch, scan and listen. I then repeat this process. Walk slowly for a minute then stop, crouch, scan and listen. I put numerous birds in the bag last September while talking to other hunters who told me they hardly saw any birds at all. The difference? I didn't wait for the grouse to come to me, I went to them. Pushing the bush is also extremely effective during the mid day hours when the sun is high and the grouse are hunkered down, but be prepared for the hike and don't give up after the first flush. I will stealthily chase down grouse for two to three flushes until I see them perform the home run flush - that bird is outta here!
Sometimes, I push deep into the bush far away from the beaten paths and roads and I like to have my high-visibility backpack with me with a few snacks and bottles of water, along with some hunter tape and my GPS tracking my progress. Take note of the sun’s position in the sky and often check your surroundings so you don't get disoriented. I also advise to wear good footwear and safety glasses during these stalking sessions as getting a branch in the eye not only hurts, but could potentially end your hunting day or season.
When you’re out and about this fall and you want a little bit more exercise and a better chance to bag your limit get off the roads and trails and push the bush.