What time do you fellows hit the woods for ruffed grouse?
 

The best grouse hunter I know doesn't bother until after 9am, BUT he's nearly 80 so not exactlly pounding the forest floor like in decades past. I've kind of followed his lead without explanation Should I be getting out there closer to sunrise?

It largely depends on the weather/temperature. The birds don't get moving when it's cold unless there's a fresh snowfall. I have been out early, and I've had breakfast at Auntie Ems and then gone out. I am equally unsuccessful.

I find that if I get out there too early they're still roosting in the trees and generally present poor or no shot at all when they fly out. I kinda stick with the 9 o'clock starting time too and I still find a few birds flushing from the trees. Like "Gentleman Bob" ruffed grouse too, are a gentleman's game bird, not beginning their day at an ungawdly hour.

As has been stated, it depends on the weather but I see little point in hitting the woods until birds have has a chance to get out of the trees and wonder around a bit. Also, a later start gives the bow hunters time to do their thing and start heading out of the woods. For me, 930 1000 is about right to be in the woods.

Most of my success comes in the mid-late pm as the birds seek warm sun, dust themselves and hit food sources before heading toward the roost.

Good point Jay! As much as I hate to have anyone tramping through while I am still-hunting or sitting for deer, I hate to be the guy who spooks the deer they are waiting for.

Personally I would rather have a late start and hunt into the late afternoon. As I said above, there is no advantage to an early start. I'll hunt through the day and into the late afternoon because I think those are the most productive times and I also really enjoy late afternoons afield. The last hour of light is s beautiful time to be winding down the day, tired and content.

I couldn't agree more.

I never rush out the door for grouse ,an hour after daylight gives the bird some time to move around and make a stink for the dogs...and for me to have another cup, I actually won't even be hunting them hard till after next weekend ... Ptarmigan on the other hand gets me on the go well before daylight ,only because I have to walk 10 km or so to get to the best ground.

Wow, that's a long walk. When "Wood Goat" season ends the dang forest service down here always closes the gate over several of the roads I like to hunt. A few of them require walks of 3-5 miles to good cover. I am currently exploring the option of buying myself a standup gas powered scooter - sort of a motorized skateboard with offroad tires and a handlebar. I figure any time I can shave off hiking in and out can be spent hunting more productive cover. I would definitely like to find a way to get back to the truck faster.

off road scooter...that's a great idea :)