Intro to this species—landscapes, strategies, costs, and comforts.
Summary
Sooty Grouse are a close relative of the Dusky Grouse, found along the western mountains of North America. These birds thrive in dense coniferous forests, often at higher elevations where steep terrain and thick cover make for a challenging hunt. During spring, males can be heard booming their deep, low calls to attract hens. Sooty Grouse rely on camouflage and stillness to evade predators, but when flushed, they explode into flight with surprising speed. They are most commonly hunted in the fall, when they move between alpine summer ranges and lower elevation forests, providing a challenging pursuit for those willing to navigate steep, timbered terrain.
Sooty grouse hunts typically take place in late summer and early fall at higher elevations, where these mountain birds inhabit the edges of meadows and pockets of dense conifer or brush. Guided trips often involve steep, physically demanding hikes and employ well-trained pointing and retrieving dogs to locate, hold, and recover birds. Hunters should be prepared for fair-chase upland shooting with a shotgun, variable weather conditions, and rugged terrain. These hunts offer a rewarding challenge for both newcomers and seasoned upland enthusiasts, combining scenic mountain settings with the excitement of working dogs and flush-and-shoot action.
Sooty Grouse outings are typically offered as guided day hunts, with no overnight accommodations provided by the outfitter. Hunters should plan their own lodging when extending their stay. Sleeping arrangements are not included. Meal coverage varies by outfitter—some packages include field-ready meals while others require participants to bring their own food. Heating and cooling amenities are not applicable for these day-only hunts.
We think these three hunts should be at the top of your list.
Sooty Grouse 3-Day Hunt in the California Mountains
Professional Sooty Grouse hunting guide and outfitter in Northern California.
Another favorite for the amazing terrain they call home. Sooty grouse are birds of the mountains. When the valley is still scorching hot in September, go high for a sooty grouse hunt. Commonly found along the edges of mountain meadows where a brush or conifer pocket meet. To some they are just a dumb bird, to target them with dogs is a totally different experience that won’t be easily topped.
We use pointing dogs that are also trained to retrieve for upland bird hunts.
California
Sooty Grouse
2100
Trinity Fork Outfitters
Fair Chase
Public
Unspecified
Yes
Unspecified
Unspecified
Meals Provided
Unspecified
2100
Includes Dogs
Contact
Check Availability
Contact Outfitter
Thank you! Your submission has been received! We will be in touch in the next 24 hours.
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This info will not be shared with other outfitters or sold in any way. We will not SPAM you. We grab this info so that we can (quickly) make a warm introduction between you and the outfitter. Then we step aside and let you communicate by email, text, or phone with the outfitter as you see fit.
Alternatively, log in or sign up to see this outfitter’s contact info so you can reach out directly.
Check Availability
Request received! We’re reaching out to the outfitter and will update you as soon as we hear back.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
When you submit this request, we will do the legwork of calling and emailing the outfitter to see if they have an opening on your requested dates. We will continue reaching out to the outfitter daily until we hear back. You’ll hear from us very soon.
Sooty Grouse Day Hunt in the California Mountains
Professional Sooty Grouse hunting guide and outfitter in Northern California.
Another favorite for the amazing terrain they call home. Sooty grouse are birds of the mountains. When the valley is still scorching hot in September, go high for a sooty grouse hunt. Commonly found along the edges of mountain meadows where a brush or conifer pocket meet. To some they are just a dumb bird, to target them with dogs is a totally different experience that won’t be easily topped.
We use pointing dogs that are also trained to retrieve for upland bird hunts.
California
Sooty Grouse
500
Trinity Fork Outfitters
Fair Chase
Public
None - Day Hunt
No
N/A
N/A
Meals Not Provided
Unspecified
500
Includes Dogs
Contact
Check Availability
Contact Outfitter
Thank you! Your submission has been received! We will be in touch in the next 24 hours.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
This info will not be shared with other outfitters or sold in any way. We will not SPAM you. We grab this info so that we can (quickly) make a warm introduction between you and the outfitter. Then we step aside and let you communicate by email, text, or phone with the outfitter as you see fit.
Alternatively, log in or sign up to see this outfitter’s contact info so you can reach out directly.
Check Availability
Request received! We’re reaching out to the outfitter and will update you as soon as we hear back.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
When you submit this request, we will do the legwork of calling and emailing the outfitter to see if they have an opening on your requested dates. We will continue reaching out to the outfitter daily until we hear back. You’ll hear from us very soon.
Sooty Grouse FAQs
What you need to know before you book:
What type of terrain should I expect when hunting sooty grouse?
Sooty grouse hunts take place at higher elevations along the edges of mountain meadows, dense conifer stands, and brushy ridges. Expect steep, rocky trails and uneven ground where birds shelter in pockets of cover—good footwear and a moderate level of fitness are recommended.
What methods are commonly used to hunt sooty grouse?
Most sooty grouse outings employ well-trained pointing and retrieving dogs. Hunters work alongside their dogs in a flush-and-shoot style, moving systematically through cover as the dog locates and holds birds until you’re ready to take a shot.
How does weather affect hunting sooty grouse?
Late-summer and early-fall weather at elevation can be unpredictable—mornings may start cool or misty, afternoons can warm up, and sudden rain or wind is not uncommon. Dress in moisture-wicking layers and carry rain gear to stay comfortable and maintain mobility.
Explore Our Sooty Grouse Hunts
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Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Sooty Grouse 3-Day Hunt in the California Mountains
Professional Sooty Grouse hunting guide and outfitter in Northern California.
Another favorite for the amazing terrain they call home. Sooty grouse are birds of the mountains. When the valley is still scorching hot in September, go high for a sooty grouse hunt. Commonly found along the edges of mountain meadows where a brush or conifer pocket meet. To some they are just a dumb bird, to target them with dogs is a totally different experience that won’t be easily topped.
We use pointing dogs that are also trained to retrieve for upland bird hunts.
California
Sooty Grouse
2100
Trinity Fork Outfitters
Fair Chase
Public
Unspecified
Yes
Unspecified
Unspecified
Meals Provided
Unspecified
2100
Includes Dogs
Contact
Check Availability
Contact Outfitter
Thank you! Your submission has been received! We will be in touch in the next 24 hours.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
This info will not be shared with other outfitters or sold in any way. We will not SPAM you. We grab this info so that we can (quickly) make a warm introduction between you and the outfitter. Then we step aside and let you communicate by email, text, or phone with the outfitter as you see fit.
Alternatively, log in or sign up to see this outfitter’s contact info so you can reach out directly.
Check Availability
Request received! We’re reaching out to the outfitter and will update you as soon as we hear back.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
When you submit this request, we will do the legwork of calling and emailing the outfitter to see if they have an opening on your requested dates. We will continue reaching out to the outfitter daily until we hear back. You’ll hear from us very soon.
Sooty Grouse Day Hunt in the California Mountains
Professional Sooty Grouse hunting guide and outfitter in Northern California.
Another favorite for the amazing terrain they call home. Sooty grouse are birds of the mountains. When the valley is still scorching hot in September, go high for a sooty grouse hunt. Commonly found along the edges of mountain meadows where a brush or conifer pocket meet. To some they are just a dumb bird, to target them with dogs is a totally different experience that won’t be easily topped.
We use pointing dogs that are also trained to retrieve for upland bird hunts.
California
Sooty Grouse
500
Trinity Fork Outfitters
Fair Chase
Public
None - Day Hunt
No
N/A
N/A
Meals Not Provided
Unspecified
500
Includes Dogs
Contact
Check Availability
Contact Outfitter
Thank you! Your submission has been received! We will be in touch in the next 24 hours.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
This info will not be shared with other outfitters or sold in any way. We will not SPAM you. We grab this info so that we can (quickly) make a warm introduction between you and the outfitter. Then we step aside and let you communicate by email, text, or phone with the outfitter as you see fit.
Alternatively, log in or sign up to see this outfitter’s contact info so you can reach out directly.
Check Availability
Request received! We’re reaching out to the outfitter and will update you as soon as we hear back.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
When you submit this request, we will do the legwork of calling and emailing the outfitter to see if they have an opening on your requested dates. We will continue reaching out to the outfitter daily until we hear back. You’ll hear from us very soon.