American GrouseHunters
All Core 9 species

Forest Four

Sooty Grouse

Dendragapus fuliginosus

Field Guide
Core 9
Sooty Grouse in natural habitat
Photo: Jess Findlay Photography
Range

Pacific coastal mountains from Alaska through British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and California.

Habitat

Moist mountain conifers, berry slopes, clear-cut edges and subalpine openings west of the Cascade crest.

Best timing

September and early October, before snow limits higher forest-road and trail access.

Identification

A large, very dark forest grouse. Displaying males reveal yellow throat skin surrounded by white neck feathers.

Public-land starting points

Best bets for the quest

01

Washington

Olympic, Gifford Pinchot and Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forests

Official agency
02

Oregon

Coast Range and western Cascade National Forests

Official agency
03

California

Northern coastal and Sierra National Forest lands

Official agency

How to hunt the habitat

Field approach

  1. 1Target west-slope conifer habitat with huckleberry and open feeding benches.
  2. 2Gain elevation early and glass trail edges, road cuts and low limbs.
  3. 3Know the local dusky/sooty boundary and identify the bird before shooting.