The Idaho Forest Grouse Campfire Meal

There is no better meal in elk camp than fresh forest grouse cooked over a fire. Idaho is home to three major species of mountain grouse: Ruffed, Dusky (Blue), and Spruce. Here is how to identify and hunt them while you are chasing big game.

1. Ruffed Grouse

Habitat: Creek bottoms, aspen thickets, and dense brush near water.

ID: Brown/gray mottled feathers, black band on the tail fan. They are the most explosive fliers.

Strategy: Walk old logging roads near streams in the evening. They come out to pick gravel for their crops.

2. Dusky (Blue) Grouse

Habitat: High elevation ridges, fir trees, and berry patches. They often live higher up the mountain than Ruffed grouse.

ID: Larger body, dark gray/blue color. The males have a yellow/orange eye comb.

Strategy: You will often bump into these while hiking ridges for elk. They are often less flighty than Ruffed grouse ("Fool Hens"). A well-aimed rock or a specialized grouse head arrow is effective.

3. Spruce Grouse (Franklin's)

Habitat: Deep, dark conifer forests (Lodgepole pine, Spruce).

ID: Distinctive black chest on males with white spotting. Red eye comb.

Strategy: These birds are notoriously tame and will often sit on a branch 10 feet away watching you. They rely on camouflage.

Cooking: The Campfire Skillet

Breast out the meat (the legs are tough). Pound the breasts flat. Dredge in flour/spices if you have them, or just salt and pepper. Fry in butter or bacon grease in a cast iron skillet over the fire. Serve immediately. It tastes like the mountains.