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These animals are a primary small game species hunted in
Arizona. Hunting small game requires only a valid Arizona regular
hunting or combination hunting/fishing license. A game bird stamp,
which is available free of charge at Game and Fish offices, is
required to hunt blue grouse. A U.S. Forest Service
Apache-Sitgreaves National
Forests map is a handy tool.
Description:
Blue Grouse: Dusky
gray or blackish in color, with white-tipped tail feathers, blue
grouse are secretive, quiet birds often difficult to locate. They
inhabit subalpine forests and meadow regions above 8,500 feet in
elevation. In the wetter mountains near Alpine, Arizona, grouse can
be found below 8,000 feet. Foods include insects, aspen leaves,
raspberries, gooseberries, seeds, wild pea, and other grasses and
forbs.
Habitat: Subalpine fir and spruce forests
and meadow regions of northern Arizona.
Food
Preferences: Insects, ants, grasshoppers, wild pea,
raspberries, spiny gooseberries, dandelions, silverleaf,
cinquefoil, aspen leaves, and Douglas-fir needles in season.
Breeding notes: Breeds May through June, young appearing
between June 15 and July 15. Average Number of young: 4-6.
Predators or Enemies: Bobcats, coyotes, foxes,
eagles, and horned owl.
Size Individual Range:
Less than an acre to 2 acres.
Distribution: 8,500 feet and above.
Live
Weight: Male: 2-3 lbs. / Female 1-2 lbs.
Hunting
hints:
Hunt Spruce/aspen stands. Key in on small openings, walk slowly,
and scan the ground. Mornings are the best times to encounter
feeding birds. A good bird dog is a definite benefit. Blue grouse
are very camouflaged and easy to overlook, but may allow you to
approach them at close range.
 Information courtesy Arizona Game & Fish
Department, Region 1-Pinetop,AZ
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