What Clothing Do You Need to Go Grouse Hunting?

Grouse are popular upland gamebirds. Hunters in many different areas go afield each year in pursuit of a bag limit full of grouse. Found in different areas but preferring a habitat of low brush or trees to hide them, grouse are wily. Hunting grouse requires walking through wooded areas in different conditions. Clothing for hunting grouse doesn't have to be complicated, but there are a few basics to keep in mind.

  1. Boots

    • The workhorse of your grouse hunting getup is a pair of boots. Long days following grouse dogs through fields will take a toll on your feet and back if you come unprepared. Bass Pro Shops recommends lightweight boots that don't sacrifice support for weight. You'll want some stiffness in the soles for an entire day's worth of walking. Keep in mind that many areas that grouse are in may be covered in snow, or you might encounter streams or rivers on your hunt, so having a pair of boots that are at least water-resistant (if not waterproof) is a good idea.

    Brush Pants

    • Bagging a limit of grouse often entails pushing through the thickest thickets in an area. Grouse use the tangles of brambles, briars and limbs as safe places to lay up for the day. For all-day hunting in these conditions, a pair of canvas-reinforced brush pants or jeans will keep the thorns from ripping through your legs. Depending on the weather, a lightweight pair of brush pants might do, but if things are really cold, go for a pair of heavy-duty, insulated brush pants to keep your legs protected and warm.

    Shirts

    • Grouse hunting happens in all different climates and temperature ranges. A long-sleeve camouflage hunting shirt will protect your arms against thorns in the deep thickets, but might be too hot on a late spring hunt. During colder weather, dress in layers of shirts so that things can be removed as necessary, because you will certainly start to work up a sweat after a long day of walking the fields.

    Vest and Hat

    • Wear at least one piece of blaze orange hunting material when you go for grouse. Even better, pair a blaze orange vest with a matching cap to both protect your head from the sun and to keep other hunters from accidentally shooting you in the face. A good, sturdy blaze orange hunting vest will have pockets to hold birds, extra shells, your hunting license, water and snacks or anything else you might want to carry.