Unconventional: Alaska Sooty Grouse Part 1 | S5E13 | MeatEater

In the first part of this series, Steve attempts a unique spring hunt for sooty grouse in the coastal rainforests of southeast Alaska. These mysterious hooters make for a hunt that is markedly different from any other and success doesn't come easily.
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[@JustinDragonClaw]

Watch as Steve shows a slow descent into madness as he looks for the Lost Bird.

[@algernoncalydon3430]

You almost did it! But you used the wrong call. You have experienced what multitudes of other people who tried to hunt hooters have experienced. Hunting in Alaska if far different than down south. When I was a year in Southeast Alaska I tried to get some grouse and ended up frustrated as well. I ended up deckhanding for an old guy who told me you could call them to you. I thought he was full of it and didn't even try. Then a coworker who was raised there was practicing his call at work and i asked him about it. He said he could call them in. So I tried the next spring. Worked like magic. You don't use a reed. You only use your voicebox. Close your mouth and pass the air up into your mouth so it echos in your mouth. Don't do it fast. Do it slow. You can even cup your hands over your voicebox and aim it. In early April the birds are more aggressive and you only need to get near their tree and they will come barrelling down and land right in front of you. Be ready, as they will really land right above your head, or even at your feet. The reason they seem to move is that they will move around the tree projecting their voice in various directions. So when a person approaches the tree they will walk around to the other side of the tree and hoot out that direction, and it will sound like they are now a mile away. They aren't. If they move and project ninety degrees they will sound like they are way off that direction, even though they are still on the same limb. The bigger grouse get the best hooting spots, valleys with creeks, the edges of big muskegs, or overhangs. The young ones are along the beach and like the one you got. Even if you don't call them, which I've had friends who absolutely refused to even when I showed them and a grouse landed five feet above their heads on a limb, you can be patient and using you binoculars carefully search the various trees. They often sit on a clumb of moss and so you may not see them from below. You circle the area and scan the trees very carefully. If you get one who won't come down when it's called then call anyway a you may catch sight of his tail jigging up and down as he calls back. Also, the grouse around towns are used to people and will shut up if they see one, whereas once you get away from town you can hear dozens in one area, and they are very aggressive and will come down quick. Muskegs are good areas to hunt for grouse. They are not like the grouse up here in the interior where you might run into a whole flock and kill as many as you like, The blue grouse, you will only get a few a day as you have to walk a long way between them. And one more thing. If like myself you have a deep voice and can make a call that sounds like a big male, don't. If you sound like a big grouse then some of the grouse won't come to the call. They don't want their butt kicked. If you call like a young male grouse( you can tell the difference after a while) then all the grouse will come after you thinking it's and easy win. Those grouse are very good eating, well worth the effort. No chicken is that good.

[@thommytasakis3478]

Grouse in the forest, without a dog, is challenging. Nice preseverence and hunting skills.

[@kushiswashed.5027]

lol i have never hunted with a dog up in labrador thousands of grouse here

[@thenewbohemian5779]

@@kushiswashed.5027 not all of us are lucky enough to reside in Labrador. Get one for me tiger.

[@tomasesquivel5248]

loving these episodes, Rinella has such a way with words

[@matthewep1336]

He’s a writer so it makes sense

[@tomasesquivel5248]

@@matthewep1336 not every writer is a good one, but I get your point

[@gasparjmigueljr91]

@@matthewep1336 7t 8

[@gasparjmigueljr91]

@@matthewep1336 6y

[@Joe-tr5uv]

He’s pretty articulate

[@nickjohnson8780]

" If you ever happen to find yourself in the coastal rain forests of Alaska, and you hear this sound, go ahead and hit that subscribe button"

[@buncer]

Especially if you identify as a AN/PSN-13 DAGR.

[@dongchangminh8114]

Ahahahhahaha I like that

[@FirstDagger]

@@buncer ; Oddly specific.

[@Verlisify]

The way Steve describes the noise sounds like an amazing evolutionary trait. Predators can't find it, but the way the species perceives that sound is probably beyond anything we can comprehend

[@wessthemess117]

I can picture them sitting in the trees watching him when he gets close 🤣🤣

[@marcuswagner1396]

always funny seeing you here

[@charliexu9996]

What kind of predator can hunt bird in alaska tho

[@dakotac9547]

@@charliexu9996 other birds, big cats?

[@amorton94]

@@charliexu9996 Literally every predator will eat a bird if given the opportunity. Coyotes, foxes, all cats, predatory birds, etc.

[@lunkydog]

Without this episode, we wouldn't have gotten part 2, one of my favorite episodes.

[@czwirner]

Barb!!

[@jameskearse8617]

They were going to scrap this episode initially. Janis saved it

[@jackiekinner3826]

Der

[@hunterphleger1836]

Man I have really missed this episode since it hasn’t been on Netflix. This is the episode that I started with and this might be the sole reason I got so into this show

[@my_saviour]

Bro! His episodes are the best thing ever, i fully support the idea of him having his own channel, one for him and him alone!!

[@fayaazalibhai4665]

It is his channel

[@rwilson208]

I like when you hunt alone and give the commentary. It gives the feeling of being alone in a large area and looking for adventures at every turn,. You never know when you will find what you are looking for nor what will happen next. Will the prey that you are after evade you? Will your shot find its mark? Will you miss and go hungry for that certain meal and have to rely on the rations that you brought with you on this hunt? What terrain or problems will you encounter on this trip? I can imagine our Native Brothers who once roamed these areas with plenty of animals in full abundance. No limits and no rules, just hunt, kill, the women cook or prepare and feed their families. The bones, tendons, and what was left of the animal were used for clothing, shelter, weapons, tools, etc. What a wonderful and interesting life you and others like yourself get to enjoy. What peace and tranquility to be with your thoughts as you endeavor to meet or surpass your expectations.

[@underdogoutdoors]

Usually don't associate rain forests with Alaska!

[@z987k]

Southeast Alaska is almost entirely temperate rain forest.

[@austinalexander4060]

I think Steve smoked a joint and ate a 8th of shrooms before going hunting.

[@Damon_365]

These two episodes are some of my favorites.

[@zacharyharris438]

Same. He just needs some bird dogs.

[@angeltorres8632]

Oh yup this ones dope

[@ErikFabian]

Bingo

[@izenga606]

Meateater days are the best days

[@dongchangminh8114]

I just can wait for another episode. The guy is just so inspiring with his presentation of every single part of the adventure.

[@robertoaiello9342]

I have to agree with the comedian Jon Pinette. If it's that difficult it doesn't wanna be food.

[@nathanielbetteridge4978]

Any species that can be hunted legally in the spring is near and dear to my heart

[@phenoix75]

Today on meat eater- Steve does random shit and we record it.

[@andrewwebster13]

It’s the crazy kind of stuff that brings your sport full circle... makes it complete.

[@brianjohnson8918]

Remind me not to go snipe hunting with Steve.

[@georgesakellaropoulos8162]

I wouldn't be able to stop myself. I'd have to chase that sound.

[@sacreddeer3361]

When I see a meateater notification my brain go like sheeeesh.

[@user-lt5ri7yz8j]

only Rinella tho

[@puprilla]

What's with u young idiots? Dont know English or are you to dumb to speak right?

[@kylegriffin7872]

Sheeeeeeeeeeesh

[@puprilla]

@@kylegriffin7872 don't forget to put that on your McDonald's application

[@kylegriffin7872]

@@puprilla I make $120,000 a year have fun once in a while you old goat

[@Synchronic8080]

Ha thought it was gonna fly away as Steve lined up his shot. Glad he got it at the end after all that effort!

[@amorton94]

Whoa man, spoiler alert! 😂

[@jackiekinner3826]

All the other t.v. hunters and Ashton Kutcher got together to play a prank on Rinella and are gonna jump out and scream ‘you got punked,there’s no grouse!’

[@nanoblock6602]

This being two parts is criminal

[@MrHaterplease]

Hardest I ever saw steve work for such a small bag of meat.

[@jc9291]

Finally more Steve! The only time I’ll click on meat eater 🥳

[@Spiffy303]

The rest of them are great too except for the clown on the fishing show.

[@danielsloan5705]

I have been a fan for a while, but your work seems to be up a notch Steve....Great episode. I wanna share this one for sure.......

[@denishunter2151]

Mesmerized by Steves videos! Freaking relieving here grouse hunt!

[@mattgood5254]

So happy you guys keep posting these. I love this series

[@brandonlantier]

Just watched the second hunt with Barb it was a good one but too easy, I love watching Steve pick apart and breaking down the hunt, it shows its not always just easy pickings, lots of non hunters think oh you have a gun its an unfair advantage, it is but only if you can find it and get close enough to shoot it.

[@woodsmn8047]

Pine Hens is what we called them and I used to carry a Thompson Center contender with a 357 cal barrel in a shoulder holster for them while deer hunting ... better camp meat cannot be had

[@FERNANDOAMENDIVIL]

~ Persistence = Success ~

[@aparson2967]

We call them hooters, or blues. My favorite hunt. Finally saw the whole episode, and have a rip for you - you can call to roosters by imitating the hoot. They respond because to they think you are another male trying to steal his hens. The hens actually go looking for the hooter who is usually in a spot where his call can broadcast over a large area where he can be heard for a couple of miles...... And the hens come charging in

[@c.j.rogers2422]

So, perhaps imitating the male's call to attract the females might work, if shooting hens is acceptable.

[@cedricnora4481]

@@c.j.rogers2422 bingo 😂🙄 Dude forgot he's not shooting hens 😂

[@bobbyboucher1936]

Really wanted to see you prepare that bird!

[@akalawrey]

Now every time I go bird hunting and don't get anything I'll just say the birds were ghost chickens

[@187Whitey]

Heeeyyy he's back🙌

[@michaelpence468]

That bird is in your mind😂

[@zackglisan6400]

I can’t wait for the second episode

[@kypaintster]

always tickled to see a new episode.

[@2112CO]

Love this guy and binge watching all the time.

[@adikas6533]

Steve, have you had any encounters/experience with bigfoot in all you're time being in the bush?

[@crowman5936]

Yeah he was riding a unicorn too.

[@smokey4086]

My favorite kind of hunting feels so good when you get one!! I always find them at the snow line here in Oregon. 9/10 they are tucked off the side of old Forest roads at high elevation right at that line. The fact that you say they are impossible makes me feel good because they are definitely difficult and you are one skilled Hunter.

[@deannwia]

😂 Steve's out in the woods looking for Hooters!!

[@Garcial232]

A few thousand dollars for a half pound bird. Glad I watched this for free lol

[@tylertempleton7418]

Gotta love Revillagigedo. Dude was our favorite hike. Too good watching POW and the greater SE area getting some love.

[@aaronodell1836]

I grew up hunting blue grouse in the mountains of Eastern Utah. They really are a delicious bird. One of my favorites. Really enjoyed this episode to see the completely different habitat and hunting strategy for essentially the same bird. Fall blue grouse hunts out here involve pushing through sage brush hillsides in the high mountains and walking through groups of Aspen trees to flush these birds out. Beautiful birds regardless.

[@paddleandhook]

will definitely stay tuned here, and see ya get another one next year!

[@jonathanwoodham4165]

Free Range Sooty Grouse? or that yellow previously flash frozen, fed on GMO grains and pumped full of antibiotics and Piperazine wormer...Gimme the elusive humble delicacy of wild Grouse in all its variations...it is the fowl of Kings and paupers alike!

[@TarZak]

Steve is one of my favorite people in America, and I've never met him.

[@jimmyvinsonhaler1653]

There’s a gas station just up the road from my house between me and my school that sells livers and gizzards and sometimes my buddies and I would ask another friend to grab us some while we were in class.

[@arkaprava2561]

I have just only one word for this all work --- just Just Amazing..

[@kylekirkland8710]

I love this show

[@mikeroberts6919]

I was swatting away the skeeters just watching LOL

[@brianlotze5830]

I also have to say that after living on Prince of Wales Island and hiking through those forests, I have utmost respect for the shape that Steve is in. Those are beautiful woods, but tough to hike through.

[@puprilla]

Cant beat a meat eaters ep after pullin my limit of bows

[@LocHoang580]

They should rename them Sirens. Leading hunters to their demise.

[@joanneganon7157]

That's gotta drive you crazy, a true Hunter! JO JO IN VT 💕😄

[@johnbell8331]

Try Kake next year for hooters.

[@tylerruiz1943]

Bro I live for your show man it all I watch😂 but you got me planning me first hunt! What do you suggest for a first rifle?

[@johncraig6413]

That is a unanswerable question. I need far more information. What do you want to hunt. How do you tolerate recoil. What range do you expect to shoot from.

[@williamutimawa927]

Awesome man

[@jeffadams4590]

5:40. Good description of being on acid or eating shrooms 😆

[@Seakaye2s]

Let me fly out and work for free. Inspiring stuff Steve!

[@LetsGoAlready]

steve savage 💯

[@jackslagle2019]

Man they taste so good. Fun fact we can eat our state bird the ptarmigan. Also delicious.

[@cedricnora4481]

That's absolutely rad!

[@nickolaskunz5735]

We still call them blue grouse in Canada I believe. Pretty sure Ron woulda got them...

[@justinstroud9965]

get off work friday see rinella put up new video best time ever

[@jerrodtham]

I’m number 12 to comment 😂😂😂😂 it’s an honor sir. Seemed like turkey hunting is more easier than this.

[@RATBURL]

He went out on a limb for that bird 🦢😄

[@randynystrom4131]

nothing beats roaming thru the coastal rainforest

[@ssBrodie]

he just knows where stuff is

[@TheAston23]

Note to self: don’t watch MeatEater part 1 if part 2 isn’t released

[@saltydiarrhea386]

I'm certain there is a bird dog, somewhere out there, that could improve that quest.

[@dakotac9547]

Good idea

[@cbcguns631]

Seventh you are the best Steven along with your show

[@josephfletcher9246]

sick hunting vid

[@warlyansyah]

Thats bird called "Bud Bud" Many people lost on forest when trying to get move to find that bird, thats what grandpha teling me

[@fredcarter7003]

Steve you need a hearing tube to pin point it location

[@cedricnora4481]

This needs to be pinned

[@crowman5936]

As hard as it is to find them I bet he ate that bird feathers and all.

[@dongchangminh8114]

He is my favourite man of all time.

[@PolloConChilito]

This could perfectly be the plot for an awsome descent-to-madness horror movie.

[@mattokeefe691]

Some of fondest memories are of roughed grouse hunts here in Alberta, Canada.

[@Tapperlite1]

I hear blue grouse every once in a while hiking around the Cascades.

[@D_A_D_]

We used to have a sub-species of Roughed Grouse called the Missoula grouse in the Ozark and Ouachita mountains in Missouri, Oklahoma, and my home state of Arkansas. Irresponsible hunters and habitat loss wiped them out. So frustrating, as someone who desperately wants to hunt grouse but has to work for a living and can't just drive to another state to hunt.

[@josephlucas9702]

Good show

[@christianfehr8652]

We see lots of those duskys in Utah. A lot of birds in general

[@collinmc90]

Man I wish we had a spring grouse hunt in Washington. It would be fun to hunt em with the drumming. I like hunting grouse more than just about any animal. Deer and elk obviously pay off but Grouse are just fun.

[@brianlotze5830]

I lived on Prince of Wales Island in SE AK for a year. In that year I managed to only shoot one of these when I spotted it on a logging road. No three day hunt for me, but I will say that in the year I spent there it was the only one I saw or shot. I think if I'd had to go out looking for one I probably would not have done as well as Steve. It did taste good. Similar in taste to roughed grouse we have here in the interior of Alaska.

[@jamesmatthews5222]

LOL That custom call sounds like a Kazoo bruh!

[@hggarcia60]

Success for who never give up congratulations on your bird

[@pakcanhunter]

You gotta fry the gizzard.

[@ChrisSmith-mj4uj]

If you just skipped to 12:38 and told a non Hunter you go to the middle of nowhere and do this they’d think you had a screw loose 😂

[@joesguiltyguitar]

Haha yeah buddy , you got him lol

[@Exses3D]

Let's Go!

[@avadheshmalik]

As a birder, I can understand exactly what you mean by the birds being "ventriloquists" ...

[@scttewegner72]

22 lr, or magnum for the bolt action? Or am I completely off on that?

[@grammoore3348]

It’s 22lr. Mentioned it on the podcast

[@ssBrodie]

he is the best hunter

[@freddyvlok8326]

Good hunting

[@eltriunfodeuncazador7328]

Nice video amigo

[@asdfaisx3570]

ตอนนี้ฉันติดตามคุณแล้ว ช่วยทำทริบบ่อยๆ ขอบคุณจากJoe Thailand.

[@nopharksgiven]

Beautiful part of the country, they sound similar to the pheasant coucal that we have around the Kimberley region of North Western Australia

[@nunyabeeswax2575]

They're over in the Gulf of Carpentaria and Savannah too.