I live in Belmont county and like you I spent my younger years hunting grouse. I haven't even jumped one in over ten years and neither has anyone I know. What a shame that they are all but gone. It's was so fun hunting them.

 

I recently spoke to a young wildlife officer and he explained to me the effects of West Nile Virus on not only Grouse but song birds as well.

Pa. Video on Grouse West Nile

 

I've lived in OH all of my life in the SE. When I was younger grouse were everywhere. My father was an avid grouse hunter and was pretty skilled. Overall though the grouse are like you guys say, all but extinct. I see them very rarely, once a year I'll see one. They still exist, but not like the olden days..

We mostly blame coyotes and the resurgence of every predator known to man. Hawks, (Eagles nowdays) coyotes, fox, raccoon....You name it. The Coyotes have to be the worst of offenders.