RE: Grouse Hunting
I agree about the road hunting. I went grouse hunting this morning and drove past 2 birds that were in the road. Unfortunately didn't see a bird the rest of the day.
To answer the original question, I find early season the most productive hunting time. Grouse season for me starts September 20th and runs for a long time. Best hunting is before deer season. In my experience birds flush from a long way out in the late season.