I've been doin some grouse hunting in the NW part of langlade county and have seen more birds this year than probably any other year ive been hunting. Me and my huntin buddy have regularly seen 25 birds per weekend. Hope this helps, i know what you mean about gas, it jumped about 15 cents overnight a couple days ago, makes me 2nd guess drivin even just an hr round trip to go duck hunting for a few hours. good luck!