LOL, usually I am looking for Elk! All kidding aside, usually 8-10K is where I find them. A thick cover of Grouseberry or western huckleberry (a low growing ground cover) is a good place to find em.....and elk!
My common factor in finding grouse: under my left foot when in full sneak mode, elky country, right after seeing green & steaming bear scat, commonly identified by the loud flapping of wings, a muffled curse word or three, and smell of poop....
Spruce-fir forests in transition zones between the s-f and ponderosa, quakies, or brushy areas (but always under my left foot, in full sneak mode...…).