Grouse with a 12 gauge?

X-man said:
I normally use a SXS Fox .410, but when I was still using the 12ga I'd go with #8 shot and at least a medium choke, full if possible and aim for the head to minimize meat damage.

I never tried Ardent's trick of using steel shot. Might have to try that this fall Angus!:)
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Came across it by accident, had a whack of 2 3/4" steel #4's and decided they'd kill Grouse as well as they do ducks. With the large pellet size, you don't need a heavy pattern, a few pellets will bring down a grouse no issue. At grouse ranges, the breast typically stays free of pellets too. I was sold! :)
 
1bighead said:
I'll use 7 1/2's . Anyone hunt these near Ottawa ? I cant get out much this year so I need somewhere close.
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Not sure of the distance from Ottawa to White Lake.....if memory serves, a member at another forum mentioned good numbers in the area this year.
 
Ardent said:
With the large pellet size, you don't need a heavy pattern, a few pellets will bring down a grouse no issue. At grouse ranges, the breast typically stays free of pellets too. I was sold! :)
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I have used 18, 14, 12.5" 12G barrels, and EXTENSIVE use of my 14" fabarm I must say I prefer using #2 or #4 for the above reasons. Wide pattern, if 2-3 pellets hit, it's in the pot. Less damage and less lead in the meat are a bonus for me.
 
I'm with those that like to use #4's, either lead or steel, as I find too many holes with lighter shot. Because I like to use my fathers old gun for upland birds I use #4 lead, whatever is cheap at the store that day.
 
sherlockbonez said:
I think everyone also need to specify if they are wingshooting them or ground pounding them.
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And should one need to further improve upon one's shooting skills (be that on the wing or on the ground) just simply consult the following and do not hesitate to move up a couple sizes! :D

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I love hunting over my Toller, she flushes so 12 gauge is usually what i'll use. I'll usually use the marrochi o/u. top with IC, and bottom with M, 2 3/4 shells #7 1/2, but I'll use #6 if I know there's sharptails in the area. But if my friend holds out long enough I'll have a 20 gauge ithica sxs....if.
 
I leave my 12g pump at home and carry my single shot 20g when chasing grouse, rabbits and squirells. I like to use 1 - 1 1/4 oz #6 or 7.5 shot. The rare time I do use the 12g for them I use the same 1 - 1 1/4 oz #6 or 7.5 shot
 
remington 870 12.5 inch dlask barrel threaded for rem chokes with extra full turkey choke shot size #4 if i put the red dot on the little tuft of feathers on there head there in my frezzer with no wasted meat this is an awesome set up for the thick stuff i hunt in northern ontario,mind you i do miss my 870 upland special i had never should have sold that
 
I have used #6 2-3/4" upland game loads for the most part, but the cheap target 7-1/2-#9 works well but not great for long shots.
I like a very full, full choke, as I hunt in the thick, so ground and tree shots for 99% of all birds taken here in NW Ontario.
cheers dale Z!
 
hesher66 said:
Hey Guys, what load, choke, and shot size do you prefer or recommend for shooting grouse with a 12 gauge.
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I use SK/IC in my CZ 20ga SxS with 7.5s or 8s. That combo would work well in a 12ga as well. IC/M would be easier to find and work well too.

In my 12ga 870, I use IC.

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I use 1 1/8 oz #6 Federal Wing-Shok loads with either Full or Modified choke (C-lect choke, so I sometimes forget to adjust it before I shoot). I use those shells for both grouse and varying hare.

None of them have walked away yet.. . .when I actually hit them!
 
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