Are 7.5 shot Target Loads ok for Grouse?

As a kid we used to get #9 shot from the local hunt club for a $1/box. They were new to the area and making friends with the neighbours. It killed everything I managed to hit with it which was mostly grey squirrels. I prefer 7 1/2 but 6's when I can't get them.
 
As a kid we used to get #9 shot from the local hunt club for a $1/box. They were new to the area and making friends with the neighbours. It killed everything I managed to hit with it which was mostly grey squirrels. I prefer 7 1/2 but 6's when I can't get them.

For $1 per box of shells, I would become very very friendly.
 
I'd like to correct some comments. Non toxic for all MIGRATORY BIRDS

Question: Is it true that I must use non-toxic shot when hunting migratory game birds?

Answer: Yes. Since September 1, 1999, the possession or use of lead shot while hunting most migratory game birds has been banned in all areas in Canada. However, there are a few specific instances where lead shot can still be used, including: hunting murres in Newfoundland and Labrador; hunting Woodcock and Band-tailed Pigeons; and hunting Mourning Doves, except for Ontario where non-toxic shot must be used. It should also be noted that in National Wildlife Areas that allow hunting, the possession of lead shot is prohibited for all hunting, including the hunting of migratory birds and upland birds.

Hunters should consult provincial or territorial regulations for additional restrictions.
 
Use the target loads. They will work just fine, unless you want to pay more for a box that says "Game Load" and has fancy colored ammo inside.
 
Spoken like someone whos never hunted where grouse refuse to fly.

They either stand still so you could literally club them or at worst run along the ground. Possibly theyll go to the closest tree.

Target loads work just fine on ruffs. Use as open a choke as you have available. And don't shoot them on the ground, there's no sport or skill in that. They deserve better than that.
 
Silly question op, but all the latest questions you posted are staff that is covered by hunting course and the test, how long ago did you do yours?

Not trying to discourage you from asking, better safe then sorry, but I think you can ask for refund from the guy hat preped you for the test ;)
 
Spoken like someone whos never hunted where grouse refuse to fly.

They either stand still so you could literally club them or at worst run along the ground. Possibly theyll go to the closest tree.

Yep. Around these parts they are far more likely to run into the thick sh!t than fly, so they get the Darwin award just standing there. They deserve to be eaten.
 
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Spoken like someone whos never hunted where grouse refuse to fly.

They either stand still so you could literally club them or at worst run along the ground. Possibly theyll go to the closest tree.

If that's the case then use a .22. At least that requires some skill to hit them in the head. Ground sluicing them with a 12-bore just feels like murder, no skill or challenge to it at all.
 
I use 7.5 exclusively in my 20ga pump. Was using 22 as was suggested in a previous post but after losing a shot on a bird in the thick stuff I went out and bought myself the 20ga the next day. All my grouse hunting has been pot shots except one last season that took to the wing and I missed. Grouse is great eating and if they give me shots on the ground or on a branch I'm taking them. Do enjoy the idea of shooting them out of the air though.
 
I think a factor in a person's choice is how far do you need to reach. Eighty percent of my shots are within 10 yards. I am guessing your shots are longer.
I greatly prefer #6 over 7 1/2, the reach and success rate is much better.
 
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