First time hunting, any input?

Sardaukar

Sardaukar

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Hi all,

I'm going grouse hunting for the first time next week. Since it will be done on week day(s) and the only guys I know who hunt will be working, I'll be alone.

The piece of land I will hunt on is half dense softwood, half moderately dense hardwood with a small very open area of pines. Plenty of trails everywhere. There are still a lot of leaves on the trees at this time so I figure unless I spot one in the trail, shots can't be much more than 15 yards.

I have a 410 Cooey 84 and a 12ga 870. I have somewhat patterned the 410 and despite 'full choke' stamped on the barrel, it seems to expand really fast.

Now i'm wondering, will I destroy the grouse at that range with a 12ga, or will I even hit it with the 410?

I'm also wondering if grouse happen to hang out in open areas of large pines and thick moss ground. Maybe to warm up in the sun? Should I even spend time over there? There is an electric line going across the land, should that be a priority? I know a couple of blueberry spots, they might be a bit shriveled by now but I figure a grouse might feed on that anyway...

So, if anybody feels like enlightening me on one or many of those questions, or any other tip, it's all welcome. Or just wish me good luck!
 
Use #8 or you will vaporize the grouse. The first one I blasted with a 12ga with #4 shot at 15 yds.

It looked like week old road kill. My dog would not even pick it up to retrieve. I picked it up (yuk) and tried to put it in his mouth. He clamped down his jaws and flat out refused. LOL

It was pretty disgusting. The second one was shot at 30 yds and this time my dog retrieved it.

With so many leaves still on the trees, do not expect to see too much. It is a nice time to be in the woods though.
 
Walk quietly, watch for movement & listen for their "worry" call, sorta sounds like a very soft, whoop, whoop, whoop... Shot many of them using this method. As long as your not shooting at flying birds, I might be tempted to use the 410... In my case, with the dog, I go with the 12 gauge.

Cheers
Jay
P.S. Have FUN!
 
unfortunately, I don't have a dog. If i had one he would already be on training!!

I just don't have time to take proper care of a dog.:( Maybe one day.

It will be very nice walking in the woods, even if I come back empty handed, with the last few monts I had. More computer screen than I wish to anyone.

Thanks for the pointers, keep 'em coming.
 
Grouse are a pretty stupid bird so the 410 should suffice, if you use the 12 ga be sure to aim for the head. If you see one and he takes flight he won't go far, try to see where he lands and go get him. If hes on the ground and you startle him, the buggers can run pretty fast so be fast on the draw. Hope it goes well and be careful out there. Cheers.
 
Grouse are a pretty stupid bird...
Click to expand...

You must be talking about Spruce Grouse...Ruffed Grouse are very wary birds.

Some times, walking slowly and looking carefully works.

Other times, if they start running in thick cover, you have to walk fast and try to flush them yourself.

My vote would be for the 12G, 7.5's, IC choke.
 
Look up in aspens, never really new this trick but last weekend i spotted two grouse up high in an aspen tree. I had done some reading the night before and thats where i read to look but didnt realize they'd be so hgh up in the tree.
 
beefman said:
You must be talking about Spruce Grouse...Ruffed Grouse are very wary birds.

Some times, walking slowly and looking carefully works.

Other times, if they start running in thick cover, you have to walk fast and try to flush them yourself.

My vote would be for the 12G, 7.5's, IC choke.
Click to expand...

Western Ruffies are stupid. The dog has retrieved them without me shooting. Saves on shells I guess.
 
I'm a big fan of the 410 when it comes to grouse. Walk the trails slowly and you will be able to spot them sunning themselves. Don't look for the bird....look for the shape! Don't expect them to be DRT with the 410.... they will flop around. You just walk over, pick it up and twist the neck. Good luck and good eating!
 
I would suggest a .22lr if you have one, or go with the 12 guage. Around here they are pretty wary and stay away so you prolly wont get a close up shot to blast the bird to hell. I just got out last week and shot 3 birds. 1st with the .22lr in the neck and had 0 meat damage to the breasts. Second and third were with the 12 guage, and even though I aimed high there were still some pellets in the breasts. No big deal, just stay at least 20m away and aim high,
 
Thanks a lot guys. Turns out I'm going tomorrow morning, and a buddy fixed me up for some duck hunting next monday!!! Today was a good day.
 
get close and head shot the bird with the shot gun. If it flies, let it get 15 yards away before you fire and then pick out the pellets on your dinner plate lol
 
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