Got invited to hunt chickens... now what?

C

chadvector

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East of The Peg.
This is my first year with my PAL, and my first year hunting. A friend asked me to go out with him and his buddies to get some prairie chickens. I've got a 12-gauge with full choke, and absolutely nothing else.

What kind of gear should I pick up? I'd rather look like an anonymous fool to you guys than a live fool to my hunting group.

Thoughts?
 
Your full choke is OK. Even if they flush quite close, I'll bet they can get to forty yards before a new shooter can get on them!
Get #7 1/2 shot in either field loads or trap loads.
Don't get the high brass, heavy loads.
 
^^ what he said and also...just have fun, don't pretend that youre an expert and tell them this is all new to you, they'll understand.
enjoy
 
stubblejumper said:
For your information, you will likely be hunting some type of grouse, but it won't be prairie chickens.
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In Manitoba, most of us call all types of grouse "chickens". Don't worry about that. Nobody around here will wonder what you are talking about...

Pick up some 7 1/2 or even #8 target load for your 12 gauge and you'll be set up perfectly. I use 12ga full choke all the time, and with the small shot have never had a problem.

Most times when they flush, they fly away from you and you shoot them in the back. If you are just breasting them, you'll never find a pellet.
 
stubblejumper said:
Don't let the fact that none of them are prairie chickens stop you.:D

As well, prairie chickens are a protected species in their Canadian range.
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And if those were what we were referring to, you would have a point. However, since it has already been clarified what the conversation is actually about, do you have anything USEFUL to add for the new hunter?
 
Remember when you see one there are usually more. Be patient, listen and they talk to each other when they get excited. Chicken hunting is good fun.
 
Keep track of every single member of the party, so you don't get excited and shoot towards anyone while swinging the gun on a flying bird. For this reason, I suggest that you hunt in pairs, each pair out of the others shot range, at least until the new hunter gets some experience. Wear heavy pants or brush chaps to protect your legs from thorns. If you decide to shoot at a sitting bird, aim high, so you don't destroy the entire bird.
 
I like wearing a vest with large lined pockets to put birds into so I can keep my hands free for the next covey we kick up. My vest also has great pockets up front for extra shells. Chicken hunting is a blast. If you find the birds you'll have a great time.
 
If you're going to walk trails and old roads wear comfortable boots. Put a sharp folding knife on your hip or pocket. Wear a comfortable brimmed cap. Combat pants are comfortable and loose fitting. A small camera. Some water. A snack. Loose shotshells that are easy to reach. Also very important, some toilet paper in case Mother Nature calls. Enjoy the day. Grouse hunting is one of the best times you may ever have. I know it always has been with me. :)
 
Manitoba prairie chicken hunts are some of the most fun you can have with your clothes on! Just keep your head up and ears open. Bring lots of shells and have a great time. Don't forget to keeps your eyes open for rabbits as well.
 
Easy prey as they are usually fenced in. Shotgun, .22 or golf club all work well.

chickens1.jpg
 
Hah, okay, okay. FINE. Grouse. Remind me to not tell you guys when I go out to Ontario for swamp donkey... don't need someone telling me that donkeys are protected livestock and all that...
 
Yup, slang is the interweb troller's best friend.

But in reality, it obviously can and does lead to misunderstanding.

**BTW, Banditos' list looks great. Couple snack bars in your pocket, and something for starting a fire - just in case - would be good. Looking forward to pics when you're done.
 
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