Need advice for type of firearm to hunt grouse

Slaymoar

Slaymoar

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Ontario
I have the choice between two: the 20 gauge or the 22LR.

This may be specific to south-east Ontarians; I am a northern guy, and have hunted grouse/partrige in northern Ontario with a 22LR all my young years. Now I've moved to south-east Ontario (Quinte West area), and I'm not sure how things are here. My friend tells me that grouse flush easily and that the 20 gauge is a better option. But then I am used to hunting and being successful with the 22lr up north. My fun is shooting for the head. I've never used a shotgun to hunt. I've fire at clays before, but I've always been worried of getting lead all over my game. I eat what I hunt.

I'm looking at the Mossberg 500 20 ga, or something 22lr. I already have an EOTech holo sight for the 20-50 foot distance I usually end up shooting grouse from.

20ga
Pros:
- Versatile ammo, bird, deer etc..
- Takedown power
- Nice combo offerings

Cons:
- More expensive
- Much more recoil
- Pump action at my price range

22lr
Pros:
- Cheap ammo
- Selection of semi-auto at my price range
- No recoil

Cons:
- Limited to small game
- Little stopping power (bear encounters)


Not sure what else to add to the list.. But I'm really torn in the middle. I like the idea of either, but I can't chose both.

What say you experienced hunters?


Thank you
 
If you are ground pounding grouse or shooting them out of trees with a shotgun you are collecting meat, not really hunting in my opinion. If you must eat grouse no matter what, using a shotgun and shooting them in the "pre-flight condition" is the most efficient method.
But I am clearly biased and I refuse to shoot sitting grouse with a shotgun. Head shots with a .22 is a thoroughly rewarding hunt, as is shooting only flushed birds with a shotgun. In both cases you have earned the bird, not simply killed it.
You asked for an opinion, that's mine, but do what you enjoy the most!
 
I'd go with the shotgun... much more versatile should you choose to expand beyond perched/standing grouse. After blasting a few on the ground or from the trees, you'll want to flush them first and that opens a whole new world.

As an aside, I think there are probably more wounded/lost birds when using a .22 for head shots. Every once in a while, a bird gets 'beaked' or nicked in the neck & flies off. I know it happens with birdshot as well (on a flushed bird, or one that was at extreme range), but it seems less often from what I've seen.
 
I'd go with either the savage 24 or 42 .22 over either .410 or 20 gauge I think its the best for small game and there on sale for CGN members at guns n games for 430 after tax and shipping right now.
 
colin456 said:
I'd go with either the savage 24 or 42 .22 over either .410 or 20 gauge I think its the best for small game and there on sale for CGN members at guns n games for 430 after tax and shipping right now.
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I think this would be your best bet as well, you get the best of both worlds
 
Slaymoar, I hate to break this to you, but there are no Grouse in Quinte West anymore. Unless you are planing on driving 3 hours North (Pembroke or so), you may as well save your money for something else.
 
Home3 said:
Slaymoar, I hate to break this to you, but there are no Grouse in Quinte West anymore. Unless you are planing on driving 3 hours North (Pembroke or so), you may as well save your money for something else.
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And if you plan on coming to Pembroke (where I live) get a shotgun....the Grouse are most definitely skittish around here. I use a 20 gauge H&R Pardner youth ...light short fast...great for those long walks
 
Like he said, even there, they are skittish and in my opinion somewhat scares. I hear 20 years ago it was a different story. Even 5-6 years ago when I started to hunt the area. I hope their decline is a temporary thing, like some people believe. otherwise, it would be very unfortunate.
 
Ok, looks like I'm picking up a mossberg 500 20 gauge. I found one for $400 and change at a local store. It comes with a 26" ribbed and a 24" rifled, all in mossy oak. Sounds good to me.

I'm sure I'll be happy. If I don't find grouse, I'll skeet. Whatever lol.. :D
 
That will certainly do the trick, and in truth my own hunting career started with grouse and a Mossberg 500. But over the years, I've discovered that grouse hunting simply cries out for a nice, trim over/under 20 gauge. I think even the grouse feel better about being shot with a classy shotgun :)
 
Sorry for the hijack but I'm sure there are a few others new to this that are wondering as well. What about a 12g for grouse with a light load? What might be appropriate without damaging too much meat.
 
Neo said:
That will certainly do the trick, and in truth my own hunting career started with grouse and a Mossberg 500. But over the years, I've discovered that grouse hunting simply cries out for a nice, trim over/under 20 gauge. I think even the grouse feel better about being shot with a classy shotgun :)
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I'm with Neo here. I think the grouse actually TRY and fly into my pattern when I'm out with my nice O/U 20, less so when I'm out with my beat-up ol' Cooey single-shot 20 ga.
 
Home3 said:
Slaymoar, I hate to break this to you, but there are no Grouse in Quinte West anymore. Unless you are planing on driving 3 hours North (Pembroke or so), you may as well save your money for something else.
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Thanks for the info! I'm going to be following some coworkers and friends for hot spots. Apparently there are some nice locations a few hours up north from here..
 
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