New to hunting

[300rum]

Another thing, (if you buy the barrel seperate) you can get different sights which are much better then a bead for slugs and such.

[Stilly bay]

Possible but not recommended. 

because a short barrel will not provide enough weight out front to get a proper swing on fast moving targets. for a 12 gauge 870 a 26" barrel is just about right.

[bobcat]

An 18 inch barrel might work good for quail but that's about it. With quail you have to shoot really quick and the shots are usually really close, so a short barrel works well. But still, I would want at least 24 inches.

[Blackjaw]

Besides a gun, the number one thing you will need is a well trained dog.

[dmv9]

Would a chihuahua work? ;-)

Yeah, that's not going to happen. I can't get that past the wife.

Let's start bottom up.

What kind of boots? Will hiking boots work or do they need to be rubberized or insulated? I see too many options at cabella's. I typically hike in short boot Columbia's. Would that type of ankle boot work.

[bobcat]

You need a good quality leather boot for bird hunting. An 8 inch height is about right and you'll want a gore tex lined boot.  I prefer non insulated. When hunting birds you're always walking so you shouldn't get cold. For duck hunting you'll need chest waders.

I wouldn't hunt pheasant or quail without a good dog. I would suggest chukar and grouse hunting. Those are birds that often you're actually better off without a dog, except for the retrieving part.

[AspenBud]

An 18 inch barrel might work good for quail but that's about it. With quail you have to shoot really quick and the shots are usually really close, so a short barrel works well. But still, I would want at least 24 inches.

Some guys who hunt thick stuff for grouse like shorter barrels. You're snap shooting at best anyhow with them and the shorter barrel stands less of a chance of banging into a branch on the way up. That said, the shortest I've heard of anyone using is 22-24 inches and I know of several people who like longer barrels, even in thick cover.

I'm fairly well convinced, for myself at least, that a 26 inch barrel is the best all around. You don't lose much when duck hunting with one and in the uplands it just makes sense.

[AspenBud]

I'm thinking about a Remington 870 Express Combo 12 ga with light loads #8s.

Thoughts?

Nothing against the Express models, I own one and for what it is it works. But you'll get a better gun if you drop a little extra money and buy an 870 Wingmaster (not to mention higher resale value).

Depending on your budget for this there are better guns out there.

A Benelli M2 American or some of the CZ doubles are not bad choices. Beyond that the prices go way up. If money isn't a concern I can make several other suggestions.

Otherwise an 870 Express or Mossberg 500 is not a bad choice to start out with.

[AspenBud]

I would suggest chukar and grouse hunting. Those are birds that often you're actually better off without a dog, except for the retrieving part.

I strongly disagree unless you're talking about whacking them in the middle of logging roads.

[bobcat]

I would suggest chukar and grouse hunting. Those are birds that often you're actually better off without a dog, except for the retrieving part.

I strongly disagree unless you're talking about whacking them in the middle of logging roads.

Yes I am. That seems to be the best way to find grouse around here, is by walking old logging roads. With a dog running out front, all the grouse fly away before you get close enough to shoot. Grouse don't hold well for a pointer, in my experience.

[AspenBud]

Would a chihuahua work? ;-)

Yeah, that's not going to happen. I can't get that past the wife.

Let's start bottom up.

What kind of boots? Will hiking boots work or do they need to be rubberized or insulated? I see too many options at cabella's. I typically hike in short boot Columbia's. Would that type of ankle boot work.

For upland hunting...

Buy a pair of Keen Oregon PCT boots for most upland hunting and a pair of Muck boots for swampy conditions.

Wingworks sells a stellar strap vest that works well for when you need to pack a lot of weight. Otherwise I try to go light and use a bird belt or Activ-Lite belt from Cabela's. You'll also want a good pair of brush pants. Snake proof gaitors or chaps aren't a bad idea if you hunt in snake country.

Most of all, you need a dog. You're success in finding birds will go up dramatically and THERE IS NOT BETTER CONSERVATION TOOL THAN A GOOD BIRD DOG. You will waste less meat and come home with birds in the bag more often with one than without. There are a lot of good breeds out there, big and small, for the job.

[AspenBud]

I would suggest chukar and grouse hunting. Those are birds that often you're actually better off without a dog, except for the retrieving part.

I strongly disagree unless you're talking about whacking them in the middle of logging roads.

Yes I am. That seems to be the best way to find grouse around here, is by walking old logging roads. With a dog running out front, all the grouse fly away before you get close enough to shoot. Grouse don't hold well for a pointer, in my experience.

Tell that to Coverdog field trialers.

That said, if a dog isn't used to handling grouse for a living it can be a big leap.

[bearpaw]

Shotgun Plugs
Some new guns do not have them installed. If a warden is looking to write a ticket and most are, be sure to double check your gun, some are being sold with no plug installed.

How To Make a Plug
If you can't find a plastic plug to buy, just shorten a pencil or piece of wood dowel as needed until you can only get (3) 2 3/4 inch cartridges in your gun. Then check that you can get (3) magnum shells in the magazine. You may have to shorten the plug a little more, after doing that be sure you can still only get (3) of the shorter cartridges in.

[coveydogs]

A well trained hunting dog will make it more fun and you will find more birds.  But if you don't have one, don't let that stop you from getting into the sport.  Ask around on here at the start of the season.  I'm sure someone would let you tag along with them if you promise to respect their direction and only take safe shots.  If that doesn't work look for a guide who can take you out on wild birds.

You could spend 10k in this sport just to get started.  My recommendation is to pick gear that is well recommended, durable and cheap.  Expect to upgrade as you get into the sport and keep the old stuff around for when your friends want to join you. 

[dmv9]

If anyone is going to do some bird hunting, I'd love to tag along and help out in any way I can. A day trip would work best.

I'm in the Seattle-area (ex-Microsoftie veteran).

Send me a PM.