Getting back into Grouse hunting

[clint870]

I used to hunt grouse until the late 80's when lead shot was legal and Im thinking about getting back into it
what would be the best shot and shell to use now.I have a 12 ga. 

thanks 

[huntinguy]

I thought lead was still legal for upland birds?

[clint870]

OK I didnt know that ,and before someone scolds me for not reading the regs first,I will do that if I decide to start hunting again

[bobcat]

I would use lead 6's, or maybe 7 1/2's if you're only hunting ruffed grouse.

[headshot5]

I'd recommend a 20 gauge for grouse.  12 is a bit overkill.  6's and 7-1/2's are pretty standard for grouse loads.     Personally I prefer a .22 or 22 mag. 

[bobcat]

12 gauge is fine, you can use 1 ounce loads, which is the same as what I use in my 20 gauge. Having said that, my preference is the 20 gauge. But there's nothing wrong with a 12 if that's all you've got.

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

We use singal shot .410. #6 shot. Works real good!

[clint870]

Thanks everyone ,I do have a box of target load 7 1/2's
that would probably work ok.I wouldnt mind pheasant
hunting also but I live on the west side and I cant see
paying the 80 dollars for the permit.

[huntinguy]

Thanks everyone ,I do have a box of target load 7 1/2's
that would probably work ok.I wouldnt mind pheasant
hunting also but I live on the west side and I cant see
paying the 80 dollars for the permit.

now that may be steel shot only... on the wet side anyway. Stopped hunting pheasant when the fishing side of DFWstarted writing the pheasant hunting rules.

[AspenBud]

You can use lead on grouse still. It's pheasant that you have to worry about it with.

Whatever worked for you in the '80's will probably still work today. Get a good dog if you don't have one.