Hunting Washington Forum

Other Hunting => Upland Birds => Topic started by: Bean Counter on October 10, 2008, 01:07:28 PM

Title: 12 ga too big for grouse?
Post by: Bean Counter on October 10, 2008, 01:07:28 PM: We're off to Mica Peak to fill our doe tags. I'm thinking we may bring a ShogG in tow since I have a small game license. I should probably check the regs but I think they're open now. Do I want steel shot if I'm going to shoot a bird or two while out coming the area for does?
Title: Re: 12 ga too big for grouse?
Post by: Sagedawg on October 10, 2008, 01:12:01 PM: You can hunt grouse on your big game license, because they are not an upland species such as quail or pheasant. I wouldnt use any steel to hunt grouse, regular game loads will be fine. Good luck on your hunt.

Sage
Title: Re: 12 ga too big for grouse?
Post by: Bscman on October 10, 2008, 01:15:02 PM: +1 on no steel...especially if you hunt around rocks, or like to smack 'em when they're on the edge of the road---PRIVATE ROAD (not a road publicly funded--that is illegal!).

I used full choke and # 7 1/2 shot for years without an issue, just gotta be more concerned about shot placement.
I'm using a modified choke now with #6's, just to try something different. Works great, and is a bit easier on-the-fly.

As mentioned, you don't need a small game license for grouse.
Both coyote and grouse can be hunted with EITHER a small or big game license.

Good luck!
Title: Re: 12 ga too big for grouse?
Post by: merlo105 on October 10, 2008, 01:30:46 PM: Well 12 ga, is fine I wouldnt shoot steel I would go with a light skeet load, 71/2 or even 8. And choke depends on terrain your hunting, if your driving around then any chokes gonna be fine walking then your gonna wanna skeet, Cyl, imcyl.
Title: Re: 12 ga too big for grouse?
Post by: DeKuma on October 10, 2008, 01:32:08 PM: Yup, what they said.
I have been using Modified choke and #6 for years with excellent results out to 40+ yards. BIG pattern at that range though.
Title: Re: 12 ga too big for grouse?
Post by: C-Money on October 10, 2008, 02:23:22 PM: I agree,no steel! I use my trap reloads, they are cheap and plentiful. I shoot 7 1/2 shot for trap in the fall due to hunting season, but go back to 8's in the spring! Back to the subject, 6, 7 1/2, or 8's with a mod choke is really just fine in a 20,16 or 12ga. Have fun!
Title: Re: 12 ga too big for grouse?
Post by: CP on October 10, 2008, 03:32:40 PM: I learned the hard way that my 12 gauge full choke doesn’t leave much to eat when I use #6 shot. 7 ½ does a better job.
Title: Re: 12 ga too big for grouse?
Post by: Yummy and Tasty Animal on October 12, 2008, 12:47:08 PM: i'm pretty sure you can use a .22 for grouse. double check the game manual, but if you can that's what i would be using.
Title: Re: 12 ga too big for grouse?
Post by: rasbo on October 13, 2008, 06:15:44 PM: I use a 22 mag on them,cuts their neck off,no bad meat.I bought the rifle from another member,
Title: Re: 12 ga too big for grouse?
Post by: Bscman on October 14, 2008, 05:40:32 PM: Quote from: Yummy and Tasty Animal on October 12, 2008, 12:47:08 PM
i'm pretty sure you can use a .22 for grouse. double check the game manual, but if you can that's what i would be using.

You can.
I carry a "accurized" Ruger MKIII pistol when I'm hiking/fishing areas I know hold grouse. A 22lr is a good choice in many situations.
Title: Re: 12 ga too big for grouse?
Post by: popeshawnpaul on October 14, 2008, 05:43:12 PM: 12 ga, 7 1/2 shot, light game loads with an improved cylinder choke.
Title: Re: 12 ga too big for grouse?
Post by: piledup on October 14, 2008, 07:55:12 PM: I was wondering why the no steel? :dunno:
Title: Re: 12 ga too big for grouse?
Post by: Professor Chaos on October 14, 2008, 08:29:07 PM: steel will ricochet whereas lead will deform and dispense most of its energy upon impact.
Lead is also a lot easier on the teeth if you happen to bite into some shot.
Title: Re: 12 ga too big for grouse?
Post by: Bean Counter on October 15, 2008, 10:20:54 PM: So the pinkos want us to use steel, not lead,(as they continue to pass other infringements) mainly because of potential poisoning to certain wildlife?

I am still at a loss to the use of steel or tungsten shot... :dunno: