Hunting Washington Forum

Other Hunting => Upland Birds => Topic started by: clint870 on October 02, 2014, 08:14:46 AM

Advertise Here

Title: Getting back into Grouse hunting
Post by: clint870 on October 02, 2014, 08:14:46 AM

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.  :dunno:

thanks  :)

Title: Re: Getting back into Grouse hunting
Post by: huntinguy on October 02, 2014, 08:36:26 AM

I thought lead was still legal for upland birds?

Title: Re: Getting back into Grouse hunting
Post by: clint870 on October 02, 2014, 10:12:56 AM

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

Title: Re: Getting back into Grouse hunting
Post by: bobcat on October 02, 2014, 10:43:24 AM

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

Title: Re: Getting back into Grouse hunting
Post by: headshot5 on October 02, 2014, 11:07:40 AM

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.   :tup:  Personally I prefer a .22 or 22 mag. 

Title: Re: Getting back into Grouse hunting
Post by: bobcat on October 02, 2014, 11:11:43 AM

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.

Title: Re: Getting back into Grouse hunting
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on October 02, 2014, 12:00:06 PM

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

Title: Re: Getting back into Grouse hunting
Post by: clint870 on October 02, 2014, 12:08:08 PM

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.

Title: Re: Getting back into Grouse hunting
Post by: huntinguy on October 03, 2014, 08:38:44 AM

Quote from: clint870 on October 02, 2014, 12:08:08 PM

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.

Title: Re: Getting back into Grouse hunting
Post by: AspenBud on October 03, 2014, 09:21:48 AM

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.