How To

How to Pick Ammo for Grouse Hunting

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(3 Ratings)

Hearing the thump-thump-thump of a ruffed grouse in the dense north woods or a prairie grouse in the central grasslands during a hunt thrills every bird hunter. With the right combination of shotgun and ammo, a hunter increases his chances to bag a grouse every time out.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Choose shotgun ammo that works for most non-water bird hunting: woodcock, pheasant, quail or grouse.

  2. Step 2

    Pick shotgun shells designed for the size choke on the grouse-hunting gun. Improved cylinder and modified chokes work for prairie and ruffed grouse hunting.

  3. Step 3

    Expect most grouse hunting shots to be within 20 to 30 yards. Check the firing range of the ammo and make sure it is within this range.

  4. Step 4

    Buy steel shot instead of lead shot if you intend to eat the grouse. Steel shot also maintains its shooting pattern better than softer materials.

  5. Step 5

    Choose ammo with a shot size of 6 to 9 for ruffed grouse hunting. Shot sizes of 4 to 7 1/2 are best for prairie grouse hunting. The larger the number of shot, the larger the shot size is.

  6. Step 6

    Purchase Remington's Express long-range shotgun shells for good general bird hunting ammo. This product is available in most gun sizes and is an all around game bird ammo. Their Sport load is also a general bird hunting (and clay shooting) option for 12 or 20 gauge shotguns.

  7. Step 7

    Check out the selection of Federal's Wing-Shok ammo series for high velocity shell options made from brass. A Game-Shok lead series is also available.

  8. Step 8

    Buy the length of shotgun shell recommended with your grouse hunting gun. Shorter shells are OK, but never buy longer ones.

Tips & Warnings
  • Complete a hunter's safety course before getting a hunting license, whether it's required or not.
  • Store gun ammunition under lock and key in a place separate from the guns when not in use.
  • Avoid injury by not using damaged or questionable ammunition in a gun.
  • Assume all guns are loaded and handle with caution to avoid any accidents.
  • Be aware of fellow hunters if grouse hunting in thick cover with a group.

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