How to Pick Ammo for Grouse Hunting
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.
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Instructions
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Choose shotgun ammo that works for most non-water bird hunting: woodcock, pheasant, quail or grouse.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Buy the length of shotgun shell recommended with your grouse hunting gun. Shorter shells are OK, but never buy longer ones.
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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.
