Originally Posted by Oldtimr

Grouse are not hard to kill, the shot size I use is 71/2 in a .28 gauge SXS. You can use any gauge but serious grouse hunters usually use smaller gauges because they are lighter in weight and you walk a lot of territory hunting grouse so the less weight the better a 20 ga with field loads is fine for grouse, you don't need high base shells. Since grouse flushes are surprising and they have a habit of getting in front of trees the faster handling your gun is the better, semi autos are usually longer because of the action and handle slower than an o/u or sxs. Just remember, it takes time to learn grouse coverts, the places where they like to be. Look for greenbriar and wild grape, wild rose and look for aspen in the late season. When you hunt walk slow, stop and start because grouse will allow you to walk by them and flush behind you. Stopping and starting will make them nervous and more likely to flush in front. If you have a pointing dog so much the better. If you have a flushing dog that isn't well trained to hup, leave it at home. The best advise is, get good comfortable boots because you will be walking a lot and make sure they are broken in before you go grouse hunting. Good luck.