Fellow Hunters,
Here in Alaska we have ruffed grouse.
However, I have not yet seen one here, in the 38 years that I’ve been a resident.
That said, we also have spruce grouse (locally known as “spruce hens” regardless of gender) and we have more than one sub-species of ptarmigan.
Ptarmigan appear to possibly be the same or very similar bird as what are known as “snow grouse” in Scotland ?
Likewise ptarmigan could easily pass for second cousin 3rd removed, with Africa’s Francolin.
At any rate, I have shot quite a few of both spruce grouse and ptarmigan, with pump action shotguns in 12 bore plus, side by side shotguns in 12, 16, 28 and .410 bores.
Likewise, I’ve also used single shot guns in 12, 16 and .410 for grouse here.
All of the above have been inexpensive guns, most of them made by Remington, Stevens, Rossi and various low end (very low end) Eibar Spanish makers as well.
All but two of the above clunker doubles have been sold now, to help pay for hunting trips.
My one remaining halfway decent pump gun is a vintage Winchester Model 12, with full length solid rib, 24.something inch barrel, true cylinder bore, with 2 & 3/4 inch chamber.
It is handy for grouse in thick cover when loaded with birdshot.
And it is quite accurate with Brenneke slugs (in case of a peevish bear).
Just this Christmas, my wife gave to me a 1961 vintage Beretta 20 bore, model 409 Silver Hawk side by side.
It has two sets of barrels, both sets have 2 & 3/4 inch chambers and extractors only.
One set has 28 inch barrels and one set has 26 inch.
The longer ones are choked modified and full.
The shorter ones are improved cylinder and modified.
This elderly but apparently not much carried and not much shot little Beretta has enough drop at the heel to fit me well.
I am anxious to get after the spruce hens with the open choke 26” barrels.
I use a flushing dog for these (Irish Terrier) and so, despite their ground hugging stubborn ways, I commonly shoot them as they flush from my hyperactive little terrier.
I suspect that I might soon join in the happy chorus with those who have already declared the 20 gauge as perfect for grouse.
Back when I was hunting moose and / or caribou each year, I have also shot the heads off both spruce hens and ptarmigan with whatever caliber rifle I was carrying.
Furthermore, I’ve shot them with various caliber handguns, including but not limited to the .22 Rimfire.
On occasion, specifically for spruce hens, (with no dog present) I’ve also used a 4 inch S&W .44 Magnum, loaded with #9 birdshot, as they sat there, defiantly staring at me.
Grouse IMO are excellent skewered on a stick and roasted over a wood fire, just sprinkling a tiny bit of salt on the meat as each bite is taken.
I also enjoy saving up the hearts in my freezer, until I have a few.
I cut each one into halves and then fry with onions, simply delicious.
Cheers,
Velo Dog.
