by Mark Herwig
I started grouse hunting in 1974 in the 3.9 million-acre Superior National Forest west of Grand Marais, Minn. We got a few, then got lost, but that’s another story.
The point is, in six decades chasing grouse and woodcock, I’ve fielded many shotguns in many seasons of life and I’ve learned a few things about what makes a good grouse gun.
Some of you may be thinking about what many wingshooters consider the best, most fabled grouse gun of them all, the vaunted Parker Bros. side-by-side, made from 1867 to 1942. Alas, my humble beginnings in a nonhunting family didn’t portend an heirloom Parker being handed down. No, my first shotgun was a humble but new single-shot Montgomery Ward 12-gauge.
You may wonder if this Baby Boomer even hunts grouse anymore. Despite my wise elder status, I remain an avid and successful grouse and woodcock hunter on both my 44 acres in Carlton County, Minn. and on public lands. Grouse and woodcock hunting keeps you young!
First Grouse Gun
My first grouse and woodcock gun was a nine-year-old Remington Model 870 Wingmaster pump I bought in 1971. When I started hunting grouse — I used to let woodcock go back then — in 1974 I was young and strong, so lugging around a tank of a duck gun after grouse didn’t bother me a bit. A 12-gauge is a lot of gun, but it really helped even the odds against Mr. Grouse. I mean, my first shot might hit an aspen or two, but enough shot usually carried through to get the grouse as well!
In my 40s, I bought a used, low-grade, short-barreled (18-inch?) American Arms side-by-side 20-gauge. Its light weight and short barrel made this gun a great piece for charging through thick cover all day. It was really fast to shoulder, swing and shoot. I loved that gun and its classic looks.
A New “Lightweight”
As both my career and I matured, I finally bought a new shotgun, a piece I use to this day, a Benelli Ultra Light (5.2 pounds) 20-gauge semiauto. It’s not Benelli’s top-grade shotgun, but it sure is nice, the best grouse gun I’ve ever owned.
As I’ve lost quickness and gained weight over the years, this gun has upped my game. The light weight helps me last longer in the field, and the quick-to-shoulder-and-swing aspect has helped even the odds against the elusive pa’tridge. Yes, its a semiauto, but to be honest — and many of you know this — by the second shot most grouse are long gone anyway. In fact, as with most wingshooting, your best and often only shot is your first shot. I never rack a third shell in my Benelli for grouse and woodcock.
Here’s My Take on the Five Aspects
- Consider your age and physical condition. As mentioned, a lightweight, smaller-gauge semiauto is easier to carry for hours, and with gas ejection they kick less than pumps and doubles.
- Hunting style: I don’t have a dog anymore, so I walk trails alone, quietly, and often get close shots. I don’t need a 12-banger anymore to cut through 20 yards of aspen to drop a bird. If I had a dog and busted brush like I used to in my younger days, and had mostly longer shots, I’d use a 12-gauge for sure.
- Skill level: Maybe start with a single-shot or pump, which are easier to use in the heat of battle with Mr. Drummer. Over-and-unders, side-by-sides and semiautos are for more experienced hunters.
- New or used: I love a new gun, but I’ve had plenty of used ones that worked fine (buy from a dealer) except a few I bought from private parties.
- Fit and price. If the gun isn’t easy to shoulder and it swings awkwardly, try another.
Evan Lodin is the operations manager at Fleet Farm, Oakdale, Twin Cities, Minn. and manages a large collection of new guns at this big metro outlet. He suggests buyers try out several guns to find a comfortable fit. “I have short arms, so I liked the Franchi because of its shorter stock. A buddy who’s 6 feet, 4 inches, got a Stoeger because of its longer stock.”
Lodin said you can get a good shotgun for a reasonable price. “But it’s a tool that should be reliable when needed, so consider guns that come with good warranties such as Benelli, Franchi and Stoeger.”
Shotgun Hacks
- I don’t own a shotgun without a sling. They’re just too handy. A sling allows me to throw the shotgun over my shoulder (and not set it down where it can fall, or get bumped by a dog…dangerous) and frees up my hands to do all sorts of things like grab shells and gear, drink water, get around thickets an so on.
- I always shoot better with ribbed shotguns. In the rush to shoot a speeding bird, a rib helps my eye get aligned down the barrel and on the bird. A rib makes it easier to get my eye down on the barrel without having to tilt my head, which always throws off my aim.
- I made a grouse-themed leather buttstock cover for my Benelli because it protects the stock. Also, it has a shell pocket that holds two shells, which adds weight to the stock and “lightens” the muzzle for quicker swing and aiming. Lastly, buttstock covers just look cool, so why the heck not? You can buy them, too, if you’re not handy with leather.
