Between 70s and 90s when grouse flushes were anywhere from 15 to 50, bird days, I used an AYA xxvbl, 12 gauge with 1 1/8 oz of 8s or 7 1/2 target loads for all my upload hunting.
In early 90s, I picked up a 28 gauge for grouse/woodcock, and enjoyed everything about the round. If I did my part, the birds hit the ground stone dead.
Now early woodcock hunting I tend to reach for a 410, over dogs. Its very satisfying taking woodcock with a little pipsqueak sxs.
I have seen a complete turn around where most of the grouse hunters I hunt with who use to carry a 12 sxs are now touting 20s or 28 gauge sxs. A couple gentlemen carry a Ruger Red Label in 28 gauge. Which is a nice scaled to size 28 gauge.
It is interesting to me how trends in hunting have changed in respect to down gauge in upland hunting and the renewed interest in the 16 gauge as well.
Ps: Only 13 days till Dove season. But whos counting?
Rich
