A breakdown of the best shotgun, rifle, and pellet rifle setups.
Grouse hunting is a fun and exciting way to enjoy the great outdoors in Canada. Whether you’re trekking through the forests in Ontario or exploring the wilds of British Columbia, grouse hunting is a popular tradition shared by both new and experienced hunters. Regardless of your grouse hunting prowess, the right gear is key to a successful hunt.
Treat this blog as your guide to different grouse gun setups, from classic shotguns to modern rifles. The goal is to help you choose the best one for your hunting style and the places you hunt. Keep scrolling for some of the best grouse-hunting gun setups in Canada.
Know Before You Go: Local Hunting Regulations
Before heading out on your grouse hunt, it’s important to always check the hunting regulations in your area. Based on where you’re hunting, rules can vary for what type of firearms you can use. Make sure you know what’s legal in your region for small game hunting, whether it’s shotguns, .22 rifles, or sub-500 FPS pellet rifles. Staying informed helps keep your hunt both safe and legal.
The Shotgun Setup
Shotguns are trusted by both new and experienced hunters. It’s a popular choice for grouse hunting in Canada, especially for hunters who use the flush hunting technique. Flush hunting involves getting the birds to fly up from the ground, providing the perfect chance for a quick shot. Using the right ammunition makes your shots accurate and easy on the shoulder. This setup helps make sure each hunt is safe, successful, and enjoyable.
What You Need
Shotgun Type: A 20-gauge shotgun is light and powerful enough to bring down grouse when they fly up quickly.
Ammunition: 7.5 or 8-shot shells. These shells have many small bullets spread out, which is especially helpful when hunting in dense cover. They have just the right amount of power to bring down the grouse without damaging the meat. Low recoil also makes follow-up shots that much easier.
Accessories: A shotgun sling helps carry the shotgun on long walks. A small game vest lets you carry extra shells and store the birds you hunt.
The Traditional .22 Setup
A traditional .22 rifle is excellent for hunters who like to take their time and wait for the perfect shot. No matter if you use a bolt-action, lever-action, or semi-auto rifle, each provides a light and easy-to-handle setup. It’s quiet, light, and ideal for shooting birds still on the ground. This setup is great for hunters who prefer a calm, patient approach to the hunt.
What You Need
Rifle Type: Whether you prefer a bolt-action, lever-action, or semi-automatic rifle, all are excellent choices for grouse hunting.
- Bolt-action rifles are reliable and accurate, perfect for careful, precise shots.
- Lever-action rifles add a classic feel and allow for faster follow-up shots.
- Semi-automatic rifles, like the Ruger 10/22, are ideal for those who want quick shots without having to manually reload after each one.
Ammunition: Standard .22 LR rounds get the job done. They’re already quiet, have almost no recoil, and, best of all—they’re cheap. You can get target practice without breaking the bank.
Accessories: Adding a simple scope, like a 3-9x40mm, helps with super accurate shots, especially when aiming for small targets like a grouse’s head.
The Modern Sport .22 Setup
The modern sport .22 setup is the perfect blend of traditional fun and modern perks. It’s excellent for hunters who enjoy the simplicity of a .22 but want a more advanced, flexible option. These rifles are lightweight, smaller than most other rifles, and perfect for getting in and out of vehicles easily. This setup is ready for adventure with features like subsonic rounds for extra stealth, hand grips for better stability and accuracy, and a compact design for easy transport.
What You Need
Rifle Type: A semi-automatic .22, like the GSG-16, is a solid choice for a modern sport setup. You can take fast follow-up shots without worrying about reloading after every shot. This is super handy when hunting grouse because, where there’s one, there are usually a few more nearby! Plus, its compact size makes it easy to pop in and out of your truck or side by side if you’re on the move.
Ammunition: Want to keep things extra quiet? Subsonic .22 LR rounds are great for stealthy hunting and won’t scare off other birds. But here’s a tip: make sure to get subsonic rounds designed for semi-autos, as some might not have enough power to cycle the action. You don’t want your rifle jamming when you’ve got a whole group of grouse right in front of you!
Accessories: A red dot sight with a 3x magnifier is the winning combo. The red dot lets you quickly get on target and the magnifier helps with accuracy. It’s fast, accurate, and keeps you ready for anything.
Sub-500 FPS Pellet Rifle Setup (No PAL needed)
If you don’t have a PAL but still want to enjoy the thrill of hunting, a sub-500 FPS pellet rifle is a fantastic option. While these air rifles may not have the power of traditional firearms, they’re more than capable of taking down grouse when used correctly. Plus, since they don’t require a license, they’re excellent for people who want to try hunting without getting their PAL.
What You Need
Rifle Type: A break-barrel pellet rifle is the way to go. Look for one that shoots as close to 500 FPS as possible to ensure enough power for clean, ethical kills. While .22 calibre is preferred for its greater knockdown power and energy transfer, .177 calibre rifles are often easier to find and still effective with well-placed shots.
Ammunition: For the best performance, use hollow-point lead pellets. These pellets are ideal because they expand on impact, transferring more energy to the target and helping to ensure a clean, ethical shot. Hollow-points provide the extra punch needed with a sub-500 FPS rifle, especially when going for headshots.
Accessories: A quality air rifle scope is essential for making accurate shots. Pellet rifles have less power, so precision is key. Aim for headshots within 30 yards to ensure a humane, ethical harvest. A scope will help you line up those small targets and make the most out of each shot.
Why It’s a Great Option
For those without a PAL, a sub-500 FPS pellet rifle is perfect for grouse hunting. While these rifles have less power, they offer a fun and challenging hunt. Stick to headshots within 30 yards with the right hollow-point lead pellets, and you’ll have the energy transfer needed for clean kills. It’s the perfect setup for enjoying the excitement of the hunt without needing a license.
FAQs
1. What is the best shotgun for grouse hunting in Canada?
A lightweight 20-gauge shotgun is a popular choice because it’s easy to carry and offers just the right amount of power for grouse. It’s perfect for quick, close-range shots in dense cover.
2. Can I hunt grouse with a .22 rifle?
Yes! A .22 rifle is a great option, especially for hunters who enjoy precision shooting. It’s perfect for stationary shots for grouse that are on the ground. Just be sure to aim for the head for a clean, ethical shot. You also prevent ruining the meat.
3. Are pellet rifles legal for grouse hunting in Canada?
Yes, sub-500 FPS pellet rifles are legal in many areas, especially for hunters without a PAL. However, regulations can vary, so always check your local hunting laws first. When used correctly, pellet rifles are effective for grouse hunting. Go for headshots within 30 yards for the best results.
4. Do I need a hunting dog for grouse hunting?
A dog can be helpful for flushing birds and retrieving your harvest, but it’s not necessary. Many hunters successfully hunt grouse without a dog, especially with a shotgun or a .22 rifle.
5. What are the most common grouse species hunted in Canada?
The most common species are Ruffed Grouse and Spruce Grouse. Both are found across many provinces and provide a fun and challenging hunt.
Happy Hunting
No matter which setup you choose, hunting is about more than just the gear. It’s about respecting the land, practicing ethical hunting, and enjoying the great Canadian outdoors. So, whether you’re trekking through the woods or driving along backroads, be prepared with the right tools, attitude, and a sense of adventure.