BEST Gun for Grouse Hunting and Small Game Hunting!

[@grob25]

Keep the grouse hunting videos coming.

[@CascadeBackcountry]

Will do!!!

[@mavijarro]

This was great! Thank you! Plus it helps I am also in Washington so the fact you covered the laws is amazing!

[@PonderosaOutdoors-20-gauge]

Great video! A couple of additional thoughts for your viewers: A key advantage of O&U shotguns (especially) is that you can set it up with 2 different chokes to deal with differing ranges to the target and associated spread of shot (eg if you miss the bird with the first barrel and the bird is flying away, the second barrel can still enable you to hit it at greater range given the narrower choke and therefore more concentrated shot spread. Also, recommend going with a .22lr with iron sights, not a scope. A scope is harder and slower to acquire the target with, has a far narrower field of view, and adds significant weight to what should otherwise be a lightweight rifle.

[@CascadeBackcountry]

Thanks! I completely agree and wish I had mentioned it in this video haha I run different chokes and shot size in my top and bottom tubes

[@PonderosaOutdoors-20-gauge]

@@CascadeBackcountry Different shot size as well.... that's interesting.... what do you run top and bottom for shot size?

[@CascadeBackcountry]

Well it's ever changing as seasons change and I'm trying new stuff. Right now I have modified with #6 top barrel and improved #8 on bottom

[@PonderosaOutdoors-20-gauge]

@@CascadeBackcountry Interesting! Out here in western Quebec, despite very little change in foliage over over a 5-day period, the ruffed grouse behaviour changed dramatically last week. Birds were holding tight for at least the first 3 days of the season opening, but they suddenly started flushing very early last weekend even though the leaf cover hadn't changed much. I'd even opened up my selected chokes to Cylinder and Skeet 1 (using steel shot which doesn't disperse as quickly) as we were blowing holes in the birds due to the close range, and when we got out there, the birds were suddenly flushing early, and I realized my selected chokes were suddenly the wrong choices!

[@halliejohnson8057]

I’ve used the savage 301 , a single shot turkey shotgun in 20 gauge . Got different chokes for it but it comes with an extra full choke . Got several grouse it. Great shotgun.

[@CascadeBackcountry]

Nice! Whatever gets the job done 😀

[@darrentuason]

Do u use non TSS shells for it?

[@darrentuason]

cause ive been looking into that gun for all around small game hunting and Im a bit confused with how the TSS stuff works. Some context i just started hunting this past september.

[@MikeCassidy-k8d]

The Savage model 24 is great if you can find one 22LR over 20 gauge.

[@drvelocci]

Love this channel!

[@haleylaing5557]

Me toooo!

[@CascadeBackcountry]

Me toooo! haha Thanks man. I really appreciate it!

[@TheMrREVOlutionary]

Couldn't agree more! 20ga shotgun is by far one of the most flexible firearms you can have. Effective on anything as small and squirrels all the way up to deer and maybe elk. Pretty much nothing in the state of Idaho where I'm at that you cannot legally take with a 20ga shotgun. Running a Franchi Affinity 3 20ga. Sweet shootin gun and I've never regretted purchasing it. I had a Tristar raptor but i had a very poor experience with that firearm. Probably will never again purchase a Tristar firearm. Now i need to get out and shoot more. 😅 seems to be the struggle recently with a busy life schedule!

[@CascadeBackcountry]

Yeah 20 gauge is a great all around gauge! You're not the first person to mention similar things about Tristar. Dunno if I'd get one either... although I have no personal experience. Thanks for watching!

[@TheMrREVOlutionary]

@@CascadeBackcountry interesting cause everyone i talked to locally said Tristar was a great value. So i tried one and ended up getting 50-60 rounds through it only to have the magazine tube literally blow off the front of the gun. Not unthread, it sheared clean off inside the receiver causing the entire gun come apart in my hands after it fired and chambered another round. The poor design basically made the entire receiver and barrel assembly come apart while i was shooting some clays. The sucky part is they just wanted to repair it rather than replace it or give my money back. I had a pretty big scuffle with my local shop over that one. I don't blame you for not wanting to try one! It's all good, i got my digits and ended up with a much better firearm after that was over.

[@CascadeBackcountry]

Wow! That's crazy. Glad you got your money back

[@dirtycommtroop]

I use a Tristar Trinity LT. It's a 26" O/U in 20 gauge and weighs only 5.5 lbs. I typically run IC/M or Skeet/ IC chokes.

[@CascadeBackcountry]

Awesome!

[@joeltowle2737]

I have one of those in 16ga. Very beautiful.

[@BuckCharlie777]

Hello from Alberta! I use a Remington/Baikal model IZH-43E-1C 20 gauge SxS shotgun and a Remington Mohawk 10C 22LR for my grouse hunting. The Baikal has a 26 1/4" barrel and weighs 7lbs 4oz and the Mohawk has a 19 1/2" barrel and weighs 3.8lbs.

[@CascadeBackcountry]

Nice setup! Love those SxS. That's a light 22

[@JustAnAverageBrad]

i started out with my stainless 10/22....but now as my eyesight dwindles I only take my weatherby pump 20 gauge

[@Lainger2626]

Get them grouse my bro!

[@CascadeBackcountry]

Done and done

[@ElliottsOutside]

Great video. You are on a roll with getting these shot and edited so quick! I have the CZ Woodcock O/U 20ga. Very similar to yours, just 2lbs heavier! (almost) Its my first and only shotgun. Grouse, rabbit, even turkey with the right loads. I put a red dot on the top rib for quick acquisition.

[@CascadeBackcountry]

Thanks! Yeah that'll do it. Still not too heavy. I got a turkey with my ultralight last year haha

[@TheRealFoonus]

Just curious - How do you target your grouse with the shotgun.. do you put the pattern right on them with a cylinder choke or use a full choke and hold over at the bottom of your pattern to try and knock off the heads with no damage to the breast? I have been using the later method the past few years and most of the birds don't have a single hole in the breast meat. Curious to see what other folks are doing. Thanks for the video!

[@skogkattskogkatt2390]

I would love to see a review of your CZ over under.

[@CascadeBackcountry]

I'm currently remodeling my house... after that, it's on the list 😁

[@EatCarbs]

Great information.. thanks for the video

[@CascadeBackcountry]

Thanks and thanks for watching!

[@collinmc90]

I love my M6 scout from TPS arms. .410 .22 hornet over under. Put a red dot on it, been a great rabbit/grouse gun. super light, carries ammo in the stock, light weight.

[@CascadeBackcountry]

Oh man that's sweet. Are those discontinued?

[@collinmc90]

@@CascadeBackcountry No I believe TPS arms is still making them, a new version of them at least but still true to the original military design. I think if I did anything different. I would go with either the .22 model, 17 hmr, or .357 instead of the hornet (.357 would be intense on this little gun but you could take a deer in theory lol). I had no idea when I bought it that .22 hornet was so hard to come by! Luckily I don't go through much of it since it is mostly a hunting gun. No idea what I was thinking lol. But it is a cool caliber.

[@Squatchrocket]

I've been running a take down Ruger 10/22 with a Vortex Viper red dot and 40gr Standard velocity CCI solids. Ive tried a bunch of different ammo types and this particular one does the least amount of meat damage compared to the high velocity hp's and such.

[@CascadeBackcountry]

I had the Ruger Takedown for a few years. Great gun. I agree on your choice of ammo. High velocity is too much energy for small game

[@BushRat253]

How do you like that Upland Ultralight? I've been considering one as my first over-under shotgun.

[@CascadeBackcountry]

I love it. Hasn't let me down yet and man is it easy to carry. Walked 14 miles with it today!

[@you_down_with_pjc]

Going out this weekend with a single shot H&R 158. Super light, but only get that one chance

[@CascadeBackcountry]

Very cool! 12 gauge? You should be alright 😀

[@you_down_with_pjc]

@@CascadeBackcountry yep 12ga x sz8. A lot of foliage still in MN but will be fun

[@CascadeBackcountry]

Get some!

[@DetoxProxy]

Been getting a lot of info from your vids. I realize most people are using a firearm but I'm wondering what your thoughts are about using an air rifle. I have one to reseal that I was an excellent shot with. I've noticed grouse on the trails during some of my camping trips and figured I should have a go.

[@chrisdavidson5215]

Do you think 22 mag would be ok?

[@jrcfj]

What model number is your shotgun? I’ve seen some CZ ultralights for sale but they are green, which is fine, but yours looks black. Thanks!

[@cheddercaveman]

FWIW - The green one has a cerakote treatment which makes it more durable to take hunting without worrying about the barrel rusting nearly as much

[@laneporter5062]

Love the video they always make me want to get out there and hunt something. Another thing about a shotgun is you can also hunt larger animals with a slug or buckshot. I know this is about small game but just thought I’d add some more information. Thanks again and keep posting videos.

[@CascadeBackcountry]

This is the CZ Upland Ultralight. It is in the All Terrain family of shotguns. The one I own is no longer manufactured. They still sell the Upland Ultralight... I think the difference is it now has a 28" barrel, a sling stud and cerakote but it's basically the same gun

[@steveschrodi2167]

20ga SKB SxS is a great gun for grouse. Light, durable, reliable.

[@CascadeBackcountry]

Nice! I'd like to get a side by side someday

[@steveschrodi2167]

@@CascadeBackcountry Awesome! I have a few. The SKB is, by far, the best of what I have in terms of price and performance. The CZ bobwhite and sharp-tails are excellent also. SxS work great in the field. I have an Aya and I actually like the SKB more. 20ga is also perfect: more than enough for upland hunting and you usually save close to a pound in weight. Makes it an effortless carry in the field.

[@northcascadian7065]

Wildcat 18"; which optic do you recommend?

[@CascadeBackcountry]

Depends what you're using it for. I chose to only use the iron sights as I'm only shooting 25 ish yards and a scope adds something to break and weight. I suppose you could run a red dot though

[@northcascadian7065]

@CascadeBackcountry Grouse in Western Wa, that's interesting, I did put a red dot on as I noticed while hiking alot of grouse are nearby yet 'fly' up to branches fairly close. Thanks!

[@LAK253]

Been using Savage 22LR bolt action

[@CascadeBackcountry]

Very nice!

[@jimf1964]

I’ll throw in my 2c. A 1931 made in Spain 20g SxS is my personal best ever small game gun. But apart from that, I think double barrel is the way to go. I started with a benelli 20g pump, but the extra few inches in the action, made it wayyy too unwieldy in thick forest. Couldn’t swing it around. But I think an over under would be better for most people, because SxS's are a different animal when it comes to shouldering and pointing. I just do it because I love old school. Seems like some people get to hunt with lots of birds in trees or walking around on the ground. For me it’s 100% flushing birds. If you’re lucky enough to spot them in trees, a 22 is way better. Take a good neck shot, no pellets in the meat, nice clean kill, but you’ll never hit one that’s been flushed. So match your gun to the terrain, situations. If it’s a little more open, it doesn’t matter how long the gun is, if they’re not under pressure, you may spot a lot in trees and a 22 is awesome, if it’s thick bush, then the shortest overall length shotgun is best. But yes, 100% use whatever you got, or can afford. I used the pump till I found an awesome deal on that SxS….then spent a long time learning how to shoot it.

[@CascadeBackcountry]

Side by sides are pretty sweet. Definitely weird to aim/shoot if you've never shot one. Thanks for the comment

[@jimf1964]

@@CascadeBackcountry Yeah, and I couldn’t find any online advice. I finally figured out that you need to stand straighter, and just tilt your head over, rather than that leaning into it sort of thing we do with pretty much everything else. I dont have a ton of money to spend, so I waited for several years to find my perfect gun at a price I could afford. I really love it. Shoots super well too.

[@Joe3pops]

Here, a 28 gauge M37 Ithaca, an SKB O/U in 20 gauge 26 inch barrels Mod-IC. An Ithaca M37 Featherlight in 20 gauge 28 inch barrel, full choke. A 22 Hornet-410 CZ-Springfield M6 survival.gun. Full agreement here. I have taken literally hundreds of rabbits & dozens of grouse with the 20 gauge shotguns.

[@CascadeBackcountry]

Sounds like a great selection!

[@Yukontom]

You didn't mention the Stevens mod.24 .22lr over 20ga

[@CascadeBackcountry]

It's definitely a cool gun and I want one! I was trying to speak specifically about each gun though. Maybe someday I'll get my hands on a model 24 and try it out

[@Thermopylae2007]

​@CascadeBackcountry Keep your eyes out for one. It took me years to chance upon one, but it was worth the wait!

[@BvdwVan]

Everyone around here calls them partridge, don’t know why, it’s described as grouse on our license, ( Nova Scotia)

[@CascadeBackcountry]

5000 kilometers can change dialect pretty quick haha

[@EffectivelySafe]

I dont think we can buy anything semi-automatic in wadhington anymore including 22s. In the local shops its all bolt action and lever action only now. Did you buy that wildcat recently?

[@BilboSandbaggins]

You sound like a cop or atf??

[@CascadeBackcountry]

I did by the wildcat this summer!

[@codefupanda]

Are 22LR subject to the same non-toxic (lead-free) requirements? What about the

[@ericc3327]

It varies. In CA for instance it's non tox for everything but pellet guns. Non tox 22 lr is strictly a short range proposition, 30-35 yards max. Other regions have different laws, and every hunting area can have its own limitations.

[@bedroomfarmer8960]

My understanding is if the site requires non toxic shot then you need to use non lead shotgun shells. A lot of places that require non toxic shot also don't allow handgun or rifles but shot is not the same as rifle and handgun ammo. Usually at phesant release sites and for water fowl hunting. I try to shoot non lead ammo if I can find it, either way as it's supposed to be better for the environment.

[@CascadeBackcountry]

Oh man... that's a loaded question... I think lead free areas are just that but a rifle doesn't fire 160 little lead pellets like a shotgun does. I'm not sure on that rule. I've never been in a scenario where I had to consider it. You might have to call or email your local department of fish and wildlife or game warden. If I run into the game warden out and about, I'll ask him haha Having less than three rounds only pertains to shotguns. Here in WA you can only have up to rounds in total which is what I carry in my 22

[@Thermopylae2007]

Talk about obscure regulations...... As if the biggest threat to grouse conservation came from hunters wielding 10 gauge shotguns! That said, it's a great video.

[@codefupanda]

@@CascadeBackcountry After getting disconnected once and on hold for 4 minutes, I spoke with an officer with at the Mill Creek Regional Office of the WA DFW and this is what I've learned: Grouse hunting with 22LR or 12ga is a) not restricted to the use of lead ammunition, b) not limited to the firearm capable of more than 3 rounds. The rules pertaining to grouse is such that if someone was hunting for deer, and comes across grouse, they may hunt it as grouse is included in Big Game license and one need not have small game separately. As for 3 round limit, I got a bonus answer - Snap Caps are acceptable to use as a magazine limiter. That is if one was hunting waterfowl (and using non-toxic ammunition).

[@timjones8184]

I'm using a 20 gauge Beretta silver pigeon. Yes it's pricey. Retirement gift to myself.

[@CascadeBackcountry]

Awesome gun!

[@snapcrack55]

Tip: Hold your thumb down on the screen. You should upload to play at 1.5X speed.

[@stoyasmussen5831]

Remington 870 20ga Skeet Gun ! #2 Remington 870 28ga Skeet Gun. Both very light weight !

[@CascadeBackcountry]

#2! Wow!

[@stoyasmussen5831]

@@CascadeBackcountry Only Because I hunt and compete with Remington Auto’s and I hunt with them as well and with my 1100 28ga and Winchester 1oz load of 6 shot I have bagged a triple on Wild Iowa Pheasant’s.

[@TheManWithNoName93]

20 ga is my personal choice, you're not allowed to use 22 or any rifle where i live for grouse, I wouldn't recommend a 22 at all, its not safe to be shooting a rifle in the air

[@CascadeBackcountry]

Where do you live that doesn't allow 22?

[@TheManWithNoName93]

@@CascadeBackcountry nova scotia

[@colton72395]

There is no best I use a 22 it far away a shotgun if close and if I’m deer hunting and only have my high caliber rifle I use a my handgun a judge with 4shot 410

[@CascadeBackcountry]

I want a judge. Looks awesome

[@colton72395]

There good but you have to practice a lot with them and bird shot goes all over the place cause the short rifled barrel but 4 shot works pretty good you just have to get used to the pattern play with a lot of paper targets to really get how it flys down

[@RockIslandguy]

When he says 22LR he means 22 Long Rifle. In Oregon, 22 Long Rifle, is only allowed for squirrel hunting. AI Overview Learn more … No, you cannot use a .22 caliber rimfire rifle to hunt grouse in Oregon: Hunting grouse In Oregon, you can hunt grouse with a 10 gauge or smaller shotgun that can hold no more than three shells, or with a recurve, long, or compound bow. Hunting game mammals In Oregon, you cannot use a .22 caliber rimfire rifle to hunt game mammals, except for western gray squirrels. To hunt upland birds in Oregon, you need a valid hunting license, upland game bird validation, and HIP (Harvest Information Program) validation.

[@CascadeBackcountry]

You can only hunt squirrel with a 22lr in Oregon?