I always used a 22 or my 32 revolver given the choice. I shot hundreds of grouse and ptarmigan and only once got into ptarmigan where I thought they were skittish enough to warrant wing shooting.
The first time I ever shot any grouse when I first moved up I of course took a shotgun since we were bird hunting. I shot 6 grouse out of the same tree after throwing sticks in an effort to make them fly. As I shot them off the limbs none ever even flew to escape!
I once headshot either 7 or 8 ptarmigan off the same tussock about as fast as I could work the bolt on my 77/22. I guess they were walking by and hopping up on the hump in a single file line. Had them all in a stack like a shooting gallery!
Whatever you choose have fun and enjoy them as they’re fine eating.
