I'm 58 now and was an extremely avid and active upland game hunter up until about 5 years ago.. I've had 5 bird dogs in the sum of my life so far (two of the same age group once).. Hoping I have one more left in me as I get closer to retirement age and have the desert SW in mind as my retirement spot.
Hunted with a lot of friends and folks over the years and the 12 gauge was by far the most popular round with them.. I always packed a 20 gauge and still would.. I've hunted SD, KS, IA, MO, IN, IL, MI and OH many times and across all seasons Primarily pheasant and quail, but a good bit of grouse and woodcock as well.. The 20 gauge did everything a 12 could do at a lesser weight and easier handling package.. Ithaca SKB 280 SXS choked improved and modified or a Remington 1100 LT20 choked straight modified (fixed - old gun)..
I still have both guns and intend to put them to work once again.. No need for a 12 gauge in the uplands in my opinion..
