Bird hunting

yomama · January 12, 2008, 12:32 PM

What 12 guage load works well for quail?

whitefish · January 12, 2008, 01:17 PM

I would think any light (1 or 7/8 oz) load with #7 1/2 or 8 shot.

I've used Rem Heavy Dove loads in 20 ga with pretty good success on ruffies.

Bitmap · January 12, 2008, 01:17 PM

I usually use a field load with #7.5 or #8 shot.

Scorch · January 12, 2008, 02:38 PM

I typically use 1 1/8 oz of 7 1/2 shot, but 1 oz loads also work well. I prefer 7 1/2 shot over 8 for longer shots if presented, but it's a personal thing.

Buzzcook · January 12, 2008, 03:17 PM

#8

But some well stocks shops will have shot shells with the bird's name on it. ie Quail shot, Goose shot, Duck shot etc.

Fat White Boy · January 15, 2008, 11:17 PM

Where are you hunting? And for which Species? My personal preferences:

1. California or Valley Quail- #7 1/2
2. Gambel's or Desert Quail- #6. Hunting these guys, you may encounter some open country and they will flush a little further out than Valley Quail.
3. Mountain Quail- #4- They are a little bigger than the others and having to take 50 or 60 yard shots isn't that unusual. Plus, the heavier shot will break bones at that range.
4. Mearn's Quail- #7 1/2. Don't forget the dogs! These guys will let you step on them before they flush.
5. Blue or Scaled Quail- # 6 for me. They are tough little buggers and run like antelope...
6. Bobwhite Quail. Can they really be called quail? They don't have any headgear...

**Art Eatman** · January 16, 2008, 12:17 AM

Blues are fun little critters. I call 'em "run-run birds".

I've used high-brass 7-1/2 to good effect. Lots of shots at 40 yards and even more.

Fat White Boy · January 17, 2008, 12:23 AM

Art- Have to agree- High Base 7 1/2's are an excellent choice. My best shot on a Gambel's Quail was 53 yards with hi base 7 1/2's

January 12, 2008, 12:32 PM	#1
yomama Junior member Join Date: February 28, 2006 Posts: 509	Bird hunting What 12 guage load works well for quail?

January 12, 2008, 01:17 PM	#2
whitefish Senior Member Join Date: February 14, 2005 Location: Canada Posts: 100	I would think any light (1 or 7/8 oz) load with #7 1/2 or 8 shot. I've used Rem Heavy Dove loads in 20 ga with pretty good success on ruffies.

January 12, 2008, 01:17 PM	#3
Bitmap Senior Member Join Date: November 12, 2001 Posts: 388	I usually use a field load with #7.5 or #8 shot.

January 12, 2008, 02:38 PM	#4
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 11,113	I typically use 1 1/8 oz of 7 1/2 shot, but 1 oz loads also work well. I prefer 7 1/2 shot over 8 for longer shots if presented, but it's a personal thing. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services Taylor Machine

January 12, 2008, 03:17 PM	#5
Buzzcook Senior Member Join Date: November 29, 2007 Location: Everett, WA Posts: 5,252	#8 But some well stocks shops will have shot shells with the bird's name on it. ie Quail shot, Goose shot, Duck shot etc.

January 15, 2008, 11:17 PM	#6
Fat White Boy Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2005 Posts: 1,276	Where are you hunting? And for which Species? My personal preferences: 1. California or Valley Quail- #7 1/2 2. Gambel's or Desert Quail- #6. Hunting these guys, you may encounter some open country and they will flush a little further out than Valley Quail. 3. Mountain Quail- #4- They are a little bigger than the others and having to take 50 or 60 yard shots isn't that unusual. Plus, the heavier shot will break bones at that range. 4. Mearn's Quail- #7 1/2. Don't forget the dogs! These guys will let you step on them before they flush. 5. Blue or Scaled Quail- # 6 for me. They are tough little buggers and run like antelope... 6. Bobwhite Quail. Can they really be called quail? They don't have any headgear...

January 16, 2008, 12:17 AM	#7
Art Eatman Staff Lead Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX, USA Posts: 21,047	Blues are fun little critters. I call 'em "run-run birds". I've used high-brass 7-1/2 to good effect. Lots of shots at 40 yards and even more. __________________ You're from BATFE? Come right in! I use all your fine products!

January 17, 2008, 12:23 AM	#8
Fat White Boy Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2005 Posts: 1,276	Art- Have to agree- High Base 7 1/2's are an excellent choice. My best shot on a Gambel's Quail was 53 yards with hi base 7 1/2's