Woodcock Load

[Pryor Creek Okie]

Next month I'll be hunting woodcock for the first time. I'm planning to carry my ancient 1950's Auto 5, 12 gauge. Will standard dove/quail loads work for woodcock?

[bwjohn]

I think 12 is a little over kill, I use a 20 only if I am hunting grouse as well. If I know I am woodcock hunting I use a .410.

brandon

[Mountaineer]

Yes, but not much won't work.
Choke may be an issue tho.

[Pryor Creek Okie]

I carry that old 12 gauge for nostalgic reasons more than anything. My grandfather had a very similar shotgun, and that is what I grew up shooting. It has a 24" barrel and an Imp Cyl choke, and it is a sweet little quail gun. I think it will work just fine for woodcock. I've been considering getting either a 20 or 28 gauge double barrel for some time, but I'm afraid it would just sit in the gun cabinet while I continue to use my old Browning.

[Big Dave]

I would go with a light field load of #8's or #7 1/2's. I think this load through that open choke would work real well, It has for me.