Dave, I don't believe that wings need to be broken or a head shot is required to bring birds down. I have killed many with no broken wings and no aparent head wounds. . Nor do I believe that a pellet through the heart is a goal or necessary. The grouse is a soft bird. It's been my experience that multiple shot in the body will bring them down, regardless of a heart or lung shot. It's probably the shock of multiple hits that bring them to earth. It is true that some of these birds will have to be dispatched. But they do come down rather easily. The woodcock is a soft bird also. They seem to come down regardless of where they are hit. I read once where someone said that at least four pellets need to hit the bird to bring them down. It may be true of ducks and pheasants (but I doubt it) but it doesn't hold for grouse or woodcock.
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