Since "Upland" hunting covers everything from woodcock at zero feet to late season Kansas phez going downwind at Mach 2 and 50 yards out, I'd have to plump for some kind of a 12. They make loads in 12 guage that fit both those extreme situations and everything in between.

I love smallbores. In their place. But out in the baldies ISN'T their place. Sad, but true, IMO.

That said, a REALLY GOOD wingshot can do wonders with a smallbore. Not me. The 'yotes get enough free meals.