Buzz, I too think Ruffed Grouse, especially early in the season while leaves are still on the trees are very challenging targets. But I do hit them with some small success. What I have never hit has been a Gambel Quail or a Chukar which flushed from high above on a very steep slope and is following the contour downhill wings half folded, appearing just a few yards above me and passing down and around within just few yards of me. Can't see them in time to take them as an incoming nor swing fast enough to get on them before the hill conceals them again. First couple times I wasn't even sure they weren't imaginary. Probably the best strategy would be to save the shotshells. Some have buzzed me so close a tennis racquet may have been a better choice of weapon. I know if it were setup at sporting clays there sure wouldn't be any clean runs on that station.
