Switched gears - ducks to quail

[bigbossman]

Sorry, newbie question.
What gauge and shot are you guys using for quail hunting?
thanks

On this particular hunt I used a 12 gauge and #6 shot, although I have used 20 and .410 gauge, and will use #7-1/2 or #8 shot as well.

I prefer the #6 because quail are a little more robust than you would think, and I have better totals and less lost cripples using it over the smaller shot.

[basket of deplorables]

On this particular hunt I used a 12 gauge and #6 shot, although I have used 20 and .410 gauge, and will use #7-1/2 or #8 shot as well.

I prefer the #6 because quail are a little more robust than you would think, and I have better totals and less lost cripples using it over the smaller shot.

Thank you.
I have been using #6 for pheasant and quail hunting.
But have been told to use #7-1/2 and #8 for quail.
However was never given a good explanation like yours.
Appreciate your input.

And how about ducks?
what shot size for 12 gauge? I have been using #4 or #5 which ever i can get


thanks

[bigchinner]

Nobody is going to ask huh? : ). lol
What area? That is a great day! Blessings from above.

[bigbossman]

Nobody is going to ask huh? : ). lol
What area? That is a great day! Blessings from above.

BLM land, southwest Idaho.

[bigbossman]

Thank you.
I have been using #6 for pheasant and quail hunting.
But have been told to use #7-1/2 and #8 for quail.
However was never given a good explanation like yours.
Appreciate your input.

And how about ducks?
what shot size for 12 gauge? I have been using #4 or #5 which ever i can get

You're welcome. You do realize that your question border on religion in nature? Ask 10 hunters and get 10 different answers. Everyone has a preference. For instance, with dove and quail, I prefer a Skeet choke...... maybe sometimes an IC for dove if they are flying higher than normal. More dead birds, less cripples for me. A few of the folks I hunt with think I'm stupid for doing so, but I seem pile the birds up so who cares.

With ducks..... I used to use #4 steel for hunting in CA, but I was shooting smaller ducks like Widgeon, Gadwall, Teal, Red Head, Spoons, and Scaup. I very rarely had shots at the bigger birds like Sprig, Mallard, and Canvasback. Now that I live in Idaho, I'm seeing nothing but fat Mallards and #4 isn't working so well. I've stepped up to #3 shot and that's doing the trick for me. Again, IC choke and shooting over decoys.

[NATEWA]

Congrats! Love eating quail. It’s been too long.

[bigbossman]

Frankly, I'm a bit surprised that no one has jumped in to tell me I'm wrong with my shot and choke selection.

You guys are slipping.

[SoCalPI]

Frankly, I'm a bit surprised that no one has jumped in to tell me I'm wrong with my shot and choke selection.

You guys are slipping.

[PoorRichRichard]

Frankly, I'm a bit surprised that no one has jumped in to tell me I'm wrong with my shot and choke selection.

You guys are slipping.

I’ll throw you a bone. I hunt quail primarily with a 20 gauge o/u. I agree with you on the skeet choke for my bottom barrel, but I go to the equidistant opposing side of the choke spectrum utilizing an improved mod for that second shot from my top barrel. Seems to work well for me.

97A03150-F48A-43B0-BC76-892FBD4982E1.jpg

Last year, late season hunt with my buddy up in Maricopa County. Having a great dog with us was a huge plus. I walked over 10 miles that day.

[12Ga Hunter]

Frankly, I'm a bit surprised that no one has jumped in to tell me I'm wrong with my shot and choke selection.

You guys are slipping.

You are wrong with your shot and choke selection