What shot size for waterfowl hunting?

[bobcat]

I want to go duck hunting but I don't know the correct shot size for waterfowl hunting ( I'm new at this, so I need your help). Thanks.

[chris]

I use Kent 3 1/2" #2 shot. I have had great success and get the box that has it 1625 FPS it does a good job. if your shotgun is only for 3" I recommend the same as well.

[bobcat]

Thanks man! another question, do you use one of those EXTENDED CHOKE TUBES?

[RIFLERACK31]

I use Kent or Winchester, 2 or 3 shot. I prefer 3 shot. I use full or modified choke tubes.

[Moonshine]

Large ducks such as mallards, pintail, and gadwall - shot 3 or 2 depending on your skill level hunting birds.

Small ducks such as greenwing teal - shot 4 or smaller

[chris]

Thanks man! another question, do you use one of those EXTENDED CHOKE TUBES?

i do not have one.

Large ducks such as mallards, pintail, and gadwall - shot 3 or 2 depending on your skill level hunting birds.

Small ducks such as greenwing teal - shot 4 or smaller

i don't thrash teal too much with #2 shot that often unless they get very close. i have messed up mallards more than teal for some reason.

[ysr_racer]

#6 for pheasants, #7.5 for dove and quail

[johnniezombie]

I thought i read in the water fowl regulations that your shotgun can't exceed a three round mag?

[chris]

I thought i read in the water fowl regulations that your shotgun can't exceed a three round mag?

yes you are correct only 3 rounds allowed 2 in the tube and on in the chamber.
on refuges 25 rounds allowed in the field. you can on most go back to get more though if you need to.

[johnniezombie]

I was all jazzed when i took the rod out of my Mossberg until i read that 3 round rule the other day lol

[DirtyDave]

#6 for pheasants, #7.5 for dove and quail

I wouldn't consider them waterfowl though........

[newcitizen]

Just Me...

I use #4 for ducks, and #2 or #1 for geese. I use a carlsons mid range choke tube. The #4's are 3" and goose loads (#2or#1) in 3 1/2" shells. Winchester expert steel shot and Kent. I have only hunted 3 seasons and this is what has worked for me. If you haven't patterned your shotgun yet, take the time to do so. If your shotgun came with some chokes I would use them first. I have friends who use the stock chokes that came with their guns and they slay them and others with extended that also slay them. Why spend the money when you may already have what you need. The best equipment won't make you a better hunter...practice is what will. Have fun, be safe, and every person has an opinion on hunting so do whatever you want with their advice or experience. Ultimately it will come down to you and what works for you. Now go kill some fowl!

[bobcat]

Thank you all, I'll go pattern my shotgun right away. I know I can do whatever I want with their advice, but it helps to read different opinion about the subject. It is always about having fun!

[MeatyMac]

The Kent Fasteel is good stuff and priced right, I use #3 in 3" (1560fps) for ducks and #BB in 3.5" (1625fps) for geese.

[MJB]

3" #3.......becareful the faster steel shot can damage a choke tube.

In Baja I put on my extended tube and I can get up to 9 rounds in my SBE. It works great when you have a lot of birds flushing. But I do see why only 3 rounds in the US........their would be more limits much quicker and fewer birds left to repopulate.

Good luck