waterfowl hunting
- Thread starter bner21
- Start date
bner,
I use and 870 also, most reliable gun Ive ever owned. For geese I use 3 inch mag T shot, if I can't get that I'll pick up some BBB. For bigger ducks like mallards use #2 or #3 steel. If you have a separate season for teal, which are a little smaller, try
#4 steel. Happy hunting, let us know how you do.
I use and 870 also, most reliable gun Ive ever owned. For geese I use 3 inch mag T shot, if I can't get that I'll pick up some BBB. For bigger ducks like mallards use #2 or #3 steel. If you have a separate season for teal, which are a little smaller, try
#4 steel. Happy hunting, let us know how you do.
BadMedicine
Moderator
Ditto, except we only use BB's for geese.
Ron Ankeny
New member
I have had better luck with the fast loads rather than the slow, heavy loads.
BadMedicine
Moderator
I think that's what he means by "If I can help it" Field-dressed
New member
Bner - I like #3 for ducks and #1 or bb for geese and cranes. But I've killed a lot of geese and cranes with #3 steel over decoys. I like to get 'em in close and personal. I've had deadly results with #6 steel over decoys on big ducks. Don't believe any of the old myths about steel shot not being effective. The stuff works great, won't hurt your gun, is cheap compared to bismuth, tungsten etc., and stops killing birds after it lands in the marsh, unlike lead. There's a lethality table for steel shot produced by Tom Roster, usually available at sporting goods stores. This table lists which shot sizes and chokes are effective for various sized birds at varying ranges. Really handy. You should also pattern your shot gun at 30 or 40 yards using a variety of shot sizes and chokes. My Beretta Pintail throws beautiful patterns with #3 through improved cylinder. Every gun is different. Good luck and have a blast.