Game

Suggested
Shot Size

Suggested
Chokes

What Experienced Shotgunners Say...

Ducks

BB, 1,
2, 3 *

Use BB shot for long range and pass shooting. For normal range--No. 1 or No. 2 shot while some hunters use No. 3 shot for closer range shooting over decoys.

Geese

T, BBB,
BB, 1 *

Modified

Goose hunters need wallop so they use the big loads with large shot. Many hunters prefer No. 1 shot for a denser pattern at shorter ranges over decoys.

Pheasants

5, 6, 7˝

For cornfield shooting where long shots are usual - better use No. 5. On a normal rise over dogs and for all around use, No. 6 is the favorite.

Grouse or Partridge

5, 6,
7˝, 8

On the smaller birds such as ruffed grouse or Hungarian Partridge, use the smaller shot. The big western grouse (sage, sooty, and blue) call for heavier loads and larger shot.

Quail

7˝, 8, 9

No. 7˝ or 8. On most species of Quail. 

Doves and Pigeons

6, 7˝,
8, 9

Modified
Improved Cylinder

Use lighter loads and No. 7˝ or No. 8 shot on mourning doves at normal ranges --for longer ranges use the heavy loads and No. 6 or No. 7˝. Use the same load on band tailed pigeons and white wings.

Woodcock

7˝, 8, 9

Improved Cylinder
Modified

The choice of shot size here will depend on ranges at which the game is shot. For fast shooting in the alder thickets, No. 8 shot is a good choice.

Turkey

BB*, 2*, 4,
5, 6, 7˝

*check local game laws

Full

Choice of shot size depends on the range. If you're a good caller, No. 6 or No. 7˝ shots makes a clean kill. BBs, No. 2s, 4s, 5s, are best for long shots.

Trap

7˝, 8

Full or Modified

In most cases, No. 7˝ is used for trap. Check the Official Rulebook.

Skeet

8, 9

Skeet Choke
Improved Cylinder

In most cases, No. 9 is used for skeet, check the Official Rulebook.

Sporting Clays

7˝, 8, 9

Any choke (Depends on practice desired)

For targets at close range use a more open choke, at longer distances tighten the chokes