Choosing the right ammunition is a critical factor in successful and ethical goose hunting. With strong, fast-flying birds like Canada geese, snow geese, and white-fronted geese, using the proper shot type and size ensures clean kills while adhering to legal and conservation guidelines.
Why Ammunition Matters in Goose Hunting
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Power & penetration: Geese are larger than ducks, requiring heavier loads and proper shot to ensure a humane harvest.
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Range: Geese often approach at longer distances, especially over open fields and marshes.
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Regulatory compliance: Federal and state laws require non-toxic shot for waterfowl.
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Patterning: Consistent patterns improve hit probability and reduce wounding.
Using the wrong ammunition can result in lost birds, wasted effort, and ethical concerns.
Types of Shot for Goose Hunting
1. Steel Shot
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Most common and widely available.
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Affordable and approved for all waterfowl seasons.
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Harder and lighter than lead, which may require larger shot sizes to maintain lethality at longer ranges.
2. Bismuth
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Softer and denser than steel; patterns similar to lead.
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Better penetration with less recoil.
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Slightly more expensive, but excellent for long-range shots.
3. Tungsten Alloys
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Extremely dense, providing maximum energy transfer and penetration.
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Excellent patterning at longer ranges.
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Heavier cost, but highly effective for trophy geese or tough conditions.
4. Hevi-Shot / Other Dense Alloys
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Mixes of tungsten and other metals designed for waterfowl.
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Superior lethality and pattern density.
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Often recommended for large birds in tough shooting conditions.
Recommended Shot Sizes
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Canada Geese: #2 to BB. Larger shot ensures penetration and humane kills at medium to long distances.
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Snow Geese: #2, BB, or BBB — smaller birds, but still require heavy shot at long ranges due to flock size and fast approach.
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White-fronted Geese: #2 to BB, similar to Canada geese.
Always pattern your gun before hunting to ensure the chosen size covers your typical shooting range.
Load Recommendations
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12-gauge: 1 1/4 oz. to 1 3/8 oz. is standard for field conditions.
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20-gauge: 1 oz. to 1 1/8 oz., combined with dense shot types, can be effective.
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Recoil considerations: Denser alloys like bismuth or tungsten produce less recoil than steel for the same patterning.
Patterning Your Shotgun
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Test ammunition at realistic distances (30–50 yards) using a pattern board.
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Adjust choke (modified, improved cylinder, or full) to match shot size and hunting scenario.
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Check for dense, consistent patterns to maximize ethical harvest success.
Ethical Considerations
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Only shoot birds you can hit cleanly within effective range.
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Use non-toxic shot types to comply with federal and state law.
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Avoid long-range shots that risk wounding or losing birds.
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Prioritize humane kills over volume — a well-placed shot is always better than a desperate blast.
Final Tips
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Match shot type, size, and load to the species and environment.
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Consider local hunting conditions: open fields, marshes, or windy coastal areas may require denser shot or heavier loads.
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Pattern your gun with the specific ammunition you plan to use before heading to the field.
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Work with guides or seasoned hunters to understand what works best in your region.
Selecting the right goose hunting ammunition ensures a humane, legal, and productive hunt. Proper preparation with the right shot type, size, and load maximizes your success while supporting ethical hunting practices.
