The Best Shotgun Chokes for Waterfowl Hunting

Why Choke Selection Matters for Waterfowl

Steel and other non-toxic shot types behave differently than lead. They:

• Pattern tighter

• Retain energy differently

• Respond strongly to choke constriction

A good choke ensures:

• Clean kills with fewer cripples

• Wider patterns at close range (for ducks over decoys)

• Tighter patterns for longer goose shots

• More uniform pellet distribution across your pattern board

Hunters who pattern their guns consistently outperform those who don’t.

Best All-Purpose Waterfowl Chokes

If you want a simple, reliable setup that covers the majority of duck and goose hunting situations, start here.

Improved Cylinder (IC)

Best for:

• Ducks over decoys

• Close to mid-range shots (15–30 yards)

• Timber, marshes, potholes, and small water

IC is the most forgiving choke in tight-cover duck hunts. With steel shot, IC often patterns more like a lead Modified—making it perfect for close-in birds.

Modified (MOD)

Best for:

• Mixed duck/goose hunts

• Shots from 25–40+ yards

• Open marshes, fields, big water

Modified is the most versatile waterfowl choke overall. It maintains enough spread for decoying ducks but adds density for longer goose shots.

Light Modified (LM) or Improved Modified (IM)

Best for:

• Hunters who want a balance between IC and MOD

• Slightly longer decoy shots (20–35 yards)

• Geese finishing tight

Light Modified is a favorite among many seasoned duck hunters. Improved Modified works well for pass-shooting and longer shots—but pattern your gun carefully, as IM can over-tighten with steel.

Choke Recommendations by Hunting Situation

1. Ducks Over Decoys (most hunts)

Top choices:

• Improved Cylinder

• Light Modified

These chokes protect against blown-up patterns at 10–20 yards while still offering density out to 30.

2. Goose Hunting (fields or open water)

Top choices:

• Modified

• Improved Modified (for experienced patterners)

• Heavy aftermarket goose chokes

Because geese are larger and shots often stretch past 30 yards, choose a choke that maintains a tight core without creating holes in the pattern.

3. Pass-Shooting Ducks or Geese

Top choices:

• Modified

• Improved Modified

• Specialty extended chokes

Longer distances demand tighter constriction and heavier shot sizes like steel #1, BB, or Bismuth #3.

4. Timber Hunting or Tight-Range Ducks

Top choices:

• Cylinder

• Skeet

• Improved Cylinder

At very close range (10–20 yards), a wide, forgiving pattern prevents over-tight impacts and cripples. Timber hunters especially benefit from more open chokes.

Choosing Chokes Based on Shot Type

Steel Shot

Patterns tighter than lead.
General rule: Use a more open choke than you would with lead.

Bismuth

Patterns similarly to lead.
Great for:

• Skeet through Modified

• Traditional lead-like performance

Tungsten-based Loads (TSS blends, HeviShot)

Very dense and tight-patterning.
Use caution:

• Stick to open chokes

• Pattern extensively before hunting

• Avoid IM or Full unless manufacturer approves

Should You Use a Full Choke for Waterfowl?

Generally, no.
Full chokes and steel shot don’t mix unless clearly labeled “Steel-Compatible Full.” Even then, most full chokes produce:

• Overly tight patterns

• Inconsistent pellet distribution

• High risk of cripples on close ducks

Modified or LM typically produces better performance with steel.

Aftermarket Waterfowl Chokes: Are They Worth It?

Aftermarket chokes can improve performance, especially if you hunt:

• Geese regularly

• Pass-shoot long birds

• Use bismuth or tungsten loads

• Swap between duck and goose setups

Brands vary, but many offer:

• Consistent patterns

• Extended tubes for easier changes

• Specialized constriction for specific shot materials

Patterning is essential before relying on them in the field.

How to Pattern Your Waterfowl Choke Effectively

Patterning tells you:

• Pellet density

• Evenness

• Point-of-impact

• Maximum effective range

Steps:

1. Test 3–5 shells per choke/load combo

2. Shoot at 30 and 40 yards

3. Compare pellet counts in a 30" circle

4. Look for holes or weak edges

5. Adjust choke or shot size based on results

The best choke is the one that gives your gun/load the most even pattern—not necessarily the tightest.

Common Choke Mistakes Waterfowl Hunters Make

• Using too tight of a choke with steel

• Not patterning their gun before hunting

• Changing loads without rechecking the pattern

• Assuming IC is “too open” (it isn't—especially with steel)

• Overchoking when geese decoy well

• Using Full choke on tight-range ducks

Fix these, and you’ll see more birds fall cleanly.

Best Choke Combinations by Load

Steel #2 or #3 (general duck load)

• IC or LM for decoys

• MOD for mixed distance

Steel BB or #1 (geese)

• MOD or IM

Bismuth #4 or #5

• IC through MOD (patterns like lead)

Tungsten loads

• Very open choke (IC or Cylinder)

Pattern every new combination—no two shotguns behave identically.

Why Choke Selection Improves Ethical Harvest

A well-matched choke:

• Creates clean, lethal patterns

• Reduces cripples

• Extends or tightens your effective range

• Matches pattern to real hunting conditions

Better choke choices lead to better hunts—and more responsible shooting.

FAQs: Best Chokes for Waterfowl Hunting

What’s the best overall choke for duck hunting?

Improved Cylinder or Light Modified for most setups.

What’s the best choke for geese?

Modified. Use Improved Modified only after patterning with steel.

Is Modified too tight for ducks?

Not with steel #2 or #3 at 25–40 yards. But it’s too tight for close timber hunts.

Should I change chokes mid-hunt?

If ducks and geese share the same spread, use LM or MOD to cover both.

Is a Full choke safe with steel?

Only if labeled steel-rated—but usually unnecessary and overly tight.

Ready to fine-tune your waterfowl setup or book a guided hunt? Compare outfitters and explore waterfowl opportunities through Find A Hunt.