Success in goose hunting depends as much on your choice of ammunition and shotgun setup as it does on decoys and calling. Two critical factors that affect lethality and ethical harvest are shot size and choke selection. Understanding these elements ensures geese are harvested humanely and efficiently.
Why Shot Size Matters
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Power & Penetration: Geese are large birds with thick feathers, making shot size crucial for a clean kill.
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Range: Larger shot maintains energy over longer distances, increasing the chance of penetration on fast-flying or wary geese.
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Patterning: Appropriately sized shot produces denser patterns that cover the wingspan of incoming birds.
Recommended Shot Sizes
| Goose Species | Recommended Shot Size |
|---|---|
| Canada Goose | #2 – BB |
| Snow Goose | #2 – BBB |
| White-fronted Goose | #2 – BB |
Tip: Always pattern your shotgun at typical hunting distances to ensure your chosen shot size effectively covers the target zone.
Understanding Choke Selection
A choke controls how tightly the shot spreads when leaving the barrel. Choosing the right choke ensures optimal pattern density for your target range.
Common Choke Options
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Full Choke: Tightest spread; ideal for long-range shots over open fields or flooded flats.
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Modified Choke: Balanced option; works for medium-range shots and most general-purpose goose hunting.
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Improved Cylinder: Wider spread; better for short-range situations or dense decoy setups where close encounters are likely.
Tip: Longer-range shots (40–50 yards) generally benefit from tighter chokes (full or modified), while close-range setups may allow improved cylinder for pattern coverage.
Matching Shot Size to Choke
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Full Choke + #2 or BB: Excellent for long-distance Canada geese in open fields or marsh edges.
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Modified + #2 or BB: Works well for mixed distances, including approaching flocks over water or flooded fields.
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Improved Cylinder + #2 or smaller: Best for close-range snow goose or flock hunting where the birds approach directly into your spread.
Always test combinations at the range before the hunt to confirm pattern density and effectiveness.
Patterning Your Gun
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Use a patterning board at typical hunting ranges (25–50 yards).
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Count pellets within a 30-inch circle to simulate goose wingspan.
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Adjust choke, shot size, or load until you achieve a dense, consistent pattern.
Proper patterning is crucial for ensuring humane kills and avoiding wounded birds.
Ethical Considerations
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Only take shots within your effective, practiced range.
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Choose shot size and choke to maximize lethality and minimize wounding.
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Comply with federal and state regulations for non-toxic shot.
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Remember that shot placement is as important as your equipment choice.
Key Takeaways
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Shot size impacts penetration and effective range.
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Choke selection controls pattern density and spread distance.
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Testing combinations ensures reliable, humane harvests.
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Always prioritize ethical, accurate shots over long-range opportunistic firing.
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Adjust setup based on species, habitat, and hunting scenario.
By carefully selecting shot size and choke, you enhance your goose hunting efficiency, ensure ethical kills, and improve overall success in the field.
