Proven Waterfowl Game Cartridges and Loads
Gauges & Loads
- 12 Gauge: The standard for waterfowl hunting. Wide ammo selection, adaptable to ducks and geese alike. Works well with 2¾", 3", and 3½" shells depending on target species.
- 20 Gauge: Lighter recoil, still effective with modern steel, bismuth, or tungsten loads. Excellent for decoying ducks or for hunters wanting a lighter gun.
- 28 Gauge: Growing in popularity with tungsten (TSS) and bismuth loads. Lightweight, mild recoil, and effective when shots are inside decoy range.
- 10 Gauge: Big bore, heavy payload option for geese and long-range waterfowling. Less common today but still favored by some for large birds and open water setups.
- 16 Gauge: Classic, middle-ground gauge. Less common but effective with modern non-toxic loads. Often carried by traditionalists or upland/waterfowl crossover hunters.
Shot Materials at a Glance
- Steel: Widely available and affordable. Lowest density. Use larger shot sizes and smart chokes to maintain pattern and energy.
- Bismuth: Denser than steel and soft on barrels. Allows smaller shot sizes for more pellets and dense patterns.
- Tungsten and blends (TSS, tungsten matrix): Highest density and cost. Small pellets carry lethal energy far and pattern very tight. Great for specialty applications and sub-gauges.
Shell Lengths
- 2¾ inch: Manageable recoil. Excellent for decoying ducks and timber.
- 3 inch: The workhorse for most waterfowl hunts.
- 3½ inch: Extra payload for big geese or windy, open water at the cost of recoil. Only if your shotgun is chambered for it.
Choke Basics
- Improved Cylinder for tight timber and very close shots.
- Modified for most decoy work.
- Improved Modified when you need a bit more reach with bismuth or late-season birds. Always confirm on a pattern board.
Building a Complete Waterfowl Game Kit
- Ammunition Selection: Use non-toxic shot as required by law. Steel #2-#4 is a solid starting point for ducks. Bismuth or tungsten shot extends range and penetration, especially for geese.
- Optics: Quality binoculars and rangefinders to help locate and judge game before taking the shot.
- Cutting tools: Compact skinning and processing knife with a small sharpener.
- Game handling Gear: Light gloves, a breathable game bag, a few paper towels, and a zip-top bag for hearts and livers.
- Clothing: Quiet, weather-ready layers. Add blaze orange as required by local law.
- Scent Control: Sprays, clothing, and storage solutions to reduce detection.
- Calls and Decoys: Species-specific tools for bringing game into range.
- Shotgun Care: Bore snakes, oils, and dry bags for shells. Keep everything clean and rust free.
- Dog Gear: GPS or beeper collars, whistles, and training aids.
Know your regulations. Some public lands require non-toxic shot, and certain seasons restrict firearms or shot sizes.