Waterfowl Hunting

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.

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.