Question for you Waterfowlers?

[TedH]

Going on my first ever real goose hunt in a couple weeks. I've never been on a "real" set up with decoys. I'm going with my cousin and a couple of old friends I haven't seen in 20 years, that alone makes it worthwhile, but I have a question about steel shot and chokes. I seem to remember reading some time that steel shot acts differently than lead as far as chokes. If you want a full choke pattern then use a modified choke with steel shot is what I'm remembering.
Supposedly the shooting will be pretty close in and fast-n-furious. The fellow in charge recommended BB shot, which I just picked up 4 boxes of Federal 3" 12ga. So what's the deal with steel shot and chokes? I've got everything from IC to Super Full Turkey.

[BrentD]

You have the right idea with regard to chokes. At least, that is how I learned it. Mondified (lead)=Full (steel).

There are other types of shot, but what you have should work well. I presume this is for snows and blues.

Have fun,
Brent

[TedH]

Yep, Snow geese is what I've been told. Looking at the price of the other types of shot I was scared off. I just bought what was "cheap", and they were still $15 a box.

[stew71]

Ted, if you're shooting geese over decoys and can call them close, I'd go with an IC choke so that your patterns will be more like a modified spread. If you end up doing more pass shooting then swap it out for the modified tube so you can reach out & touch 'em.

Either way, sounds like you'll have a great time.

[BrentD]

If you find yourself at the bottom of one of those white tornadoes of inbound geese, pinch yourself to be sure you aren't dreaming and then pick a target and go! Man, it sure sounds like fun.

Brent

[Marlin32]

Use the IC and the ammo you bought, you will be fine on Snows/Blues

[octagon]

I'm jealous. Goose hunting is some of the finest if not the finest hunting. Last time I went, steel shot was not a requirement, all our shooting was way out there and we ensued full chokes mostly and #3's. Give em hell Ted!

[Griff]

Good luck... and remember... w/o pics it didn't happen!

[Lastmohecken]

I will echo the same recommendation and suggest improved cylinder, but you could always take along the modified and choke wrench, just in case the shooting is farther out.

[Larkbill]

Another vote for IC at the ranges you're talking about.

Are you hunting on private ground? Used to see lots of Blues and Snows around Cannon Refuge, as far south as Elsberry near BK Leach Conservation Area.

[RIHMFIRE]

pattern your gun with both ic and mod at 25 to 30 yards...
to check out the pattern and where she is shooting....
then hit the skeet or 5 stand range to practice a bit
and have a great time!

[TedH]

Another vote for IC at the ranges you're talking about.

Are you hunting on private ground? Used to see lots of Blues and Snows around Cannon Refuge, as far south as Elsberry near BK Leach Conservation Area.

Yes, private ground near Sedalia.

[375hh1973]

IC=Instant Carnage

Great all around choke. Ive killed a ton of geese with 3" Steel BB and IC choke.

[Larkbill]

Haven't hunted around Sedalia, closest I go to there is Grand Pass WA on the Missouri near Marshall. But if they have been holding birds anywhere can be good. Hope you have a great hunt.

[Old Shatterhand]

Here we have only canada and greylag geese. They drop fine for a 3" #4 or #2 lead through a modified choke, and #2 or BB steel will be as good.

P.