Home Forums Birds & Dogs Waterfowl Duck hunting, need advice.

I have been invited to go duck hunting and I have not shot a duck since lead shot was outlawed. I used a 20 gauge and # 7&1/2 lead shot back then.

I'll be hunting over decoys. I have an 870 Express and a Ruger Red Label. Both guns are 12 gauge with 3 inch chambers. The Ruger is IC/Mod and the 870 has tubes.

What type and size shot would you recommend and which gun would you use? I am at a loss in selecting shells. Would you use steel, heavy shot, or what? I also wonder if I really need 3 inch shells?

I have a good pair of waders and cammo. What else should I take?

In my opinion.........hevishot #4s is the ultimate duck load.Pretty expensive though.But if you only hunt ducks once in awhile,the cost of shells shouldnt be a big deal.In a 12.....2 3/4" is all ya need.Never used a 20 on ducks,so cant say which load is best.Im talking about midsized and large ducks.

One question: what type of terrain will you be hunting? Flooded timber, small pond, or open water? What type of birds are you most likely to see, teal, divers or puddle ducks? I agree with #4's, although I like "Bismouth" personally, remrug's right on with the cost comment, if you're only going once this year spend the money and you'll see the difference. As for shell size I always use 3" shells even when goose hunting, the extra punch is worth the extra recoil. 3" no. 4's is a hard combo to beat for duck, goose you'll want larger shot size. As for which gun, take the one you're most comfortable with, the rest will fall into place. I also wear a head lamp. The handsfree light is invaluable especially when setting out dek's. Ask your hunting partners what they need you to bring along in your blind bag (food/coffee?) and enjoy. Let us know how your day on the water went!

Use the gun you shoot the best. You don't need three inch shells, especially with the newer tungsten or bismuth loads. Tungsten-based hevi shot works real well in #6 for ducks. #4's are a better choice if you're using bismuth. I like steel #2's for ducks, just make sure steel is going fast - over 1400 fps. IC and Mod choke is not a handicap if you want to take your Ruger. I do nearly all my shooting now with 12ga. Kent Faststeel 2-3/4" 1-1/16 oz loads of # 1's, and use that for all ducks and geese out of modified barrels. I don't skybust - 40 yds is a reasonable limit. Works for teal to honkers. Of course you can specialize if you don't hunt for a mixed bag like we do. Some sort of face camo is a good addition to your basic outfit ( I use a headnet with eyeholes) - ducks most often spook because somebody moved or a face is shining up at them.

#1 and #2 shot with an IC choke.

prairie dog,

Duck hunting is so much fun... where do I start? My gun is an 870 express, and I shoot 3" Hevi-Steel #2. The Hevi-Steel is much cheaper than Hevi-Shot, but still hits like Bismuth. The #2s I shoot are also travelling at 1550fps...smokin. This would probably take down a goose if one presented itself. This load, Hevi-Shot 4,5,6.. or Steel 1 or 2s will work. I use 3" shells, but 2.75" should work fine if you put em where they need to be. Also, the third shot in the 870 has been a blessing on some days... the Ruger might be a disadvantage there, but shoot what you feel comfortable with.

As for chokes... I shoot a modified, but my brother in the same blind shoots an IC. We both have success, just be aware what distances you're shooting. If the ducks are relatively close, an IC should be solid. The mod is tighter, but versatile if they're a bit further out. I dropped a pintail at about 15 yards this past weekend with a mod, so they do work in tight as well.

Bottom line, talk to your hunting buddies... see what they use. See what you need to bring. Most of all, be confident in your shot, sit still, and have fun!

I'm a pheasant hunter so I can't help much, except with waterfowl nomenclature:

Duck = Sky Carp

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Wow JOG, that was cold! LOL <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />

1 hunt both, a lot, and i eat both, a lot, and i have to tell ya. the only reason ya say that is because no one ever showed ya how or cooked a good duck for ya.

now some eat better than others but most meats are like that, wild or not.

i shoot either #5 or #6 hevi shot, either 2 3/4 out of an 1100 or 3in out of a 835 or a stoeger, depending on the weather and the place. the 1100 is not good in a downpour but on a clear cold day, hard to beat.

if it will be cold keep some good gloves and some heat paks. thermos of coffee or other hot drink(soup) and some granola bars. a good seat and a good attitude and have fun!

I tried the Hevi-steel for the first time this year on an early goose hunt.The #2s really smoked em.I used an 870 with IC choke.Sots were taken about 30 yds or so.I was impressed with the knockdown power they have.

#3 with a Mod or IC choke. Personally, I shoot 3 1/2 #3s in the marshes of South Louisiana with a modified choke.

When hunting over dekes I use 2 3/4" #3 or #4 steel with an I/C choke. I can't see why anyone would use #4 Hevi-shot over dekes,talk about overkill.

I share Mossy's preference. If they're coming down into the decoys, a 12 ga. grouse gun is all you need.

Unless of course these are ducks that simply fly towards your spread 20 yards up, and then skirt the fringes and never come in.

AA, 3" #3 steel with I/O choke.

Steel shoots tighter than lead, so keep that in mind. I assume your shotguns are able to shoot steel thru the barrels. Some older ones arent. I've tried a lot of the more expensive metals, but, I cant hit the ducks with em. I like the 1500fps #3's from cabelas, they are also one of the cheapest. For geese, I like #1. The faster steel hits harder and I dont have to lead the ducks as much.

Duck hunting is a lot of work, but a hell of a lot of fun.

maestro

Forget everything that I said.

Just came back from duck hunting, and I couldnt hit anything. I would shoot at the first duck in the flock and knock down the last. A couple of mallards came no farther than 30 yards, and since the male was behind the female I missed all three shots. I should have aimed at the female, then I would have hit the male.
You think I wasnt leading enough???

Even with the frustrations, nothing like duck hunting. I will try it again this weekend. And, give the AA #3's another chance.

Good hunting.

maestro

I'm going out this morning, actually mid-morning. We have a high tide near noon, we hunt tidal flats at river mouths.

Hey PDS, did you get to make your hunt?

I use nothing but 2 3/4" for everything. I reload Bismuth #4's, 1 1/8 or 1 1/4oz., if only after ducks. Bismuth #2"s, 1 1/4oz. for geese. Loads are modest- 1250fps/7500psi, per Hodgdon. I have started using a 1924 vintage L.C.Smith Long Range model, hence the "light" loads. Even though the 32" heavy barrels are factory chambered for 3" shells, the 3"er's of today generate way more pressure than those of that era and as such are not suitable.

Guess what- the geese tumble just as readily. Dropped a right and a left right off the bat. Ditto the next day. I've been a proponent of factory 2 3/4" Mag Bismuth for geese, now I'm thinking that stuff is a little hotter than necessary. I can see the value of 3" for steel due to the abysmal killing properties of the stuff- you just have to throw a pile of it at the target in order to kill it.

Remember, the market hunters of a century ago decimated the Mississippi and Atlantic flyways with 1- 1 1/8oz. of lead. I doubt wildfowl have grown tougher in the last hundred years.

Dang, way late to this party.

For ducks, IMO, 3" shells are only required if you are going to be shooting steel at distance.

Of course, once my steel is all shot up, I won't be using any more of it. The newer stuff kills so well, that I can't justify using steel any longer. Over the last two years, my average # of shots per dead duck has gone from 3-ish to 1.1. That closes the price gap considerably. Coupled with the fact that I hate losing cripples, and it is a no-brainer for me.

As someone else said, Hevi-Shot #4s are about ideal. Problem is that Environmetal (or whatever the name fo the manufacturer) is great at producing the shot, and sucks ass at producing the shells. Remington loaded stuff is the only way to fly, but it is all last year or older vintage, as Remington isn't loading Hevi-Shot any more. I don't have enough experience with Remington's new non-toxic to say if it's any good.

Coupled with an IC choke, Hevi-Shot 4's are death on anything that flies.

Another favorite of mine is Kent Tungsten Matrix. I tried some because I had an old double that I wanted to shoot, and steel or HS was a non-starter. The TM worked so well, that I had to get a bunch more to try in my Xtrema. The 5's flat hammer stuff, and the 3's will bring down a big mallard at farther than I have any business shooting.

Just to see what would happen, last year I took at pot shot at a Spoony at what we later ranged at something over 60 yards. By some stroke of pure luck, I hit the damn thing, and dropped him stone dead with the 3s.

TM acts a lot like lead, so generally a tighter choke is prudent. I run a Mod at least, and an IM most of the time when shooting it. Full wouldn't scare me on windless days when the birds are high and spooky.

Either of your guns will be just fine, pick the one you shoot best.

CAS,

Spoonies fall for any reason, whether you hit them or not. They are one of the weekest ducks out there. Try that with a RedHead, and let me know. Then I'll be convinced. I agree with all about the lack of power from the steel shot and often you see the duck fold after flying for 100+ yards after being hit. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Im able to use lead for ducks in Mexico, and its soooo much better. #5s or 6s drop them quick. I sure do miss shooting like that here.

maestro

maestro,

Our running joke is that if you clap loudly, Spoonies will fold. Heck, the best way to get them in is to stand on top of the blind, and wave your arms while yelling. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Last year, on the first weekend that you could use moto-duck decoys, I actually had a pair of spoonies fly directly into the darn thing. And I don't mean close, they literally flew into the thing and knocked it over. It was priceless.

BTW, you don't use lead here??????? Why not???? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

My advice.... Pattern your gun. I have always done this with Buckshot but had not done it with Duck loads. Put up some paper and shoot from 30-35 yards (more if you think necessary). Last year a friend and I gathered up as many different loads as we could find. Mine shot some weel and his shot soem well. I wa surprised at how different a load like Winchester Drylok vs. Expert shot. I had a great uniform pattern with the Drylok but not with the cheap stuff. Think it is all about price?? NOPE! my buddy was shooting his gun and the cheap stuff was really good in his and the expensive stuff not as good. My 12ga has expensive taste.
Anyways, every gun likes differnt brands and different shot sizes.

If you don't have the time, #2 steel is a good all around load and #4 will do the job too, especially when you are in timber or will be shooting close range.
The Tungsten, Hevi-shot, Bismuth, etc. is great but it sure hurts the pocketbook. Save those for when you really need them.

Good Luck!

I'll go ahead and say it. steel #4's suck ass for anything other than practice. Even close in, they are pathetic.

I have 9 boxes of Kent Fasteel 3", 1.25oz #4's that you can have for free. Just pick up the shipping.

I had just planned on shooting them up on clay birds, but if you want them, they are all yours.

Hevishot 6s are the best thing out there and worth every penny. I can use them in my 2 3/4 12 ga A-5 and kill more ducks than the guys with 3 1/2 in 12s and 10s shooting steel in the same blind. It's not even close. And when you only have to shoot them once, not two or three times and then again on the water, it doesn' really cost any more. Trying to save money on shells, with a 6 duck limit and all the money you spend on other stuff to duck hunt doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me. One hunt will make you a believer. And BTW I miss hunting ducks with my 20s too. @#$%^^&* steel shot.

Am scheduled to go this next Sunday.

The guys I am going with are telling me they use 3 inch steel in 4 or 6 size. But I've seen them shoot doves......so I ain't convinced their advice is sound. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

I've decided to use the 870 Express. I shoot the Red Label best, but the 870 is not so shinny.

I've got my Neoprene waders, polypro underwear, thinslate gloves, facemask, and camo field jacket. Planning to put a Thermos of hot coffee and my handwarmers in the bag too.

I've got everything but my Federal stamp and my shells. Will pick those up latter this week.

Hopefully, will have some photos and a field report up here after the hunt.

I dragged out my 20 gauge Red Label for a "skeet lunch" at the Coast Guard base. We might toss a few clays tomorrow.

You know, I have spent some pretty cold winter days in north Texas and north Louisiana. The handwarmers and coffee sound like a great idea.

Have a great hunt! My brother lives in FW, he is a lurker here called mrbman.

Dude............ Back away from the #4 or #6 steel. Trust me now and thank me later. It is akin to #7 or #8 lead, and those aren't exactly duck slayers.

If you are going to run steel, get #2's or maybe #3s. I have the better part of a case of #4's free for the taking, but no one will take my offer. They really are that bad.

If this is just to be a one time thing, get yourself a couple boxes of Kent Fasteel in 3" 1 1/4oz #2s. It'll run you less than $10 a box in most shops, and it will work great.

If you do run #4 or #6 steel, pray to God you have a fantastic dog, because the few you do knock down will be ducking and diving all over the place while you try and catch them.

I agree with cas, if you are shooting steel, go with 2's or 3's. Good luck and have fun (and don't forget to share the hunt with us).

Yes, I usually go with steel 2 or 3s. Trying to use up my 4s on little butterballs that are pretty easy to kill. Of course, if we had spoonies here a single shot in the air with #4 steel would yield at least 2 or 3 dead ones. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

You can do well with 2 3/4" steel 4's for duck. Hunted Lake Ontario with some buddies, all they shot was 2 3/4" steel 4's, Federal or Kents, and they dropped a lot of birds. The hevishot are an excellent choice but not always required.

A good recommendation was to pattern you gun / choke.

That's what I did today. Got my Federal stamp, packed up my face masks, insulated gloves, insulated cammo cap, waders, hand warmers, Thermos bottle, AA-flashlight, pocket knife, cammo field jacket, Polar fleece jacket, insulated underware, Poly-pro socks,camera, and shotgun. Should be ready to head out Saturday afternoon. Thanks for the advice everyone. I'll let you know how it goes.

PDS

I head out this afternoon for my duck hunt. We should be in the blind before daylight in the morning. Hope the ducks are flying.

Going over my pile of gear and this is what I have:

870 Express
Kent fasteel, 2 boxes of 2's (and a box of 4's to give to my buddy who set up the hunt and likes em'.)

Waders
thermal underwear
Poly-pro socks
warm-ups
wool shirt
Polar fleece sweater
field jacket
Thinslate gloves
insulatd face mask
mesh turkey hunting face mask
insulated cammo cap

hand warmers

Thermos
camera
Case pocket knife
Mini-mag light

Igloo with food and drinks
2 gallon zip lock bags

Sleeping bag and pillow

Will let you guys know how it goes....

Hope you get a bunch. I might get to go tomorrow afternoon for a little, tide flats near home. You huntin' a peanut field, or on Texoma?

Well the hunt was a bust. We killed a few Gadwalls, some spoonies, and some ring necks. That was it.

Now the skeet shooting, cooking, and BS'ing the night before were first class all the way. The duck hunting was a let down.

well, I did not even get to go today. Sounds like you had a good time despite the lack of ducks. Maybe better luck next time. at least you had all your stuff!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

So, it sounds like you're NOT going to go duck hunting again?

Yes, the only thing I had to buy that I didn't already have was the Federal stamp and the steel shells.

I might try it again next time I'm invited.

Two gaddies, and two smilin' mallards! Nice lookin' swimmin' dog too.

Mercy sakes alive. Just bought my hevishot and bismuth for my once a year duck hunt and for 80 rounds paid over $2 per round is that normal? You duck hunters stay away from my deer lease as it is already way to expensive! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

That's about the going rate. But you don't have to waste them on repeat shots and cripple busting, so it kind of evens out.

12 ga 870 supermag. I use 3 inch 3's for duck thru a terror choke .675. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> You will hear every size and choke and this shell is better than that. What I told you shoots great out of my gun the way I shoot in the area I hunt in. Find what works best for you.. Shoot what you shoot best and find a good load for it and you will be just fine. Good luck .. But most important is be safe and have fun!

You killed birds on your hunt. . .and you call it a BUST?! You're crazy! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I hunt ducks about forty days out of the year. About a third of those are total skunk-fests. Just remember. . .you're going to get skunked X-number of days and you're going to shoot your limit Y-number of days. The more X days you get out of the way. . .the more Y days you have left!

...and remember ALWAYS miss in front!

There's a whole lot more difference between no ducks and one duck than there is between one duck and a limit of ducks.

Well, made it back with some ammo left for next year. Three of us hunted in Port Mansfield (Tex), limited out Friday but hit a rut Saturday. Weather was great (for ducks) at about 50 degrees, 20 MPH north northwest winds with drizzle and fog on Saturday. We got our one pintail drake each day and the first day managed our two redheads as well along with assorted teal, spooners to limit out. Not many ducks seen overall as all the tanks in S. Texas are full to overflowing and ducks on all that we saw. Mercy did we ever see the active bucks and bulls (nilgai). Overall a great trip and the $2 hevyshot and bismuth seemed to work pretty well. At least I saved my belgium barrels for now. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Glad you had a good time!!!

On the subject of shells, you may want to look into Winchester Supreme 3" BB's sometime. They run about .65/shell, and we find they bring ducks down very well. (Actually, they are on sale at cabelas.com right now for 130.00/case, around .52/shell.) (***I have no idea how this compares to other places' price on this, so definitely shop Mack's Prairie Wings etc before buying anything.) My dad likes to have a 3.5" BB for his 3rd shot just in case. (I haven't tried this myself- my gun only goes to 3" & I'm too small for 3.5" anyway.) We had looked at the non-tox shells and felt like they did well, but for as much duck hunting as we do it got too expensive. (My husband & I aren't duck hunting these days since we have little ones, but my dad goes nearly every weekend.)

Everybody has their own preference & strategy for duck shells- for whatever it's worth, this is ours.

Good luck next year!

Thanks for the BB info. My two "duck" guns are Browning Belgium made and will not take to the steel shot very well.

Hope you are having fun with the little ones - BTDT and loads of fun as well. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

No problem- sorry the BB info doesn't help you.
... unless you relegate your Brownings to pheasants and get a Super Black Eagle for ducks! They sound too fancy for duck hunting anyway! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> (I use a Beretta myself- the pistol grip on the SBE was too big for me.) For ducks you have to have a gun you can use as a paddle if need be & not cry! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I like BB for geese, but the pellet density is so low compared to Non-Tox shooting 4,5, or 6, that it makes hits a little more iffy once range increases.

Shooting a 3.5" 12 gauge or 10 gauge mitigates that, but I don't like to get hit that hard, especially when it is not required for ducks.

muy,

I certainly hope that you didn't shoot that Hevi Shot in your Belgium barrel. Hevi Shot is harder than lead, by a long shot. It will score those older barrels in nothing flat.

Bismuth is OK, as is Tungsten Matrix, but don't use Hevi in those old guns.