Birds and Hevi Shot?

Fishfull Thinking · 12-01-2002, 09:38 AM

I have had the pleasure of hunting Kansas this fall. On Thanksgiving day I hunted south central Kansas at Quivera NWR (south of Great Bend). Shot a few ducks but I was really after some wild Kansas pheasents. Well I wasn't disappointed to an extent. My lab put up three nice roosters. I hit the first (feathers a flyin) and knocked down the others. But guess what! Those birds ran :whazzup: Since Quivera is a NWR steel/non-tox shot is required. I was using Rem 3" #2s, mod on top and IC on the bottom, shooting at 30yds or so. In hind sight, I think I should have shot say Rem. Hevi-Shot #6s, FC on top and Mod on the bottom. What shot would you guys/gals recommend [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img] PS, Id be glad to share Kansas hunting info if you like.

crabbait · 12-01-2002, 12:35 PM

I think you got it right with the Hevi-shot #6s. I would go with Mod over IC. Yes, Hevi-shot is that effective.

bigshark · 12-01-2002, 06:43 PM

I second crabbaits comment. A full choke is not much help with any of the non-lead shots. Small hevi-shot won't hurt a full choke but the pattern is no better than with the modified.

Crashin' Bait · 12-01-2002, 11:09 PM

Plus, its heavier than lead. Must pack a real punch!

Lured In · 12-02-2002, 07:09 AM

FT...while I agree that HS #6's would be the ideal load, I have had great results on roosters with plain ol' 3" steel 4's. Given you choke selection and shot size I think you were probably a little open in your pattern. I usually shoot a modified choke with the #4's and get good patterns and have taken roosters out to 40 yards (not on purpose, but it took me 3 shots to get on him.

)

Plus any of the left over steel #4's work great on teal and/or as swatter loads for ducks.

just my .02.

Fishfull Thinking · 12-02-2002, 04:21 PM

Thanks everyone. Some checking around here confirms the fairly extensive use of Hevi Shot. I guess I'll buy a box or two at Cabelas (new store in Kansas City thats got alot of my money this year). I will continue to use steel though at least for swatter loads etc :smile: I'll be back in Oregon around Chistmas so I don't have much time to get that Kansas rooster!