Shotshell selection for geese

ICHTHYDEMON · 11-08-2003, 03:36 PM

We are going on a guided goose hunt in early December,and the guide recomends Hevi-Shot #4s. Talking to him, the average shot is 10-15yds,so I don't really see the need to spend the money for HS. I realize its some of the best stuff on the market,but at somewhere near $2 per shot,its pretty spendy. I'm thinking my old standby of BBB or even T shot will be fine at 10-15yds. What do you think?

Gun Rod Bow · 11-08-2003, 03:44 PM

No bigger than BB's. For Cacklers #1's are fine. Faster the better.

Fish Hawg · 11-08-2003, 04:00 PM

I have killed my share of geese with 2's 1's and BB's in a 2 3/4 max dram , because My Ithica 37 would only accept 2 3/4's and that was with a Mod. choke. I know those gesse were killed over 25 yrds; and recall very few crippled birds. If they were it was from My shooting

nitrobass · 11-08-2003, 04:46 PM

Best 3inch goose load I've shot is BBB. BB's are nice too but I've always had better success with BBB's.

But...at 10-15 yards a hot load of smaller shot like 2's should smoke then. One pellet to the wing brings them down, and the more pellets you put up there the better chance of that happening.

nitrobass · 11-08-2003, 05:00 PM

OK, changed my mind. If you're going through the expense of paying for a guide whats 20 extra bucks for shells? You'll remember the guides calling, black feet coming down, the "take 'em" call, and you crunching the birds a lot longer than the cost of the shells you used. Live it up brother!

ICHTHYDEMON · 11-08-2003, 07:56 PM

NB,

I hear ya',but Hevi-Shot for 10-15yd shots? After looking at some other goose club sites,it seems like the "standard" for geese at these ranges is either BB or BBB steel. I don't know,maybe the guide has stock in Hevi-Shot.

steelheadslayer · 11-08-2003, 08:07 PM

I've always done real well on Geese at 20-30 yds. with 3 or 3&1/2 inch shells(BB). I haven't seen teh need for Heavy shot in any of my hunts yet and sometimes my shots are out to 40+ yds. Hey, that's my opinion but go with what you're comfortable with.

[ 11-08-2003, 09:07 PM: Message edited by: steelheadslayer ]

Capin' Dan · 11-09-2003, 12:13 AM

Ichy, Do yourself and the birds a favor and use the heavy shot. You are paying somewhere between $150 to $225 for the hunt go ahead and spend the extra $20 for 10 rounds of heavy shot. These things kill the birds grave yard dead. #4's is a great load. If you ever want to see a duck hit the water hard for close in shots get your hands on some 7 1/2 hevi shot and try that for ducks.

Just my .02 worth.

Bait Bucket · 11-09-2003, 04:40 AM

I use hevi-shot #4s for geese. I have also had oh so many guides tell me about the close shots only to find out that they were closer to, say, 35 yards. I think that if I were you I would be prepared for longer shots and use the hevi-shot.

FishinTechnician · 11-09-2003, 07:21 AM

On big geese 2's even at that range are way to light. I would recommend chambering BB's for the first two shots and possibly BBB's for the third shot if you can get it off before they get out of range. Feathers on geese are a lot denser than those on ducks and you need the extra density of bigger shot to penetrate those feathers. You what to drop them where they are and not be out chasing crippled birds that go down 100yds from the spread. Would only recommend going to T's if the birds are skirting the spread and not setting in, or for pass shooting if you ever get in a position where that is possible. Todays plain jane steel loads are just fine for geese. All these speciialty loads are overkill. Be sure to go to a open choke like, IC or Skeet. Good Luck

Blue Tip Spinner · 11-10-2003, 09:31 AM

i've shot them all at pass shooting range and decoy range. the most consistant load i have shot for both is #1 steel mags in 3in loads. i try not to mess with several different loads, because all of them shoot, lead and hit different. stick with you favorite load that you shoot well and you will do just fine. remember shooting hevi-shot is like going back to lead and if you are like me, i get confused about my lead for lead and steel shot. yes, i do hit some geese and they just fly away, but i do crumple some of those big birds at 45 yards with the same loads. just my .02. good luck and let us know how you did. BTS

Critr Gitr · 11-10-2003, 10:00 AM

Fasteel #2s 3" 1 1/8 oz or 3.5" 1/3/8 oz.

esp effective at close range
Speed Kills

Get Bit · 11-10-2003, 05:23 PM

Any of the loads mentioned will kill geese.All depends on if you can shoot straight. If you're going with a guide that hunts out of lay down blinds and has good decoys,calling ability, etc., 10-15 yard shots are probably a regular occurence.
(Come to think it, that sounds like Dave Smith and Brad Cochran doesn't it ?) Are you going with them? Even if you aren't, good luck and have fun on your goose hunt.