Tag: Shotgun Gauges

Best Gauges for Hunting Cackling Goose: Comparisons & Picks

Best Gauges for Hunting Cackling Goose: Comparisons & Picks Practical gauge-by-gauge advice for small-bodied geese—ethics first, non-toxic shot only. Cackling geese are smaller than standard Canadas, which opens the door to lighter gauges when shots are close and over decoys. US federal law requires non-toxic shot for waterfowl, and many jurisdictions limit shotgun capacity to […]

Best Gauges for Hunting Canada Goose: Comparisons & Picks

Best Gauges for Hunting Canada Goose: Comparisons & Picks From big honkers over fields to late-season migrators on big water—choose the right gauge, load, and choke for ethical, clean kills. Canada geese are tough birds with heavy bones and thick feathers. U.S. waterfowl rules require non-toxic shot (e.g., steel, bismuth, tungsten). Below we compare the […]

Best Calibers for Hunting Wilson’s Snipe: Comparisons & Picks

Best Calibers for Hunting Wilson’s Snipe: Comparisons & Picks Light recoiling gauges and tight, even patterns for quick marsh shots. Wilson’s snipe are fast-flushing marsh birds that reward quick mounts, smooth swings, and forgiving patterns. Most hunters use shotguns rather than rifles, so this guide focuses on gauges (.410 bore, 28, 20, 16, and 12). […]

Best Calibers for Hunting American Crow: Comparisons & Picks

Best Calibers for Hunting American Crow: Comparisons & Picks From close decoy work to long-range pest control—find the right gauge or rimfire for crows. Crows are sharp-eyed, tough birds with surprisingly resilient vitals. Most hunters lean on shotguns (12/20/28 gauge) for calling and decoying inside 30–40 yards, while rimfires like .17 HMR or .22 WMR […]

Best Gauges for Hunting King Rail: Comparisons & Picks

Best Gauges for Hunting King Rail: Comparisons & Picks Smart gauge choices for ethical shots in the marsh. King rails are secretive marsh birds that flush at close range and offer fleeting shot windows. That makes gauge selection—and the load/choke you pair with it—far more important than raw power. Below, we compare common shotgun gauges […]