A Guide to Shot Size for Duck Hunting

Whether navigating the marshes is second nature or you’re learning to line up your first shot, choosing the right shot size for duck hunting can make or break your hunt. In this article, we’ll explore the types of duck shot available, what to consider when choosing shot size, and recommendations to help you get started.

With so many factors to consider, choosing the best shot size for duck hunting can feel overwhelming. To help you get started, we’ve put together a general size guide. It includes every factor you should consider, from duck size to hunting terrain and shotgun gauge.

If you’ve hunted any type of animal before, it’s no secret that the shotshell size you choose is extremely important. Shot size directly impacts the effectiveness and ethicality of each shot you take. It determines the spread pattern and energy transfer upon impact, which influences the likelihood of a clean kill.

Using too small of a shot size can result in hurt birds that escape. Using too large of a shot size may impact the meat or even harm nearby wildlife. Because of this, choosing the best shot size for duck hunting requires in-depth knowledge of how, when, where, and what type of ducks you’re hunting.

Shotshell length directly influences duck hunting performance. However, the significance of shotshell length ultimately depends on the hunter's shooting proficiency, the specific duck species targeted, and hunting conditions.

In general, longer shotshells accommodate larger shot payloads, which can increase a shotgun's lethality and effective range. Shorter shotshells can offer faster follow-up shots, reduced recoil, and compatibility with certain shotgun models.

Selecting the right shotshell length for duck hunting involves balancing payload size, firearm compatibility, and personal shooting preferences. If you’re not sure where to start, try 3-inch shells—they’re the most common shell in duck hunting.

No matter the type of game you’re hunting, species always impacts your ammunition choice. Duck species vary in size, feather density, flight patterns, and resilience, meaning the shot size that works for one species won’t necessarily work for another.

Using a smaller shot for a larger duck species may hurt it rather than take it down, while using a larger shot size for a smaller duck species may make the meat inedible. To pick the right shot size, research what duck species live in the area you’ll be hunting.

During different seasons, the behavior and physical characteristics of ducks change. In the early season, when ducks are younger and thinner, smaller shot sizes can be effective because their feathers aren’t as dense. As the season progresses, larger shot sizes may be needed.

How you like to hunt impacts your shooting range:

• Hunters who use decoy spreads need smaller shells made for close-range shooting with denser patterns.

• Hunters who prefer pass shooting need larger shot sizes that maintain speed and spread wider.

Open-water hunts on large lakes or coastal areas require larger shots because ducks are typically more wary and have more room to escape. In dense wetlands or smaller bodies of water, smaller shot sizes can be more effective.

Chokes, which are metal tubes at the muzzle end of a shotgun barrel, control the spread of the shot as it exits the barrel.

A tighter choke (such as full or modified) results in a denser pattern by keeping the pellets closer together over a longer distance. An open choke (such as cylinder or improved cylinder) produces a wider spread, which is better suited for close-range shooting.

The interaction between shot size and choke selection determines the effectiveness of the pattern density for different hunting scenarios. For instance, using a small shot size with a full choke can create an overly dense pattern, causing unnecessary damage to the game.

Alternatively, pairing a large shot size with an open choke might spread the pellets too thinly, reducing the chances of a clean kill, especially at longer distances.

Because of this, hunters must carefully choose their shot size and choke combination based on the range, target size, and specific hunting conditions to achieve an optimal balance between pattern density and shot effectiveness.

Before you can choose the best shot size for your hunt, you need to understand the parts that make up shotshells and their impact on performance. Shotshells have four main parts: primer, gunpowder, wad, & shot.

In a shell, the primer ignites the gunpowder, creating the explosive force needed to propel the shot forward. The quality and amount of gunpowder in the shell significantly affect the shot’s range and how hard it will hit a target.

The wad is a barrier between the powder and the shot. It helps seal in the gases produced by the ignited powder to ensure the shot reaches maximum speed. It also helps the shot keep its shape. Once the shot exits the gun’s barrel, the wad opens up, allowing the pellets to spread out and form the pattern that determines the spread and range of the hit.

The shot refers to the pellets used to hit the target. The size of these pellets is selected based on the game being hunted and the conditions under which the hunting takes place.

Larger pellets are more effective at longer ranges, but they have fewer pellets per shot, which decreases the likelihood of hitting a fast-moving target. Smaller pellets increase the probability of hitting the target, but they don’t have the necessary force to ensure a clean kill at longer distances.

Duck hunters use three main types of nontoxic shot: steel, bismuth, and tungsten. Although duck hunters have traditionally used lead shot, they have shifted to using nontoxic alternatives. These alternatives protect the ecosystem and other wildlife without compromising on effectiveness.

Made of steel pellets, this shot type is characterized by its hardness and durability. This makes it less prone to deformation upon firing and impact, resulting in consistent patterns and reliable performance. It is rust-resistant, making it perfect for wet and humid hunting conditions.

Steel shot is less dense than other shot types, which can affect its range and power. Hunters often compensate for this by selecting larger shot sizes or using chokes.

Bismuth shot is made of bismuth alloys and offers similar ballistic properties to lead shot. It is high density, which creates tighter patterns and greater downrange lethality. Although bismuth is denser than steel, it’s also softer, which reduces the risk of barrel damage in older firearms.

Tungsten shot is made of tungsten and small amounts of other metals. It is dense and hard, giving it high downrange energy, superior power, and tighter patterns. Its density also increases pellet mass, improving lethality and reducing the need for larger shot sizes. Tungsten shot tends to be more expensive than others, but its performance makes it a top choice for duck hunters.

Traditionally, duck hunters used lead shot because it was inexpensive and effective. However, lead is highly toxic and poses significant environmental hazards. Lead pellets that miss their target or remain in discarded carcasses can leach into waterways and soils, poisoning the wildlife that ingests them.

Because of this, many countries have regulations that control or prohibit the use of lead shot. In the United States, for example, the use of lead shot for hunting waterfowl was federally banned in 1991 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Alternatives like steel, bismuth, and tungsten-based shots have gained popularity. These do not break apart like lead and are non-toxic, making them safer for ecosystems. These alternatives help protect wildlife and habitats and ensure that hunting practices can be sustained for future generations.

In addition to hunting season and terrain, you must consider the weather because it impacts the performance of your shot. Here are some general guidelines to follow:

• On windy days, larger shot sizes are often preferred to maintain trajectory and cut through wind resistance.

• Calm weather allows for the use of smaller shot sizes, as the lack of wind interference allows for more precise aiming and effective range.

• Colder temperatures necessitate larger shot sizes due to increased air density and the potential for ducks' thicker feathering.

• Warmer weather might allow hunters to use smaller shot sizes.

Following local, state, and federal regulations regarding shot type, size, and duck hunting practices ensures the sustainability of waterfowl populations and maintains the integrity of the hunting tradition. These regulations balance the interests of hunters with the need to protect wildlife and their habitats.

• The use of non-toxic shots, such as steel or bismuth, is often mandated to prevent lead poisoning in waterfowl and other wildlife.

• Shot size restrictions help ensure that hunters use ammunition appropriate for the game to promote humane kills.

• Bag limits dictate the number of ducks that can be legally harvested, which prevents overhunting and ensures that duck populations remain healthy.

Minimizing waste by making every effort to retrieve the downed game promptly reflects respect for the animal.

Hunters can access up-to-date information on relevant laws and regulations through state wildlife agency websites, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and local conservation organizations. These platforms provide guides, legal updates, and educational materials to help hunters stay informed.

By staying informed and following established rules and guidelines, duck hunters contribute to the long-term viability of waterfowl populations and the ecosystems they inhabit, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy and benefit from the rich tradition of duck hunting.

Shot placement is crucial for ethical, humane kills in duck hunting. Hunters should aim for the head and neck region, which, when hit, typically results in immediate incapacitation. This minimizes suffering and ensures a duck won’t escape.

If the head is not a feasible target due to movement or distance, aiming for the upper chest can also work. This area offers a larger target while still ensuring a fatal shot.

Choosing the best shot size for duck hunting is a complex decision that hinges on multiple factors, including the season, the specific duck species being targeted, the hunting style, and the terrain. Understanding the characteristics of each shot size and how they perform under different conditions is key to making every outing a successful one.

Ready to gear up for your next duck hunting adventure? Explore the wide range of waterfowl shotshells and hunting gear available at Academy Sports + Outdoors! Whether you're looking for the perfect shot size for early-season ducks or the toughest gear for late-season challenges, we’ve got you covered.