Building the perfect snow goose shotgun is a process that takes time and patience. But the payoff is a firearm that is perfectly suited for taking down these wily birds. Here are the steps to take to build the perfect snow goose shotgun.
1. Choose the Right Gun
There are many factors to consider when choosing a shotgun for snow geese, such as gauge, barrel length, choke, and shot size.
Gauge is the measure of the bore diameter of the shotgun and is represented by the number of solid spheres of lead that can fit into the barrel that have a diameter equal to that of the bore. The most popular gauges for snow geese are 12 and 20.
2. Choose the Right Ammo
The next step in building the perfect snow goose shotgun is to choose the right ammunition. The three most popular types of shotgun shells for snow geese are steel, lead, and bismuth.
Steel shot is the most popular choice among waterfowlers because it is non-toxic and less expensive than lead. Lead shot is also non-toxic, but it is heavier than steel and thus, more effective at taking down geese at longer ranges. Bismuth shot is the heaviest of the three types of shot and is the most effective at long range, but it is also the most expensive.
3. Choose the Right Choke
Chokes control the shape of the shot pattern and therefore, the effective range of the shotgun. The three most popular types of chokes for snow geese are full, modified, and improved cylinder.
A full choke produces a tight shot pattern and is effective at long range. A modified choke produces a medium-sized shot pattern and is effective at medium range. An improved cylinder choke produces a wide shot pattern and is effective at short range.
4. Sights and Scopes
The next step in building the perfect snow goose shotgun is to choose the right sights and scopes. The three most popular types of sights for snow geese are open sights, iron sights, and optical sights.
Open sights are the simplest type of sight and are effective at short range. Iron sights are more complex than open sights and are effective at medium range. Optical sights are the most complex type of sight and are effective at long range.
5. Accessories
There are many accessories that can be added to a shotgun to make it more effective for hunting snow geese. The three most popular accessories are a sling, a shell holder, and a bipod.
A sling makes it easier to carry the shotgun and keeps it from getting in the way when you are shooting. A shell holder keeps extra shells within easy reach so that you can reload quickly. A bipod steadies the shotgun and makes it easier to shoot accurately at long range.
What is the best shot size for snow geese?
If you’re looking for the best performance for taking geese, steel #BBB (190″) and HEVI-Shot #2 (150″) are your best bet. Steel #3 (140″) and HEVI-Shot #4 also perform well, but not as well as the steel #BBB and HEVI-Shot #2.
When it comes to close-in shooting, he recommends using improved-cylinder and modified chokes. As a guide, he prefers the tighter-shooting Rob Roberts Triple Threat (T3) choke, because he often shoots cleanup as geese leave the spread.
What size bismuth shot for snow geese
Bismuth is a naturally occurring element that is found in geological formations around the world. Although it is not as abundant as some other metals, it has a number of properties that make it useful in a variety of applications. One of the most notable properties of bismuth is its high density. In fact, bismuth is 24% denser than steel. This means that, in a waterfowling situation where you would typically choose No. 2 steel shot, No. 4 Bismuth will do the job. Since bismuth is more dense than steel, it will deliver the same amount of energy to the target with less shot. This makes it an excellent choice for waterfowlers who are looking for a more efficient way to take down their quarry.
If you’re planning on doing some goose hunting, make sure you pack the right ammo! BBs are usually your best bet, but if it’s a windy day, you’ll want to opt for the 35-inch shells. 3-inch shells will do the job just fine, but they may not be ideal if you’re trying to shoot geese at 15-30 yards away.
Is 2 shot big enough for geese?
Size 2 shot is a versatile load for situations in which you might encounter geese as well as ducks. At ranges inside 40 yards, BB, 1, or 2 shot are good for geese; 2 or 3 shot works well on ducks.
For most shooters, the maximum effective range with a shotgun is between 35 and 40 yards. At that range, most nontoxic loads are lethal and effective, and the proximity doesn’t require the same skill with a shotgun that longer shots demand.
What shotgun shells for snow geese?
Snow geese are large birds and require a large shot to take them down. The smallest acceptable size is BB, but BBB, T and F are very acceptable sizes. Steel shot is more than adequate to take down a snow goose at 68 yards in the sky.
Before using a full lead choke with steel shot, it is important to check the constriction. For ducks and geese that are close, improved cylinder or even skeet constriction choke work well. If the birds are farther out, a modified choke tube is better.
How many shells can you have in your gun for snow geese
It’s always a spectacle when a huge flock of snow geese comes flying in and suddenly dives down into the decoys. You’ll be glad you have a full magazine of shells when that happens!
Bismuth alloy pellets are an excellent choice for ammunition due to their high density. They are also safe to use in old guns that Steel shot could damage. The only downside to using Bismuth Alloy pellets is that they are expensive and tend to break upon firing or when they hit bone.
Does 3 shot work for geese?
Waterfowl are commonly hunted with shot of various sizes, from the smallest No. 4 shot up to the largest T shot. Naturally, smaller shot sizes are best suited for ducks, while the larger shot is better for geese and swans.
If you’re planning on hunting geese, it’s best to use a shot size that will provide enough energy to take them down. While a #4 shot may be dense enough to hit waterfowl, it doesn’t have the necessary power to take down a goose. Choose a larger shot size for a better chance at success.
How far to lead a duck at 40 yards
To harvest a duck from 40 yards away, they need to be lead by 64 feet-516 feet depending, upon how fast they are flying. Fast flying ducks require a much longer lead than slow flying ducks. For example, a duck coming straight at you will only require a lead of 64 feet, while a duck flying away from you at a 45 degree angle will need to be led by 516 feet.
Windy conditions can be a real challenge for hunters, as the direction of the wind can greatly affect the movement of ducks and geese. If the wind is blowing too hard, it can make it difficult to get close to the birds or to call them in. In these conditions, it is often best to head to leeward shores or protected areas where the wind will be less of a factor.
What is the best state to hunt snow geese?
The best states for snow goose hunting are Colorado, Missouri, Louisiana, Kansas, South Dakota, Washington, North Dakota, and Arkansas. These states offer the best opportunities for hunters to bag a snow goose.
A 11-12 lb (5-55 kg) bird is the ideal weight for serving eight people quite generously. Geese have a substantial layer of fat under the skin that melts during the cooking and acts as an excellent internal basting process.
Can you overfeed a goose
Overfeeding ducks and geese can lead to an accumulation of food that these animals do not eat. This, in turn, can attract mice, rats, and other wildlife, which can then attract predators such as foxes and coyotes. This cycle can ultimately have negative consequences for the local ecosystem.
From my personal experience, I have not seen a ton of difference in bird killing power between the 3 inch and 3 ½ inch shells. Both can be effective for hunting geese. However, many hunters swear by the 3 ½ inch shells for better results.
Conclusion
The perfect snow goose shotgun is one that is reliable, comfortable to shoot, and has the correct choke and barrel length. A good snow goose shotgun should also have a good scope and be able to shoot different types of ammunition.
The perfect snow goose shotgun is one that is reliable, easy to use, and affordable. There are many different shotguns on the market that can be used for snow goose hunting, but not all of them are created equal. When choosing a shotgun, it is important to consider the different features that are available and decide which ones are most important to you. reliability, ease of use, and affordability are all important factors to consider when choosing the perfect snow goose shotgun.