Choosing Shotgun Shells for Upland and Waterfowl Hunting

Choosing the right shotgun ammo for bird hunting can be intimidating if you are new to hunting. We offer a quick breakdown of great shotgun shell ammo options for specific bird hunting situations including some of our overall favorite loads.

Dove and Trap Shooting: 12 or 20 gauge 2 3/4 inch one ounce low brass eight shot.

Early Season Upland Ruffed Grouse, Sharptail Grouse, Partridge and Quail: 12 of 20 gauge 2 3/4 inch one ounce low brass six shot.

Early to Mid Season Pheasant: 12 or 20 gauge 2 3/4 inch one and a quarter ounce high brass six shot.

Late Pheasant: 12 or 20 gauge 2 3/4 inch one and a quarter ounce high brass four shot.

Note some federal lands and state managed public land may require a nontoxic ammo. We have some late season pheasant hunting for example on some refuges where we use 4 shoot steel ammo in that situation.

Waterfowl hunting ammo options can vary much more dramatically because of lead restrictions. We are fans of steel shot for waterfowl because of price but shooting ammo that is consistent is key for finding the right amount of lead. Here are our favorite loads.

Ducks and Geese: 12 gauge 3 inch one and a half ounce high brass BB.

Geese: 12 gauge 3 inch one and a half ounce high brass BBB.

Ducks: 12 gauge 3 inch one and a half ounce high brass 2 or 4 shot.

Shop the shells: https://jasonmitchelloutdoors.link/am...