Waterfowl Newbie

Garminator · 10-19-2011, 07:30 AM

Hey guys, i'm new to duck hunting and i've got a few questions i'm hoping the pros can help me out with...

I just purchased an 870 Express and was wondering what choke/loads I should use for duck hunting in the Florida Everglades....the guy at Bass Pro recommended a modified choke and #4 steel shots, but at times I question their hands on experience.....any help would be great, thanks in advance!

Alpine_Archer · 10-19-2011, 09:39 AM

modified choke will work best... I like #4's for early season teal and wood ducks up close. Once they get a bit wary I go to larger shot like #2-3's. The most important thing is to pattern your gun at the estimated distance you will be shooting. Find a load that works for you.

Divers are a little tougher so I'd use #2-3's on em...

Garminator · 10-19-2011, 04:02 PM

Thanks Alpine, I really appreciate the help....by the way, I wont have that 870 until Monday but I was wondering what choke if any come with that model....or what choke would you recommend? and have you hunted the everglades?

Nitro.Bass · 10-20-2011, 07:09 PM

It will probably come with a modified tube in it... That will be modified Lead, Full Steel more than likely... Just fine to start out with IMHO... I shoot 4's early, then move to 3's and 2's for ducks later in the year... Geese, BB or BBB (Sometimes referred to as Triple BBs)

Alpine_Archer · 10-21-2011, 04:19 PM

never hunted down south but modified should take care of all your waterfowl needs.

Garminator · 10-25-2011, 05:38 AM

Thanks guys, I was speaking to the guy at Bass Pro yesterday and he recommended a skeet choke due to the fact that chokes are rated with lead rather that steel....is that what you were refering to by modified Lead, Full Steel Nitro??

cjwink · 11-01-2011, 01:23 PM

Skeet choke is fine for timber/ducks over deeks. I use my skeet choke a good bit.

JCarver81 · 11-12-2011, 04:08 PM

Never hunted the everglades but a good all round shot/choke combo is mod. choke and 2's or 3's

garett12 · 11-13-2011, 11:01 AM

I shoot a modified choke in my express.I just dont have good luck with ic choke.I shot 3in 4s and 3.5 3s

JCarver81 · 11-13-2011, 12:32 PM

Personally I would never recommend anything less than mod choke but that decision is up to you.