the closest shot i have ever taken was abotu 10 feet. one afternoon last fall i was hunting and fell asleep. when i woke up there were three hens and a jake about 10 yards out. i clucked three or four times and one hen came in close. i let her keep coming and when she turned i picked up the gun. she perked up and started toward me again. i finally shot and she laid right there. her head was nearly off but i got my tasty feed that night. i would rather shoot at a middle of the road range liek 25 yards. that way the pattern opens up but not too much. i have seen more birds missed by hunters when using turkey chokes at really close ranges than missing far away. one thing i never recomend is using steel shot if possible. as on waterfowl, feathers are tight together and steel will bounce off at langer ranges if you dont get a clean head/neck shot. thats why i dont shoot ducks off the water. they are tucked up and steel wont got through good. it will kill, trust me, but its not my first choice. The winner, Hevi-shot, like Hevi-13 3 1/2" #6