Hi all, I'm getting into small game hunting.
I'm planning for groundhogs, foxes, squirrels, geese, crows, doves, raccoons, etc. Foxes are the biggest thing I'm trying to shoot. (Geese are the biggest bird).
All of these are legal to shoot with either a .17HMR or a .410 bore or 28-gauge shotgun, so the question is, which should I get to maximize my ability to kill all of these animals? With an HMR I'd go for headshots on still animals (birds, when they perch or walk on the ground) and with a shotgun I'd simply stalk to range and shoot, and wingshoot flying birds. Is the higher recoil and reduced range of a shotgun worth the ability to wingshoot? Or is it better to just make HMR headshots on still animals out to 100 yards with a high-mag scope?
(I can't get a shotgun larger than 28-gauge and I'd prefer .410 bore for a shotgun if possible due to my small frame.)

Thanks,
Riverhawk