Waterfowl Hunting Receive the benefit of experienced duck and goose hunters in this waterfowl forum.

Waterfowl Newbie

Old 10-19-2011, 07:30 AM
  #1  
Typical Buck
Thread Starter
 
Garminator's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Florida
Posts: 813
Default Waterfowl Newbie

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!
Garminator is offline  
Old 10-19-2011, 09:39 AM
  #2  
Fork Horn
 
Alpine_Archer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Central FL
Posts: 180
Default

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...
Alpine_Archer is offline  
Old 10-19-2011, 04:02 PM
  #3  
Typical Buck
Thread Starter
 
Garminator's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Florida
Posts: 813
Default

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?
Garminator is offline  
Old 10-20-2011, 07:09 PM
  #4  
Spike
 
Nitro.Bass's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Nebraska
Posts: 43
Default

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)
Nitro.Bass is offline  
Old 10-21-2011, 04:19 PM
  #5  
Fork Horn
 
Alpine_Archer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Central FL
Posts: 180
Default

never hunted down south but modified should take care of all your waterfowl needs.
Alpine_Archer is offline  
Old 10-25-2011, 05:38 AM
  #6  
Typical Buck
Thread Starter
 
Garminator's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Florida
Posts: 813
Default

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??
Garminator is offline  
Old 11-01-2011, 01:23 PM
  #7  
Typical Buck
 
cjwink's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: From Texas but now reside in MS
Posts: 823
Default

Skeet choke is fine for timber/ducks over deeks. I use my skeet choke a good bit.
cjwink is offline  
Old 11-12-2011, 04:08 PM
  #8  
Spike
 
JCarver81's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Richmond,Maine
Posts: 88
Default

Never hunted the everglades but a good all round shot/choke combo is mod. choke and 2's or 3's
JCarver81 is offline  
Old 11-13-2011, 11:01 AM
  #9  
Fork Horn
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Rapides Parish ,Louisiana
Posts: 183
Default

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
garett12 is offline  
Old 11-13-2011, 12:32 PM
  #10  
Spike
 
JCarver81's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Richmond,Maine
Posts: 88
Default

Personally I would never recommend anything less than mod choke but that decision is up to you.
JCarver81 is offline  

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.