[Cashman]

I have shot a few ducks and geese with steel shot out of a 12 gauge, modified choke, and a veriaty of shot sizes and loads, at under 40 yards away, but when I hit a duck or goose, theres just a puff of feathers and the bird flies away.

any ideas of why this happens?

 

[98ramtough]

Shoot for the head or wait until the birds are past you and shoot as they are going away. Make sure your shot is going 1500fps or faster, it truly helps imo!

 

[mallardhunter]

I have the samething happens to me Cashman, I don't know why they don't go down. I just try to lead them more.

 

[atp]

Hi Guys

The ducks are always further away than we like to think--use a faster shell--kent faststeel (1500fps) or similiar--#2 or BB shot and the puff of feathers will turn into a leathal kill.That little extra velocity makes a great difference in feather penetration.

Good hunting!

TOM

 

[Cobra]

98ramtough has it. High shot velocity and go for the head. Lead 'em than lead 'em some more.

 

[98ramtough]

Thats what I say cobra, I like when you get a flock of speedballz (teal) flying sideways right on the water so you can see just how far off your shot is. Just how many yards your shot is hitting behind them. Do the math, 30 yds away, duck flying 50mph-how far does that duck move from the time you shoot to the time that shot hits the duck.

 

[twoscoots]

you never mentioned what size shot?? I use # 2s almost extensively be cause of the pattern from my gun and where I have to hunt! I have shot teal all the way to canada geese. On the geese I try to shoot the light bulb on the end of the stalk, all others, I just plow into em' and follow them to the water ( I learned not to try for the double in the swamp, to easy to lose the first bird). You also did'nt mention the size of the load that you have chosen. You may wish to drop back on the oz. to get a faster load

 

[duckbum13]

maybe your shooting pop corn curnals instead of shot :toofunny: well im not sure what to tell you besides wait for them to get closer and aim for the head

 

[Ned S]

Mfts lie about the velocity. Also pattern your gun, you may be surprised. Ned S :smile: :smile: