Looking to try Geese but need help

Crazy.kayaker

Crazy.kayaker

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I'm looking to try for some Geese. I have a single shot, full choke shotgun so I'm looking at alternate metals since I have to use Non-Toxic and Steel Shot would rip my shotguns choke apart. I'm looking at bismuth but I don't know the shot # I need for geese. If someone can let me know I'd much appreciate it. I also can't think of a lake or field I've seen geese in that I can legally shoot at them or safely shoot at them I live in kamloops and we are a fly way for the birds. So if you know of a few open lakes that they like to reside in please also let me know. If someone is willing to show me how to hunt them that would be even better but I really just want information.

On a side note I am looking in to getting a different shotgun that can shoot steel shot, but I don't know how long that will take me as funds for guns are really tight at the moment.

Thanks in advance for all your help

C.K
 
Crazy.kayaker said:
On a side note I am looking in to getting a different shotgun that can shoot steel shot, but I don't know how long that will take me as funds for guns are really tight at the moment.

C.K
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Probably cheaper to buy the shotgun now than to shoot a few boxes of Bismuth or Tungsten Matrix. I can't find bismuth but TM is about $40-$50 a box of 10. Plus you will need decoys and possibly a call.
It is not a cheap endeavor. Best find an experienced goose hunter with an extra gun.
 
You can get a Mosberg or maveric pump cheap comes with chokes. or use smaller steel in the old single
 
bill c68 said:
Probably cheaper to buy the shotgun now than to shoot a few boxes of Bismuth or Tungsten Matrix. I can't find bismuth but TM is about $40-$50 a box of 10. Plus you will need decoys and possibly a call.
It is not a cheap endeavor. Best find an experienced goose hunter with an extra gun.
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I've walked to within 20 feet of Geese before but the lakes are all on private property and the ranchers don't mind hikers they just don't let you hunt on their land. As for getting a shotgun. I have no income for the next 2 months and about $100 to spend that isn't marked for the bills that will need to be paid in that time so unless you want to sell me a pump that can shoot steel shot for $75 shipped that will not be happening. Hunting season will be over by the time I'll be getting money again. I'm also the only hunter in all my friends and no one I've asked is willing to take me out unless they've known me for a few years so I need to know the shot # I'd need for Geese.

I'm trying to get in to hunting well I'm fighting a stacked deck against me. So please just answer my question what shot # do I use.
 
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Bismuth or tungsten matrix are roughly equivalent to lead shot in pellet size choice. When lead was still legal for waterfowling, lead #2's were normally chosen for geese, and #4's for ducks.

With your old single shot, if it is truly full choke (many said they were full choked, but were closer to modified- having it checked might not be a bad idea), poor patterns with steel shot in the sizes normally used for waterfowling, are as much of a problem as choke damage. Steel doesn't compress very well as it is too hard, and the bigger steel shot pellets are worse than smaller pellets are.
 
Thanks TimberPig for the Shot #'s. I'm pretty sure it's a real full choke as a few people have looked at it and asked or mentioned it that it looks like a full choke. It's a crimped barrel that is rather short and sharply turned inward. Is there anyway to see if it's a full choke myself such as using a Caliper? If so what numbers am I looking for?
 
Crazy.kayaker said:
Thanks TimberPig for the Shot #'s. I'm pretty sure it's a real full choke as a few people have looked at it and asked or mentioned it that it looks like a full choke. It's a crimped barrel that is rather short and sharply turned inward. Is there anyway to see if it's a full choke myself such as using a Caliper? If so what numbers am I looking for?
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A dime. If a dime goes down the barrel (from the muzzle end) it s bigger than full. If a dime can't fit down the muzzle you are most likely dealing with full.

In TM, 1's fro geese, 4 or 5 for ducks.
 
With a full choke, the dime usually only goes in 1/3 way, when i show people this , I usually ask them for a dime. I make my measurement, they are impressed, I keep the dime and most don't even notice!!
 
Actually I have been using #4 steel with GREAT success this year on geese.
Steel has greatly improved over the years and #4 vs #2 mean twice as many pellets.
If you can get within 20 ft then anything will work! but I can almost guarantee that anywhere hunting is allowed, you would be lucky to get within 40 yds of a goose.

But my original statement still stands... if you only need 10 shells just to give it a try, then go ahead and buy some TM, if you have to buy more than 3 boxes, then buy a new (to you) gun.

Another possibility, I have seen it done a million times but some CGNers will chime in and say not do it..... If you have someone cut about 1/8" of an inch or so from your bbl, you will in fact reduce your choke size. Just remember if you go too far you will have an open bore and will have to be within 20 ft to do anything!
 
Adam, IIRC your shotgun only takes 2 3/4" shells, so be careful not to buy 3" or 3 1/2" shells (Hevi-shot, Tungsten Matrix often come in bigger shells).

You're looking at about $4-5 per SHOT on those premium stuff, so my advice to you as a friend is, save up and wait till the Feb/Mar goose season, and get a cheap pump (870, Mossy, etc.) on EE for a couple hundred. You can then use steel BB's which are much more economical and works almost just as well. You'll be better off for the long run. :)
 
If you can't afford bismuth or tunsten the a 2 3/4 #4 high velocity steel should not hurt your old gun the new shells have a very tough and thick plastic shot cup to protect your barrel I have shot 3 inch High vel. steel in a #2 through my old beretta with a full choke with no problems.
 
ask for permission from some landowners east or west of town. Check kamloops lake area or the lakes up the Old Merrit Hwy (5a) have geese as well.

Out by me on the Shuswap there are lots of places as well.
 
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