What is the best shot for mallards?
The most popular shell for mallards is a combination of the three-inch shell with a one and a quarter ounce load and #2 size shot. The layered shell has 15 percent bismuth shot in front of 85 percent steel shot and leaves the barrel at 1,500 feet-per-second.
#3's and 4's are the best shot sizes for ducks. They meet the minimum 3 foot-pounds of knockdown power, and the most pellets present within a 30” circle when reaching the distance of the target.
Improved cylinder and 3 or 4 shot are a good combination for wood ducks in close quarters or even mallards in the timber. For all-around hunting, light-modified or modified chokes are fairly easy to hit with at 25 yards yet remain effective to 40 yards.
The #4 lead is one of the best lead shot sizes you'll ever find for medium to large game birds. Lead flies very well and can keep a tight pattern for quite a long range, making it ideal for large birds in flight as well as runners.
Stay Deadly On Ducks
If smaller ducks like teal are on the menu and shots of 30 yards and in are expected, it's hard to go wrong with 1 1/8 ounce of No. 6 steel. And when small ducks are in close, an improved cylinder choke is hard to beat.
*Coatings of copper, nickel, tin, zinc, zinc chloride, zinc chrome, fluoropolymers, and fluorescent thermoplastic on approved nontoxic shot types also are approved.
| Shot Size | Diameter in mm | Diameter in Inches |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3.25mm | .13 |
| 3 | 3.56mm | .14 |
| 2 | 3.81mm | .15 |
| 1 | 4.06mm | .16 |
Number 4 buckshot is most commonly used for deer, coyote and other similar sized game and predators. The whole idea of hunting game with shot is debatable to some, and a given to others.
Pay attention to a duck's size at 20, 30, and 40 yards. The majority of all birds taken are within a 40-yard range. Learning how a duck appears at these three distances will help you successfully harvest game more efficiently and minimize the wounding of birds out of range.
140") & HEVI-Shot #4 (. 130”) the best all-around performance for taking ducks; steel #2 & HEVI-Shot #4 (. 130”) the best all-around performance for taking ring-necked pheasants; & steel 7's (. 100”) the best all-around performance for taking doves.
Is 3 shot good for ducks?
The general consensus is to choose #3 shot for ducks over decoys at ranges inside 35 yards for better pattern density. For longer shots, 2 shot is the clear choice since the larger pellets can penetrate deeper and excel at ranges close to 40 yards.
Reelfoot hunters typically get a flash of action the first hour or so in the morning, and then the shooting slacks off. But on many days, big flights appear in the 10 o'clock to noon period, and they are usually in a working mood.
The birds can be protected by Duck Plague Vaccine, available in the country, which is given at the age of 8-12 weeks. Duck plague can be prevented by vaccination however, no treatment for these viral diseases is present and secondary infection should be prevented. It mainly affects ducklings of 2 to 3 weeks of age.