When it comes to hunting snow geese, choosing the right shotgun shell size is crucial for success. Snow geese are large birds that can be quite hardy, so you need shells with enough power to humanely take them down. However, you also want to avoid using more firepower than necessary. The most common shotgun shell sizes used for snow goose hunting are 2 3/4″, 3″, and 3 1/2″. Here’s a closer look at each of these options to help you decide what size shot is best for snow geese.
2 3/4″ Shells
The 2 3/4″ shell is the smallest commonly used for snow goose hunting. Within this size, look for shells loaded with #2 or #4 steel shot. The 2 3/4″ #2 or #4 steel shells offer these advantages:
- Lightweight and low recoil – The smaller shell carries less shot and powder charge, making it more comfortable to shoot in long hunting sessions.
- Sufficient for close range – At distances under 35 yards, these shells can humanely take down snow geese with proper shot placement.
- Affordable option – These are some of the most budget-friendly shells for snow goose hunting.
The 2 3/4″ shell does have some limitations to be aware of:
- Limited effective range – These shells quickly lose power past 40 yards and are marginal at distances beyond that.
- May require more follow up shots – The lighter payloads often don’t deliver enough energy for clean, one-shot kills.
- Not ideal fordecoys – The lower velocity makes it tougher when geese respond cautiously to decoy spreads.
Overall, the 2 3/4″ shell works best for hunting snow geese in tight surroundings where you can expect close range shots under 40 yards. For more open terrain or decoy hunting where longer shots are needed, it’s better to step up to a 3″ or 3 1/2″ shell.
3″ Shells
The 3″ shell is the most popular and versatile choice for hunting snow geese. With this size look for loads in #2 or #4 steel shot. The key benefits 3″ shells offer are:
- Excellent mid-range performance – Maintains energy and pellet count density out to 50+ yards.
- Manageable recoil – Has more power than a 2 3/4″ shell, but recoil is still moderate.
- Decoy hunting capable – The extra reach gets the job done when geese are shy about coming into the decoys.
- Affordable and widely available – Offered in a very wide range of steel loads appropriate for snows.
Potential limitations of the 3″ shell are:
- A bit heavy for all-day carry – You’ll notice the extra weight over hundreds of rounds compared to 2 3/4″.
- May be excessive for very close shots – Extra power isn’t needed at short range.
The 3″ shell arguably provides the best balance of power and handling characteristics for most snow goose hunters. It’s effective out to longer ranges where geese frequently hang up, while remaining versatile enough for shorter shots when the opportunity is there. Unless hunting in tight confines, the 3″ shell is an excellent all-around choice.
3 1/2″ Shells
The 3 1/2″ magnum shell represents the heaviest firepower commonly used for snow geese. Look for #2 or #4 steel loads in 3 1/2″ shells. The key features are:
- Superior reach – Maintains lethal energy out past 60 yards, giving you extra margin on distant flocks.
- Hits hard on heavy geese – The added payload is an advantage on windy days when geese bulk up.
- Devastating at close range – Nothing drops a goose faster at 20 yards than a 3 1/2″ magnum load.
The main limitations with 3 1/2″ magnums are:
- Heavy with stout recoil – You’ll feel the weight after a long day of carrying these shells.
- Overkill at close range – Wastes potential meat and can destroy birds.
- Expensive – These premium shells cost noticeably more per box than standard sizes.
Before stocking up on 3 1/2″ shells, consider if you really need that extra power. The magnum loads are unnecessary for geese that consistently work within 40 yards. However, for hunting large open fields where longer shots are common, the 3 1/2″ shells do provide valuable extended range. Just be ready to handle the recoil and pay the premium price.
Shot Size Recommendations
For any shell size, choosing the right steel shot size is also important. Here are some recommended steel shot sizes for snow geese based on typical hunting distances:
Range | Steel Shot Size |
---|---|
Under 30 yards | #4 |
30-40 yards | #2 or #4 |
40-50 yards | #2 |
50+ yards | BB or #2 |
As you can see, #4 steel is ideal for closer shots while still packing enough punch. At longer ranges, #2 steel provides the best balance of pellet count and energy downrange. For extreme distances, bump up to BB size if your gun can handle it. Just keep in mind the tighter choke requirements of larger steel shot.
Steel vs Lead for Snow Geese
When hunting snow geese, you’ll need to use steel shot per federal regulations. Lead shot is banned for all waterfowl hunting across the U.S. Steel performs very well on snow geese, so there’s no need to use lead even if it were legal. Stick with steel shot in appropriate sizes like those recommended above for the best results.
Non-Toxic Alternatives to Steel
For hunters who desire an alternative to steel shot, there are some newer non-toxic options like bismuth, tungsten, or tin loads. The perks of these shells are:
- Large shot sizes pattern tighter than steel
- Denser pellets extend effective range
- Less prone to deforming from gun barrels
The downsides are the high cost per shell, often running $2-$4 compared to steel which can be under $1. For most snow goose hunters, steel remains the best all-around choice for performance and affordability. But non-toxic shotshells can be worth investing in if you need maximum pattern density and range.
Shotguns for Snow Geese
Having the right shotgun for snow geese plays a big role in performance. Some key factors to look for are:
- 12 or 10 gauge – The extra power helps on distant flocks.
- Backbored barrel – These improve patterns with large steel shot.
- Chambered for 3+ inch shells – Gives flexibility to use magnum loads.
- Modified/Full chokes – Needed to keep steel shot patterns tight.
Gas-operated semi-auto or pump shotguns are popular with snow goose hunters for quick follow up shots. The Remington Versa Max, Benelli Super Black Eagle, and Winchester SX4 are all excellent semi-auto options. For pump guns, the Remington 870 and Mossberg 500 are both proven performers. Whatever you choose, the right fit and reliability is most critical when facing endless waves of snows.
Decoy Spread Tips
When setting up your decoy spread, keep these tips in mind to bring snow geese into ideal shotgun range:
- Set up off the flight path – Gives you safer shot angles as geese approach.
- Leave a landing zone – Space right in front of blinds for geese to finish.
- Angle heads upwind – Mimics birds landing into the wind.
- Include motion decoys – Helps draw interest from distant flocks.
- Use landing calls – Cry of hunger birds brings in the most geese.
By luring the geese to land within 30-40 yards of your hidden blinds, you’ll have shots well within effective range. On approach, let the geese fully commit before calling the shot rather than jumping them early. Pass shooting and sneaking birds is also effective, but decoying allows repetition and brings plenty within ideal shotgun range.
Lead on Flying Snow Geese
When taking shots at flying snow geese, it takes practice to judge the proper lead. Since snow geese fly fast with tailwinds, leads can often be farther than expected. Here are some tips:
- Start closer than you think – Initially try 2-3 feet in front.
- Make quick adjustments – Add or reduce lead based on misses.
- Swing through the shot – Maintain motion for a smoother, sustained lead.
- Focus beyond the target – Looking at the distant flock keeps your eyes on the right path.
- Lead more for headwinds – Slow flying geese require less lead.
Leading flying geese well takes repetition under different conditions. Vary your leads until finding what works based on range, wind, and other factors. Don’t get discouraged by misses but instead dial in your leads for consistent clean kills.
Choke Selection
Choosing the right choke is vital for keeping steel shot patterns tight out to longer ranges. For most snow goose shots, an Improved Modified or Full choke allows enough spread while optimizing pellet density. Make sure to match your chokes to the following steel shot sizes:
Steel Shot Size | Choke Recommendation |
---|---|
#4 | Modified or Improved Modified |
#2 | Improved Modified |
BB | Full |
This helps concentrate your shot for cleaner kills while providing margin for error at longer ranges. Also pattern your gun at various distances to fine tune your choke selections. Having the right chokes dialed in allows you to take full advantage of your shotgun’s potential.
Shot Placement
Where you aim on a snow goose can certainly affect how cleanly it is taken. Here are some tips for effective shot placement:
- Middle of chest – Hits vital organs for fast kills.
- Head shots – Instant stops but smaller target.
- Break the wing – Cripples for a follow up but avoids lost birds.
- Over decoys – Gives time to assess misses.
- Avoid the tail – Just wounds rather than killing.
Ideally, aim for the breast to anchor the birds. But in fast action, snapping shots on the head or wings can also be effective. Shot discipline and follow through are just as important as placement. Only take shots you’re confident in, and hold your swing through any cripples to finish them.
Conclusion
When preparing for a snow goose hunt, the details of your shotshells and shotgun setup can make a huge difference. Carefully select your gauge, shell length, shot size, choke, and lead to match the expected hunting conditions and ranges. Familiarize yourself with your firearm’s patterning and capabilities. With the right shells and shooting skills, you’ll be knocking down the snows in no time. Just remember to match your equipment to the situation, know your effective ranges, and only take ethical shots to ensure clean harvests.