mmm? goose hunting

[BCHunter]

what shot size do you use for geese?
12g 2/3 or 3inch?
length of the barrel?
max distance you'll shoot?
how many decoys do you put out?
pattern of the decoys

thanks

[todbartell]

12 gauge, 3" BB or BBB steel Hi Vel

28" Browning BPS

40-50 yard shots

4-6 dozen dekes usually set in a J or U shape

[BCHunter]

if we are missing a tonne do you think we are shooing at them to close..our patterns are to small? too tight of a pattern?

[Dano]

I have a remington 870 that only shoots 2 3/4" shells. It has a 28" barrel, modified choke.

I shoot Winchester HV steel shot size BB or #2. I prefer BB. If I had a 3" gun I would definately shoot BB all the time as I shoot #2 for a first shot sometimes becuase of a higher pellet count and I seem to drop more geese with a broken wing than anything else.
I usually set decoys in a "V" and I only have 15 (hunt over water). I have a buddy who has magnum goose shell decoys for field hunting and on the 2 occasions I went with him I think we put out about 4 dozen.
I try not to shoot over 50 yards and that longer distance would be an overhead shot. If you think they are too close, shoot sooner!!!

[Crimson Viking]

If you are missing try a smaller shot size so you get more pellets in the pattern. Also when you are leading try to lead the head not the body. so even if you are too far ahead your pattern will still have a chance to hit the head area, and likewise if you are too far behind you still have a chance at the body.

[Amphibious]

if we are missing a tonne do you think we are shooing at them to close..our patterns are to small? too tight of a pattern?

maybe you have poor shotgunning technique and need to spend some time at the trap range

[ex bc guide]

Not looking for insults, Just a little help, thanks to those who have.
Mike

[BCHunter]

the trap range is a good idea...

[Marc]

I find that it only takes a few times at the trap range to get back on track with shotgunning. It's amazing how much it improves your shooting on waterfowl and grouse.

I'd check your patter on paper as well at ranges from 25-40 yards to see what your pattern is doing. Some guys use paper plates with a black dot to help you aim to try out different loads at different range. Any plate with less then a dozen or so pellets throught it, or poor patter shouldn't be used for that given range.

Marc.

[BCHunter]

thanks for the tip marc...ex and I talked about doing just that.