What is the preferred shot size and choke for duck hunting? Going this weekend on the Katy prairie. I am thinking #4 or #6 with a full choke but I have no idea. What does the all knowing outdoor board say?

Not geese correct?

If it's more open like a rice field then probably #2 with an improved cylinder. If it's tighter quarters then #4 should suffice. I typically use #4 for teal and #2 for big duck season.

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#4 steel or #6 in high density non-tox. 2-3/4 in is fine, but 3 gives you a few extra pellets.

Choke improved cylinder, but take a modified in case your shots turn out to be long.

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Agree.

3" #3 is my favorite load

Here is my setup - I make it more complicated then i should, but thought you would want to know.

I use a Light Modified choke for all duck hunting applications. I never recommend anything more then an improved modified choke. If you shoot a duck at 25 yards with a full choke, you cna ruin the bird for consumption.

Early season (before split) i use 3" #4
After split i use 3" #2

Sometimes, i use a 3 1/2" 2 shot for my third round. The thought being i could down any cripples or any escaping birds that i felt like i can get an ethical shot off. HOWEVER, 90% of the time that round is used just like any normal round. I dont like shooting birds leaving because they will carry a ways and fetching a downed bird in mud sometimes isnt worth it.

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3" #3 is my favorite load

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This.

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3" #3 is my favorite load

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This.

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This again.

Definitely depends on wind and shot distance.

3" #4s are my go to, but if the wind lays down, I'll switch over to #6s

With a stiffer wind, I go to #2s.

The Improved Cylinder choke has been in my 390 since I got it... 14 years ago.

I would say modified or improved modified at the most. As far as shot size, 3-5 should get it done. Depends on the brand/type of ammo you're shooting in my opinion to a certain degree.

Thanks for all the input. Only been once before so wasn't sure. I will defiantly try the improved or mod. chokes. No geese that I know of, but may go with #2 in 3" (largest my gun will take) just in case.

#2 is my favorite shot size for ducks and I shoot it from Sept.-Jan. (2&3/4")

I haul some 3" BBBs with me for geese... but we rarely get a close shot.

Started using Kent FastSteel #3s late last season. Very pleased with the results. I use improved cylinder choke with most steel shot.

I'd recommend 3" in either #2s, 3s, or 4s. There isn't a "best load" between the three of them. They all shoot good. You could put all three of them in your shotgun, shoot at a duck at 25 yards, and not a single person could ever tell the difference. The trick is getting ducks into the decoys. If you do that, and aren't just sky blasting, then any of the three mentioned above are great options. 2-3/4" shells are also good, but I perfer the extra shot volume in the 3". Helps prevent wounded birds. Especially for the biggers ducks like canvasbacks, mallards, gadwalls, widgeon, and pintails.

For an all around duck load, if you can find it, 3" #3, but #2 or #4 will work as well.

3" BB or T shot for snows & honkers.

Another vote for #3's, 3" if possible.

Your pattern tightens up a choke when shooting steel. IC is really modified, and modified is full when slinging steel. Just FYI

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For an all around duck load, if you can find it, 3" #3, but #2 or #4 will work as well.

3" BB or T shot for snows & honkers.

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Agreed

3" 3's. I prefer heavier oz over higher velocity... more pellets.

4's are ok for woodies and divers, but all others I like 2's or 3's.

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Your pattern tightens up a choke when shooting steel. IC is really modified, and modified is full when slinging steel. Just FYI

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Correct.
IC here, and I shoot an extended choke with #2 through #4 shot. Just depends on what's available.

I buy cases of either Kent Fasteel or Federal Blackcloud.

3" #3s

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If you shoot a duck at 25 yards with a full choke, you cna ruin the bird for consumption.

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Pretty sure ducks do this on their own

I use Kent 3" #3's with a light modified choke.

3" 3s, LM choke.

4s, 5s, 6s will work but you get a lot more pellets sticking in the meat when you go to the smaller shot sizes. Steel pellets stuck in breast meat can lead to pain, money, and time at the dentist.

IC 3" #3-4

Mod 2 3/4-3" # 4