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Started By
Message
3" Shells For Late Season Ducks?
Posted on 6/27/17 at 8:14 pm
Posted on 6/27/17 at 8:14 pm
I'm going to North Dakota to hunt ducks this year for the first time. I currently shoot 3" shells and have killed ducks in Arkansas fine. My friend who I'm going to North Dakota with says I need to buy a gun that shoots 3 1/2" for up there. I'm skeptical of this (cause he's a bit of a brand whore) and believe with the right load I should be fine. Anyone hunt up North and have experience shooting the larger birds with 3"? Does the 1/2" make THAT much difference?
This post was edited on 6/27/17 at 8:15 pm
13
Posted on 6/27/17 at 8:15 pm to GAFF
Believe it or not but there used to not be 3.5 inch shells and many millions of ducks still died
Posted on 6/27/17 at 8:22 pm to Ron Cheramie
quote:
Believe it or not but there used to not be 3.5 inch shells and many millions of ducks still died
^THIS!!
I will occasionally shoot 3s because they are easier to find sometimes than 2 3/4, but I REFUSE to shoot 3 1/2s.
I think we have more skybusters now BECAUSE of 3s and 3 1/2s.
Posted on 6/27/17 at 8:22 pm to GAFF
You don't need that baw.
I regularly shoot a 20 ga with 2 3/4 shells and do just fine.
Now if you need an excuse to get a new gun...
I regularly shoot a 20 ga with 2 3/4 shells and do just fine.
Now if you need an excuse to get a new gun...
Posted on 6/27/17 at 8:23 pm to GAFF
IMHO the only reason you need 3-1/2's is for geese and turkey. Plenty of people still kill ducks with 2-3/4" shells as well. If you put the bead on them with 3's the birds will drop.
Posted on 6/27/17 at 8:23 pm to Ron Cheramie
Haha I've told him that same thing. I guess the question is does the 3 1/2 really have a noticeable difference over the 3"?
Posted on 6/27/17 at 8:24 pm to GAFF
I shoot 3.5's for ducks sometimes depending on conditions.
Case in point, in 1999/2000, I hunted Lower Ouchita near Monroe. I had 3.5 and my brother still had 2.75. It was a drought year and the water was a good ways away from any cover. I got a few Mallards and he didn't. He bought a 3.5 the next week.
Be careful buying 3.5 inch shells. Many time the cheaper ones are the exact same drams and ounces of 3" shells. Rip Off!!
Look for the highest drams powder and highest ounce shot for 3.5's!
Case in point, in 1999/2000, I hunted Lower Ouchita near Monroe. I had 3.5 and my brother still had 2.75. It was a drought year and the water was a good ways away from any cover. I got a few Mallards and he didn't. He bought a 3.5 the next week.
Be careful buying 3.5 inch shells. Many time the cheaper ones are the exact same drams and ounces of 3" shells. Rip Off!!
Look for the highest drams powder and highest ounce shot for 3.5's!
Posted on 6/27/17 at 8:24 pm to GAFF
quote:
Haha I've told him that same thing. I guess the question is does the 3 1/2 really have a noticeable difference over the 3"?
On your shoulder? Yes
Posted on 6/27/17 at 8:25 pm to Speckhunter2012
quote:Hardly a case in point. Doesn't really tell us shite.
Case in point, in 1999/2000, I hunted Lower Ouchita near Monroe. I had 3.5 and my brother still had 2.75. It was a drought year and the water was a good ways away from any cover. I got a few Mallards and he didn't. He bought a 3.5 the next week.
Posted on 6/27/17 at 8:30 pm to cbiscuit
I'm in my 30s and still shoot the same shotgun I've used since I was 14 years old.
20ga with 3" shells for duck hunting
I also sling a 10ga in the blind for skyblasting geese. But that's just for shites & giggles
20ga with 3" shells for duck hunting
I also sling a 10ga in the blind for skyblasting geese. But that's just for shites & giggles
Posted on 6/27/17 at 8:31 pm to Geauxtiga
The birds were about 40 yards out. Case in point! His rounds did not knock them down and I was able to get a few. Big difference.
I prefer 3"'s but there are times when they do not want to land on your head, that you may have to take longer shots.
I do not sky bust at all, but I know the range of when I can take a bird with what I am shooting.
Been doing it for a LONG time.
I prefer 3"'s but there are times when they do not want to land on your head, that you may have to take longer shots.
I do not sky bust at all, but I know the range of when I can take a bird with what I am shooting.
Been doing it for a LONG time.
Posted on 6/27/17 at 8:40 pm to GAFF
If you shoot them over decoys like you're supposed to, there is no need for 3.5's.
Posted on 6/27/17 at 8:43 pm to Speckhunter2012
quote:
Lower ouachita
Where in the world is lower ouachita,
Posted on 6/27/17 at 8:48 pm to GAFF
You are going to be hunting the breeding grounds and a lot of young birds so these ducks should be in pretty close Bring what you want but no, you don't "need" a 3.5
Posted on 6/27/17 at 8:49 pm to GAFF
Shoot whatever you feel comfortable with.
Posted on 6/27/17 at 8:55 pm to texag7
I was fine in the dakotas with 3s last year
Now when the greater canada came over, that was a different story
Now when the greater canada came over, that was a different story
Posted on 6/27/17 at 9:02 pm to xenon16
Lead > 3 1/2's IMO
Posted on 6/28/17 at 6:12 am to GAFF
When your friend kills a limit with 3.5, borrow his gun.
I'm assuming he is concerned about having an effective range.
I'm assuming he is concerned about having an effective range.
Posted on 6/28/17 at 7:02 am to GAFF
Shooting a 3" shell with high dram and oz shot will benefit you more than just grabbing some 3 1/2" shells.
Posted on 6/28/17 at 7:04 am to LSUballs
guys who shoot 3.5's are overcompensating for something...
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