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Official Michigan Hunting Safety Course Link to Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Matching Choke to Your Quarry

As described in detail on the previous page, a choke allows you to fine-tune your shotgun for the type of game you're hunting. Built-in or attached to the muzzle end of the barrel, the choke can be constricted to create a tighter pattern of shot, thus controlling pattern density at various distances.The tighter the constriction, the longer the cluster of shot stays together. The looser the constriction, the faster the shot pattern spreads.

The chart below suggests choke and shot sizes for a variety of game. It is intended only as a guide—choice of choke and shot size may vary depending on ammunition, target distance, and hunting conditions.

Quarry

Suggested Choke

Suggested Shot Size

Goose Improved Cylinder or Modified Steel 2, 1, BB (over decoys)
Steel BB, BBB, T (pass shooting)
Duck Improved Cylinder or Modified Steel 6, 4, 3 (over decoys)
Steel 3, 2 (pass shooting)
Turkey Full or Extra Full Lead 4, 5, 6
Pheasant Improved Cylinder or Modified Lead 6, 7½
(over dogs or in heavy cover)
  Modified or Full Lead 4, 5, 6
(in corn fields, long range)
Grouse Improved Cylinder or Modified Lead 7½ or 8
Woodcock, rail or snipe Improved Cylinder or Modified Lead 8 (in heavy cover)
Lead 7½ (open areas)
Dove Improved Cylinder or Modified Lead 7½ or 8
Steel 6 (in waterfowl areas)
Quail Improved Cylinder or Modified Lead 7½ or 8
Rabbit Improved Cylinder or Modified Lead 5 or 6
Squirrel Modified or Full Lead 5 or 6
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Michigan Hunting
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Official hunting safety course for Michigan hunters last modified: January 3, 2008
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