The following course material is for reference only. Please go to the new course to complete your Oregon certification.

 

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 is a constriction that controls the shot string, thus affecting pellet density at various distances. The tighter the constriction, the greater the distance that the cluster of pellets stays together. The looser the constriction, the faster the shot pattern spreads.

The chart below suggests choke selections for a variety of game. It is intended only as a guide—choice of choke may vary depending on ammunition, target distance, and hunting conditions. Always pattern your shotgun for the quarry you are hunting and the ammunition you are using.

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 Modified or Full	Lead 6, 7 ½ (over dogs in heavy cover) Lead 4, 5, 6 (in corn fields, long range)
Grouse	Improved Cylinder or Modified	Lead 7 ½ or 8
Woodcock, rail, or snipe	Improved Cylinder or Modified	Lead 8 (in heavy cover) Lead 7 ½ (open areas)
Dove	Improved Cylinder or Modified	Lead 7 ½ or 8 Steel 6 (in waterfowl areas)
Quail	Improved Cylinder or Modified	Lead 7 ½ or 8
Rabbit	Improved Cylinder or Modified	Lead 5 or 6
Squirrel	Modified or Full	Lead 5 or 6