Popular Duck Hunting Questions Answered

[@SurvivingDuckSeason]

What's your THIS or THAT question?

[@MrHhjones8]

What 28 gauge semi auto do you recommend? I assume chambered for 3 inch?

[@sbctdizzle1]

Ducks or geese Pintails or Mallards Specks or Honkers Gas or Inertia Bluebird or Bad Weather To go when slow? Or save the money and energy? Donuts or bkfst burritos

[@scottgarbs7761]

28-inch barrel makes it easier to prop up the gun in the blind too.

[@josiahwise6160]

Do you stand by 2 3/4” shells when shooting steel as well? Or mainly just when shooting Bismuth?

[@danielmerritt3311]

There’s nothing you can do with 3” steel that you can’t do with 2 3/4. The only difference is the cost.

[@battlemountainforge3063]

Ive been using 2 3/4 shells In my remington 500 for 30 years and they have never failed me

[@TexasRedneck]

Remington 500?

[@shanereichler7343]

A test to see a mixe 10:12 d set of decoys, plastic decoys vs full flocked decoys in different weather conditions through the eyes of a drone I’d find super interesting!

[@MawheeOutdoors]

This was great. I was able to guess to most of Joel’s answers, because I’ve also learned a thing or two. I’m always talking with my brothers about gear improvements. I think anybody with extensive hours in the duck blind would agree with these answers

[@michaelmccaugherty2835]

I'm glad I finally watched this video. Very informative. Thank you.

[@popupblind8981]

Great job Joel, something for beginning hunters and those that have hunted for many years.

[@bradgreenlee7462]

Love the content. Keep ‘em coming!! Can’t wait to see the lodge and all the duck stuff🦆🦆

[@mikeconnolly8396]

Here in the NE salt marshes, the debate is between outboard or surface drives.

[@kross1261]

I actually shoot a 21” barrel with my M2. So quick pointing especially as I get older. I’ve shot a lot of shotguns over the years and this gun really works for me. Wish I could buy one in 20 gauge. Yes you have to be careful of muzzle blast if hunting with others but being 6’6” my muzzle is usually as high or higher as my hunting buddies.

[@timcochran9019]

I have shot the same Winchester 1300 shotgun since the 90's. I have hunted with both 26 and 28 inch barrels on the same frame. I seriously struggle with accuracy with the 26". The 28" just seems to put my eye in line with the bird better.

[@alanperry7706]

Were you mentioned 12 to 28 how good are thay on geese. Yere in Britain 🇬🇧 the belief is 10g or lower 🤔 I use 12g that's fine however I do poses a Browning gold 10g . I am very Interested in your opinion 👍

[@bryanbressem5026]

I also have browning gold 10, that with heavy shot was my go to, now getting hard to find ammo since covid bullshit, and double the price for subpar shells at $50 a box 📦. 10ga out performs others by at least twenty yards, on anything. 😂

[@CamronHenthorn608]

Black duck confidence decoy or a Crane decoy!? An I use the wrap an keel weights because I hunt mostly rivers with multiple depths. If you're using a spinner wing decoy close to the water or higher up? I know it's all personal preferences tho

[@wyatts4338]

Do you have any tips on mixing different waterfowl species decoys? Iv got some mallard pintail, teal and Canadian decoys that Iv been using but I’m always asking myself if I should be mixing or segregating them

[@johnnyhonda4404]

Looking forward to the 28 gauge video. Please go over choke, shell, etc.

[@mngregoutdoors9564]

Decoy in the shooting hole or open hole?

[@SurvivingDuckSeason]

Good one!

[@paulk6077]

I wanted to try some 12 ga 2 3/4" nontoxic shells . Other than the bismuth ones you promote, there are not very many options other than light steel loads. You recommended Fiochi plated steel flyway shells . All I could find were 3" . Didnt find any 12 d tungsten on 2 3/4" So I will be sticking with the 3 inchers. TSS kills , sometimes too good . Knocking down several birds.

[@Allsznhunter]

Hevi bismuth has a 2 3/4" option, Kent bismuth have a 2 3/4" option, Boss ofc has a 2 3/4" option, I feel like most big company's offer a 2 3/4", granted I've never seen them anywhere within hours and hours drive of where I live but you can order them online from midway usa (prob other websites like midway to I just say midway bc that's where I know I see them at), I shoot hevi hammers, on occasions Hevi metal so get a little bismuth and steel in each shell but those Hevi bismuth's are like 60$ a box and Kent bismuth's are 50-60$ a box around me (the 3" version anyway) I'm not to familiar with Boss's prices but I know there high and come in 20rd boxes, bc I don't shoot them I'm not paying that much for a straight bismuth load, not buying Kent or Hevi shot straight bismuth's either bc of price , went to acadmeys a couple hours ago and they had Winchester bismuth in a 15rd box for over 30$ ofc way higher than it all should be imo

[@danc6402]

Can you link to the video that explains why 20 gauge over 12?

[@justinhuddleston2303]

12 gauge - 28" Barrel - 3" steel - Carlson best bang for your buck. If money is no concern, I would agree with you.

[@Allsznhunter]

For me it's 12ga - 26" barrel - 3" bismuth/steel load - Kicks....that's my choice's and what I use, I like the little shorter barrel on my waterfowl gun for where we hunt at, for my upland bird hunt (Doves mainly) I'll shoot my other gun with a 28" and 2 3/4" reloads and Carlson flush chokes!!

[@keeganmobley9031]

Would you still choose 2 3/4”over 3” for Canadas?

[@jamestribol1434]

confident decoy was good....wondering though would you use a blue heron decoy or crow decoy?

[@jaywatts2134]

Not a this or that, but what’s your ideal water motion decoy? Pulsator, rippler, swimmer, splasher or classic jerk string?

[@SurvivingDuckSeason]

Great question! Working on that video currently 👍🏻

[@TheNickademas1]

As an upland hunter it IS TABOO to “Ground sluice” birds is it Taboo to “water swat”???

[@kalebbooher8092]

We need a puppy update!

[@mattharness9105]

I shoot 3.5 cause they don’t make 4s

[@Jk6967Jk]

I shoot 2 1/2 cause they don’t make 2s

[@davenyc7033]

You just admitted that you don't know how to hunt.

[@Jk6967Jk]

@@davenyc7033 I was making a joke here. It’s clear you didn’t pick up on it. 3.5 s are not better than 3s if you need to take follow up shots the recoil will throw you off target.

[@bryanbressem5026]

10ga bbb geese

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

Great video bro!

[@aimkhan83]

Shot charge in ounces. 1 1/4, 1 3/8, 1 1/8, 1 1/16 ?

[@Allsznhunter]

I prefer 3" 1 3/8oz slower velocity loads, more pellets and the slower velocity shells seem to always pattern better in everything I've shot them through guns & chokes, but I shoot Hevi shot so I'm stuck with 3" 1 1/4oz, to fast in my opinion, I'd prefer a 1300-1350fps load, won't shoot anything over 1500fps

[@JW_Films]

When field hunting do you prefer layouts or A-frame?

[@justcallmedyno8938]

I think a better way to phrase the question about the spinners could have been; "Motion or no Motion for decoys". But I know the answer and that you like the jerk cord. Decoy motion is super important!

[@SurvivingDuckSeason]

The question in the video was specifically for spinning wings decoys. Yes, I agree with you about motion in your spread.

[@brandonh3888]

If its a bright sunny day where i live, the ducks are flying and landing in our decoys for 20 minutes before legal shooting light. Sometimes they peck the decoys and figure out quickly that its not real or by 20 minutes they have started swimming away and getting them to fly back is very tough. Any suggestions for that scenario? The dog finds it even harder

[@MawheeOutdoors]

Breathable waders with removable insulation liners are supreme

[@chootum8295]

20ga 26” barrel 2-3/4” 7/8oz #5 Kent Upland FastSteel, Trulock Mod, kills ducks big and small inside 35 yards

[@chiefpeep4261]

Ideal boat size for 4-5 hunters on a big river like Missouri or Mississippi?

[@anthonymirkovich5156]

Me too my family has every gauge from great grandfather …4/10 pump 28 20 12 16 10 .. multiple brands from the 69/70s the guns were made better you can tell when you pick them up .. real wood especially the. REMington 1100 prefer the older one 26 barrel and we hand no choice 2 and 3/4 is the only thing they take .. now my over and under beretta white only takes both … your right more success with 2/3/4 shell s all day the only question I have for you regular steel shot or hevi type shots

[@FaithTerry-lt9ti]

28” for the noise. Hunting in a blind with several guys, u always hate to stand beside the guy with a short barrel! Longer barrel is easier on your buddies ears!

[@SurvivingDuckSeason]

Good thoughts

[@ScottJones-ni7de]

28 for safety reasons

[@300blackout4]

Or ear protection solves that problem also

[@mostlyoutdoors9088]

I say 28 inches. I had a 26 and it was just a hair too short to stick out of typical blinds. Always had to be extra careful it didn’t fall over

[@SurvivingDuckSeason]

Good point!

[@meghan7547]

Depends on the firearms, imo. My Ruger Red Label 28" barrels is the exact same length as my SBE 2 with 26" barrel.

[@kraigkaatz6858]

Great video

[@MrT13]

12 with others, 20 nice alone. 28”, noise, speed, aiming. I just use steel. I prefer 2.75” but I use 3” in my 30” full choke in cripple gun. Carlson’s. Don’t care. Different reeds for different reasons, loud/soft/reliable. Cut down loud, regular for softer/later. Depends. Depends. Standard. Neither here. Neither here. Neither. Both. Over/regular. Depends. Depends, take them out later. Texas or short strings with weight in duck neck carriers crimped to 1/4”. Dump em…

[@bobcostas1331]

Coffee or Energy Drink (I am judging you, don’t mess this up 😂)

[@LiquidForce392]

Energy drink unless it’s super cold , then the coffee goes in the old school thermos out to the blind!

[@michaelmccaugherty2835]

Always coffee. Call me old school.

[@thatrezzieguyde13]

Coffee to start the morning, energy drink mid morning/afternoon

[@Loney.owen98]

Raised rib sight or non raised?

[@duckbrian7973]

Barrel length is so funny to me. The whole 26-32 inch barrel length was made because powder was way worse. Steel shot is how powder got better. Kinda amazing Joel picked bismuth. Sponsored?? Idk. TSS #9 is wondering. Lots of pellets in a shell and kills duck like old school lead #6 & 7.5 I was so tired of large pellets and burning out choke tubes. Still need at least a 4 with bismuth. Even TSS 12 the pellet can be smaller then that bismuth shell. I don’t care if I have to make payments on a case of TSS, don’t want anything else.

[@danc6402]

Link to 12v20ga video?

[@CliffWhitehall-ur9hd]

What size shot do you use? I like sixes

[@Allsznhunter]

For small ducks woodies mainly down here I like a stacked #4 bismuth/steel, for big ducks the same bismuth/ steel load but #3's....3's seem to be the perfect ration of size to pellet count imo

[@jamesallen4855]

On his testing videos the had high speed new cameras that showed shot patterns in slow motion and many other ways of testing stuff and his opinions are based on facts from thier testing , before you judge what he says you need to watch all of their testing videos and my son shoots boss 20 gauge now shells and folds ducks out to 50 plus yards now

[@virginiaswampboys199]

Good vid.

[@meghan7547]

Not true on shells. Every gun will pattern different shot and shells quite differently. While not as extreme in most cases as rifles can be, it can surely make a difference especially in shot sizes.

[@jamesallen4855]

I see you never watched his research videos on the subject

[@meghan7547]

@@jamesallen4855 I shot shotgun, competitively, earned a full scholarship for it. If you want to discuss patterns, chokes, shot size effects on different shotguns, I think I have more than enough experience to give an educated opinion. I grew up in the Missouri Bootheel Region, rich in waterfowl hunting and major wintering area for the birds. Been shooting ducks and geese for over 26yrs now. Opinions are just that, opinions. Discount what is in my original comment with anyone that has shot competition and hunted waterfowl and tell me what I have stated that is not 100% accurate.

[@jamesallen4855]

@@meghan7547 he researched it a lot watch his videos

[@jamesallen4855]

Ive been hunting 55 years

[@meghan7547]

@@jamesallen4855 That's wonderful, so I don't understand your comment about my comment and what your confusion over my comment is? Let's look at on paper, scientifically. If two shot shells have the same exact pellet in it, one being a 2 3/4" the other a 3". The smaller shell having less powder (which they do) pushes the pellets at say... 1,350fps while the larger shell having more powder (which they do) pushes its pellets at 1,400fps. The weight of the load only compensates for the number of pellets and the amount of recoil that will be felt when shot. Given that, the one moving at the faster velocity will strike harder at given range and will have an extended range. Any statement that a 2 3/4 shell is better one would have to know the definition he used as "better". Less recoil can mean faster, more accuracy of shots but it most definitely doesn't mean that slower load is more deadly at a given distance. Shotguns and shells/shot/chokes are pretty much a huge combination for a shotgunner. So many combinations to get tighter patterns and hard-hitting pellets. If you are handloading your waterfowl shells, those options grow immensely. If you have hunted the years you have stated, quite sure you would agree that the goal is to get the birds inside of that magical 40yd range. The science says what it says, not open for saying it isn't so. Opinions on the other hand, well...... Find what works for you and your gun, your hunting situations, etc. OH, and budget also. If you can afford to pay for "premium" ammunition and it works for you, great! Inside the magical 40yds I can purchase factory ammo at nearly 3:1 what bismuth costs, and by simply stepping up in pellet size, shooting at speeds much faster and the right choke can obtain awesome results at 1/3rd of the cost. Steel shot inherently shoots extremely tight patterns to begin with and has shorter shot string which means more pellets on target when the target is hit. Best wishes for 2024-2025 season.

[@timothydavey7569]

Question I have, early season here in Florida it's still 85 degrees. Anybody ever just wade in shorts instead of waders?

[@garynewman4908]

Thanks for the 411

[@jeremyb.4638]

Double banded mallard drake or a cinnamon teal

[@sbctdizzle1]

We shoot cinnamons all the time in California, so Banded anything>Cinnamon

[@eduffy4937]

Teal decoys: why bother putting Texas rigs or weights on them when they're usually in thick vegetation or a couple inches of water?lol

[@SaskatoonMonsoon]

I've taken at least 30 teal off a lake this season and my decoys would have been blown all onto shore in a clump if I didn't have weights on em.

[@eduffy4937]

@@SaskatoonMonsoon yeah this is true for hunting lakes, but for the shallow couple inch deep water a lot of folks run they're pretty much not needed at all but not one size fits all

[@scottgarbs7761]

Texas rigs are only good if the water where you hunt is shallow and you don't care about your floater decoy motion being restricted by the Texas rig.

[@LawsonTrawick]

Steel or lead??

[@redmac6668]

Dude we look almost exactly alike

[@JudgeSmails-ee2xt]

The boys at Boss are pretty high on the 28ga... their reasoning makes sense on paper, but we ain't shootin' paper! That being said, my curiosity may just get the best of me. "No... really, Babe... I need that Benelli 28ga. Joel says so!"

[@pastp3805]

Boat or Waders

[@ryananderson8593]

I have to use both in most all of my spots on the Mississippi.

[@pastp3805]

@@ryananderson8593 I hear that! When I go for divers it’s 100% boat only…everything else is mostly just waders.

[@graydoncarruth5044]

12 vs 20 doesn’t seem that big a deal to me. The concern I have is the the influencers using sub-gauges. (28 & .410). Please understand that those super small gauges are for experts and if this becomes a fad because of influencers there will be a lot more crippling losses. Which I have an issue with on both conservative and ethical grounds. Agree on every other point!

[@mightyjoeyoung1390]

Wrong. Categorically wrong. You are trying to compare apples to oranges here. 20 gauge can both run at least 7/8 to 1 oz steel loads and the 12 can run up to over 1 and 1/2 oz. Within their own parameters they can both be very capable with homogeneous steel loads. What you totally glossed over is the use of high density, much heavier than steel shot. TSS, tungsten super shot makes the 28 gauge easily as capable around as a three and a half inch 12 gauge round shooting steel weighing almost three times less. The 410 shooting 9 TSS in a measly half ounce load, gives you a 182 pellets at a velocity easily exceeding 1,450 feet per second which will absolutely blister any ducker goose that flies to 60 yards. You also conveniently did not mention hevi shot or bismuth. Both while not as dense per pellet as TSS, easily out class homogeneous steel in lethality.

[@psaoutdoors4302]

Benelli or Beretta??!

[@bryanbressem5026]

Browning

[@JrJounerson]

Idk you may say 2 3/4 patterns better, but you're forgetting every shotgun is different and patterns different, and you can get just as good of a pattern with different chokes. And you get extra pellets, so why wouldn't you take a 3 inch. That doesn't even make sense, and the kick isn't any different.

[@The_Fowl_Line]

Kick is definitely different. Higher payload = More Powder to propel it= Higher kick.

[@sbctdizzle1]

Gas or Inertia

[@joshuadoane3371]

3.5”…. Why? Because they don’t make 4”!

[@jamesallen4855]

Like i said you must of not watched his videos

[@nelsonoutdoors9510]

To duck hunt, or not to duck hunt? ;D

[@SurvivingDuckSeason]

Dude, you're breakin' my heart!

[@nelsonoutdoors9510]

@@SurvivingDuckSeasonjust gankin your chain ha! Answers obvious, always duck hunt.

[@skersfan6751]

Trump or Harris? That's the real question 😂

[@thomasjohnson3793]

Face paint or not face paint.

[@underthetrees4780]

For me, face paint, after Covid I refuse to use a mask

[@eduffy4937]

Overhead cover

[@nickallen9583]

Why are the Atlantic flyway ducks not coming south anymore the stopped 6 years ago .

[@anthonymirkovich5156]

Me too my family has every gauge from great grandfather …4/10 pump 28 20 12 16 10 .. multiple brands from the 69/70s the guns were made better you can tell when you pick them up .. real wood especially the. REMington 1100 prefer the older one 26 barrel and we hand no choice 2 and 3/4 is the only thing they take .. now my over and under beretta white only takes both … your right more success with 2/3/4 shell s all day the only question I have for you regular steel shot or hevi type shots