howmany shells do u take

J

john a

Active member
how many shells do u take with u on say a moring hunt or afternoon
in jersey if i hunt fed land im only allowed 1box 25 if i hunt other i like to have a box
and a half but have only once shot 25 in a bad shooting morning
 
Davy Crockett's father used to send him squirrel hunting with one bullet, I read that and changed my style a bit...

When I was younger I used to take two boxes, shoot like crazy. Now I tend to concentrate on my shots more, no longer interested in emptying the gun at every flock that comes in... instead I like to make the first shot count THEN go on to the second shot. I also wait for the birds to come within 35yds, no long shots... It has resulted in less shots, and more birds.
 
10 20ga on the South Shore-2 for Brant 2 for 1 Black Duck ...6 just in case something else shows up LOL
20 12ga on the North Shore for 6 divers
20 12ga out east for 7 sea ducks
I only shoot birds that are cupped and commited in the stool and I only shoot Hevi-shot/HD or Impact.They cost a lot more but I lose VERY few birds with those shells and a trained Lab.
I agree with Chris.I keep my shots inside of 35 yards.
Thats what works for me.
 
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I always keep a full box of shells in my boat but have never gone through that many. If you are in need of that many shells I would respectfully suggest you get out a pratice a bit more, wait for the birds to come in to range and take a clean shot.
I believe around here you would be called a "sky buster"
 
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sounds good
but i have only once shot a full box of 25 (1st year) but also hunted the bay for
divers and hunted till 11 am
but as i said i like to have box and a half with me if i can
in the moring ill have 25 but if i get 6 shot ill have a good north opeaner
 
On my first teal hunt this year I only took 5. That is because I forgot my shells in the excitement of being out on my first hunt and just happened to have 5 in the shell loops of my waders from last year.

I normally don't shoot at ducks unless they are committed which is inside 30 yards. I use almost exclusively, 2 3/4 inch 7 shot Dove loads. Feet need to be down and wings beginning to back pedal.
At one time I would only take 10 shells with me but now I am up to 15 for just in case!
Al
 
John
You mean to say, hunting on Fed lands, that your limited to one box of shells? Never heard of that.
wis boz
 
Its quite common to have shell limits when hunting National Wildlife Refuges and even some state Wildlife Management Areas. I've seen the numbers as low as 15 (7 duck limit and goose limits around 3-5, so you better have your shotgunning skills tuned up). But the most common shell limit is 25 shells or one box.

I typically keep an open box on the shelf of the Bankes for my use. Usually keep several more boxes in reserve somewhere on the boat for us by my sons or guests if they run out.
 
Brad

Reminds me of a conversation we had recently where in regulations were trying to impose ethics into hunters. But to answer John's question, usually not more than a box. If I'm walking in, usually limit myself to the shell loops in the waders and jacket (5x2 in the jacket, plus 6 or 7 in the waders). I've also been in Al's situation where in all you have is what you left in the loops, likewise had partners show up with nothing and they mooch off my box. Seems to always last long enough...or we make it last as to not to go home early.

Chuck

PS I almost didn't reply to this thread as you couldn't spell out 'you' nor capitalize anything
 
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John
You mean to say, hunting on Fed lands, that your limited to one box of shells? Never heard of that.
wis boz
Click to expand...

Jim,
When at Bosque del Apache NWR, you are allowed 1 box of shells when they have their light goose hunts in January. I think we are very fortunate to be able to do that. BdA NWR has light goose hunts for youth and now they have hunts for turkey. I think they started that two years ago. What a great way to involve our youngsters.

I know a guy who told me that his guide friend in eastern CO had 4 hunters come in for a spring light goose hunt. They went through 22 boxes of ammo and took 19 geese. What was so funny is that they thought that they were shooting great!
Al
 
I have a shell caddy that holds 60 when full. It currently has about 40 in it and that will last me through October. It usually stays in my boat so I don't have to worry about remembering shells. LOL I have friends who go through a lot of shells... I don't as a rule. I used to go through more shells until I sorted out the patterns for my guns. Still, it is funny how some days you can't miss and others just don't feel as good.
 
todays total
25 shell with me
7 shells used by me

1 drake woodduck
2 green wing teal

best opening day north zone so far
 
For over decoy shooting - I take one Very Select box of shells, but if it's over BIG water, at least another box of shells for cripples. Some days they eat up lots of ammo.

Sensible Pass Shooting (Gawd I love it!) with the SP 10, for geese, ducks & cranes - 50 shells, and a Very Good leather duck strap, plus Gatorade G2.
 
Its quite common to have shell limits when hunting National Wildlife Refuges and even some state Wildlife Management Areas. I've seen the numbers as low as 15 (7 duck limit and goose limits around 3-5, so you better have your shotgunning skills tuned up). But the most common shell limit is 25 shells or one box.

I typically keep an open box on the shelf of the Bankes for my use. Usually keep several more boxes in reserve somewhere on the boat for us by my sons or guests if they run out.
Click to expand...
Yes, shell limits are a good thing. It encourages better shot selection and dicourages sky busting or at least they run out of shells before they do anymore damage:) I listened to some guy banging on his call and then emptying his gun all morning ,he shot over 30 shells before 8:30. It gave me time to adjust myself in my deer stand.
 
2 boxes. I box of 2 shot and one box of 6 shot. Depending upon how the birds are flying, I choose the shells to fit the situation.

I also have this many shells as I have hunted with others who have forgotten theirs. Also had one box one time where every other shell was a dud.

Why hunt and not be able to shoot from a lack of shells?
Makes no sense to me.

Mark W
 
Shooting out of the blind has gotten easier. Chris's dad bought a Mule and you can put alot in it. Bigger shell bag more stuff. Try some steel trap loads to shoot cripples, works great.
 
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