What Can You Hunt With A 12 Gauge Shotgun?
What Can You Hunt With A 12 Gauge Shotgun?
The 12 gauge shotgun is one of the most versatile firearms in existence, and it’s no wonder that it’s so popular among hunters. With its wide range of shot sizes and loads, a 12 gauge shotgun can be used to hunt just about anything that walks, flies, or swims.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what you can hunt with a 12 gauge shotgun, and we’ll provide some tips on how to choose the right load for your specific hunting needs.
We’ll also discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of using a 12 gauge shotgun for hunting, and we’ll give you some advice on how to make the most of your next hunting trip.
| Animal | Season | Notes |
|—|—|—|
| Duck | Fall | Early September to late January |
| Dove | Spring | Mid-March to mid-May |
| Quail | Fall | Early September to late January |
| Pheasant | Fall | Early September to late January |
| Turkey | Spring | Mid-March to mid-May |
| Goose | Fall | Early September to late January |
| Woodcock | Fall | Early September to late January |
| Rabbit | Year-round | |
3. Waterfowl
Waterfowl are a popular game bird for hunters of all skill levels. They are found in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. 12 gauge shotguns are a versatile option for hunting waterfowl, as they can be used with a variety of loads to take birds of different sizes.
Ducks
Ducks are one of the most popular waterfowl species hunted with a 12 gauge shotgun. They are found in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. Ducks come in a variety of sizes, from the small teal to the large mallard.
There are a number of different types of duck hunting, including:
- Pass shooting: This is the most common type of duck hunting, and it involves waiting for ducks to fly over a blind or decoy spread.
- Swimming duck hunting: This involves hunting ducks that are swimming in a body of water.
- Marsh hunting: This involves hunting ducks that are feeding in a marsh.
The type of duck hunting you do will determine the type of shotgun you need. For pass shooting, a lightweight shotgun with a long barrel is ideal. For swimming and marsh hunting, a heavier shotgun with a shorter barrel is better.
Geese
Geese are another popular waterfowl species hunted with a 12 gauge shotgun. They are larger than ducks, and they typically fly in larger flocks. Geese are found in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, lakes, rivers, and coastal areas.
There are a number of different types of goose hunting, including:
- Pass shooting: This is the most common type of goose hunting, and it involves waiting for geese to fly over a blind or decoy spread.
- Swimming goose hunting: This involves hunting geese that are swimming in a body of water.
- Field hunting: This involves hunting geese that are feeding in a field.
The type of goose hunting you do will determine the type of shotgun you need. For pass shooting, a lightweight shotgun with a long barrel is ideal. For swimming and field hunting, a heavier shotgun with a shorter barrel is better.
Swans
Swans are large waterfowl that are found in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. Swans are typically hunted for their meat and feathers.
Swan hunting is a challenging and rewarding experience. It requires a good deal of patience and skill. Swans are wary birds, and they are not easy to approach. However, if you are successful, you will be rewarded with a delicious meal and a beautiful trophy.
Pelicans
Pelicans are large waterfowl that are found in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. Pelicans are typically hunted for their meat and feathers.
Pelican hunting is a challenging and rewarding experience. It requires a good deal of patience and skill. Pelicans are wary birds, and they are not easy to approach. However, if you are successful, you will be rewarded with a delicious meal and a beautiful trophy.
Cormorants
Cormorants are large waterfowl that are found in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. Cormorants are typically hunted for their meat and feathers.
Cormorant hunting is a challenging and rewarding experience. It requires a good deal of patience and skill. Cormorants are wary birds, and they are not easy to approach. However, if you are successful, you will be rewarded with a delicious meal and a beautiful trophy.
4. Other Animals
In addition to waterfowl, there are a number of other animals that can be hunted with a 12 gauge shotgun. These animals include:
Armadillos
Armadillos are medium-sized mammals that are found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, deserts, and forests. Armadillos are typically hunted for their meat and hides.
Armadillo hunting is a challenging and rewarding experience. It requires a good deal of patience and skill. Armadillos are wary animals, and they are not easy to approach. However, if you are successful, you will be rewarded with a delicious meal and a beautiful trophy.
Opossums
Opossums are small marsupials that are found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, forests, and fields. Opossums are typically hunted for their meat and fur.
Opossum hunting is a challenging and rewarding experience. It requires a good deal of patience and skill. Opossums are wary animals, and they are not easy to approach. However, if you are successful, you will be rewarded with a delicious meal and