Gun Dog Forum

Whats is your prefered shot size for SD phez when hunting public land? Going out for my second trip in Nov. and would like to watch them fall. Rather than drop a few feathers and shake it off and keep going Shooting a 12 Ga.

I would say overall #5 shot is going to be your best bet, but I would also bring some #4's when the winds are howling or the birds are busting wild on ya.

I shoot 3 inch # 4 steel when the wind is blowing, shouldn't be too far shots if your shooting over a pointing dog.

I shoot alot of them and Birddog1968 is doing exactly what I do. Three inch #4 and the law requires steel on public land!

Yeah, I almost forgot the Non tox only on State public lands in SoDak, my earlier recommendation was for lead. I'm used to hunting Nodak and there it's only required on Federal lands. If you want similar ballistics for lead vs steel go with the two shot size larger rule of thumb. e.g.( #5 lead = #3 steel etc..)

You ARE ALLOWED to use lead in most GFP walk-in areas for pheasants, it also can be used on US Forest Service National Grasslands. You are not allowed to use it in Waterfowl Production areas and some other lands. When allowed we shoot lead 4 or 6 shot depending on condition or just get 5 shot. If you are planning on going with steel, as suggested #4 is great.

i use steel all the time, because if in season and a duck flys by or I jump some ducks i want to have the option to take one while upland hunting.....