2022 upland game bird, small game regulations - 23

2022 MIGRATORY GAME BIRD HUNTING SEASONS AND LIGHT GOOSE CONSERVATION ORDER
How to estimate distance using your shotgun barrel
1
2
One of the toughest jobs for a waterfowl hunter is to
judge how far away a target is. Shooting at waterfowl
out of range (sky-busting) causes a significantly
higher rate of crippling than shooting at closer ranges
and is not a responsible way to hunt. This applies to
geese in particular. Because of their size, geese usually
appear closer than they actually are.
You can use your shotgun to learn to judge distances
more accurately and quickly. If the portion of a large
Canada goose covered by the end of your shotgun
barrel does not extend beyond the wing tips on an
overhead shot, then the goose is near the maximum
range of 50-55 yards. If the area of the goose covered
by the barrel does not extend beyond the wrist
joints of the wings, then the goose is probably 40
yards or less and is within effective killing range.
The illustrations above approximate what a goose's
silhouette looks like at these maximum and optimum
shotgun ranges. These guidelines are intended for
12 gauge shotguns with 28-30 inch barrel lengths.
Generally speaking, if you cannot see wing tips of a
flying goose outside the muzzle of the shotgun on
an overhead shot, it is beyond 55 yards and too far
away to shoot at. The same principle applies if you
cannot see the body of a flying goose outside the
muzzle on a crossing shot.
Along with learning to estimate
distances, pattern your shotgun
and the loads you hunt with, and
practice to improve your shooting
skills. For most shotguns and
reasonable shooting ranges,
research has found that steel #BB
or #BBB shot for large-bodied
geese, and steel #2, #1, or #BB
shot for small- and mediumbodied
geese are needed for
proper penetration (see Lethality
Table on page 24). These shot
sizes will carry enough energy to
penetrate a goose's vital areas. In
order to kill large-bodied geese,
research has found your shotgun
must consistently place at least 50-55 pellets inside
a 30-inch circle at the distances you shoot. In order
to kill small- or medium-bodied geese, research finds
your shotgun must consistently place at least 60-65
pellets inside the 30-inch circle (see Lethality Table).
Try patterning your shotgun at various distances
with the appropriate pellet sizes. The distance at
The shotgun barrel pictured
above depicts the approximate
area covered by a 12 gauge
28 " -30 " single barrel or over/
under barrel at optimum range
of forty (40) yards or less on
an overhead shot (Fig. 1) and a
crossing shot (Fig 2).
Fig. 3 indicates the
approximate area covered at
50-55 yards on a crossing shot.
Remember: If your shotgun's
muzzle appears to totally
cover the goose, it is too far
away for a lethal shot. If you
are unsure ... DON'T SHOOT!
3
which the pellet count in a
30-inch circle drops below
50-55 (large geese) and
60-65 (small-medium geese)
determines the maximum
effective range of your shotgun
with that particular load.
Be a responsible hunter and
practice these suggestions
to reduce crippling losses
and to improve the nonhunting
public's perception
and acceptance of waterfowl
hunting. The shotgun barrel
pictured above depicts the
approximate area covered
by a 12 gauge 28 " -30 " single
barrel or over/under barrel
at optimum range of forty (40) yards or less on an
overhead shot (Fig. 1) and a crossing shot (Fig 2).
Fig. 3 indicates the approximate area covered at
50-55 yards on a crossing shot. Remember: If your
shotgun's muzzle appears to totally cover the goose,
it is too far away for a lethal shot. If you are unsure ...
DON'T SHOOT!
Harlequin
Mallard
wgfd.wyo.gov
Wyoming Hunting Regulations | 23
MIGRATORY GAME BIRD
http://wgfd.wyo.gov
2022 upland game bird, small game regulations

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