Quick Answer
Canvasbacks can be challenging to harvest due to their low-flying nature, which makes shotguns with longer chokes highly effective.
Choosing the Right Gauge
A 12-gauge shotgun is a good starting point for hunting canvasbacks, as it provides sufficient power to take down these large waterfowl. However, a 10-gauge or 16-gauge shotgun can also be effective if you’re comfortable with their handling and recoil. Ultimately, the most important factor is using the right type of ammunition, such as steel shot or non-toxic loads, which are required for hunting waterfowl.
Shotgun Choke and Muzzle Velocity
When hunting canvasbacks, a longer choke (such as an Improved Cylinder or Modified choke) is recommended to increase the effective range of your shotgun. This is because canvasbacks tend to fly low and are often difficult to hit due to their speed and agility. A higher muzzle velocity, such as 1,300 feet per second, is also beneficial for taking down canvasbacks quickly and humanely. To achieve this, you can use ammunition with a higher powder charge or opt for a shotgun with a longer barrel.
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