Quick Answer
Hunting choke sizes are regulated by various state and federal agencies, with some restrictions applying to specific game species or habitats. In the United States, chokes are typically categorized by their constriction, measured in inches at a specific distance, with more restricted chokes required for waterfowl hunting and larger chokes allowed for upland game bird hunting. Specific regulations vary by state.
Shotgun Choke Regulations
Shotgun choke regulations in the United States are managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in addition to individual state wildlife agencies. The National Wild Turkey Federation, the National Rifle Association, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service all provide guidance on choke selection for hunting different game species. For example, waterfowl hunting typically requires a choke no larger than 0.5 inches at 40 yards, while upland game bird hunting often allows for larger chokes, such as 0.75 inches at 40 yards.
Choke Constriction Measurements
In the United States, shotgun choke constriction is measured in inches at a distance of 40 yards (36.6 meters) from the muzzle. This measurement is used to categorize chokes into specific categories, with tighter chokes (typically 0.5 inches or less) reserved for waterfowl hunting and larger chokes (0.75 inches or more) allowed for upland game bird hunting. For example, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service defines the following choke categories: Cylinder (no constriction), Improved Cylinder (0.006 inches), Modified (0.012 inches), Full (0.018 inches), and Extra Full (0.024 inches).
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