Should I use a modified choke for Mearns quail?

Choosing the Right Choke for Mearns Quail

When hunting Mearns quail, it’s essential to use a choke that allows for a wide shot pattern to compensate for the bird’s small size and quick movements. A modified choke, with an effective range of 20-30 yards, is a good choice for hunting Mearns quail. This choke size will provide a spread of around 3-4 inches at 20 yards, making it ideal for taking down the bird at longer ranges.

Effective Range Considerations

Mearns quail can often be found in areas with dense cover, such as chaparral or desert scrub, where the shooting distance can be deceiving. When hunting in these environments, it’s essential to consider the effective range of your choke and the size of your shot. A modified choke will allow you to take shots at 20-30 yards, which is ideal for hunting Mearns quail in these types of areas. However, at ranges beyond 30 yards, a more open choke or a higher velocity load may be necessary to ensure a clean kill.

Shot Size and Load Considerations

When hunting Mearns quail, it’s essential to use a shot size that is large enough to ensure a clean kill, but not so large that it creates excessive recoil or spreads excessively at longer ranges. A 6 or 7 1/2 shot size is often recommended for hunting Mearns quail, as it provides a good balance between penetration and spread. When loading your shotgun, consider using a high velocity load that will help to maintain a tight shot pattern at longer ranges. A load with a muzzle velocity of 1250-1300 feet per second is a good choice for hunting Mearns quail.