Tailoring Gauge to the Hunt
Raccoon hunting isn’t about long shots or big payloads—it’s about maneuverability, quick handling, and making a clean shot in the dark. Most raccoon hunts happen at night, often in thick woods, creek bottoms, or brushy terrain. Hunters usually work with hounds and take shots at treed raccoons using artificial lights. The right gauge depends on how you hunt, the range of your shots, and your comfort with the firearm. Shot placement matters more than power, and a well-placed shot at short range is all that’s needed for a clean, ethical kill.
The Practical Choice of the 20 Gauge
The 20 gauge is one of the most popular gauges for raccoon hunting. It’s light, easy to carry, and delivers enough shot to cleanly take a raccoon at typical treed distances, which are usually within twenty yards. The 20 gauge is also a practical choice for new hunters due to its manageable recoil and ease of use. The lighter recoil makes it easier to stay on target, especially when hunting in awkward positions or steep terrain. It also works well with various loads, from standard game shot to heavier options if needed. For hunters who walk long distances behind dogs or hunt multiple nights in a row, the reduced weight and recoil of the 20 gauge can make a noticeable difference.
The Reliability of the 12 Gauge
The 12 gauge is one of the most versatile firearms for small game hunting and is the all-purpose workhorse for good reason. It’s effective in nearly any small game situation, and that includes raccoons. With a wider variety of loads and more pellet count, the 12 gauge provides a little extra margin for error if your aim is slightly off or the raccoon is positioned in a tricky spot. For hunters using a 12 gauge already for other game, it makes sense to keep using it for coon hunting. The downside is added weight and recoil, which may not be necessary given the short range of most raccoon shots.
Considering the .410 and 28 Gauge
Some hunters prefer an even smaller gauge like the .410 or 28 gauge, especially when hunting with youths and younger shooters or looking for a lightweight setup. These gauges can work well in skilled hands but offer less forgiveness in terms of pattern and pellet count. A treed raccoon presents a small, often partially obstructed target, and smaller gauges demand more precise shooting. That said, a .410 with the right load at close range can be highly effective. The 28 gauge provides a middle ground with better pellet density and still maintains a soft recoil and light weight.
Gauge and Shot Size Pairing
Understanding how gauge and shot size work together is key across all types of hunting. Larger gauges can carry heavier payloads with bigger shot sizes, while smaller gauges benefit from lighter loads and finer shot. For raccoons and similar-sized game, number four, five, or six shot is typically used. These sizes offer a solid balance between pattern density and penetration, especially at the short distances common in raccoon hunting. Tighter shot patterns come from full or modified chokes, while wider patterns are achieved with improved cylinder or open chokes. Matching your choke and load to your expected shooting distance is critical for clean hits on vital areas.
What Shot to Use for Turkey Hunting
When it comes to turkey hunting, the key is delivering a tight, powerful pattern to the bird’s vital zone—the head and neck. Just as with deer hunting, where shot placement is crucial to hitting the vital zone, precision is equally important for turkeys. For most hunters using a 12 or 20 gauge, number four, five, or six shot has long been the standard, with number five being a common favorite for its balance of pellet count and penetration. With the rise of tungsten-based loads, some hunters now use shot as small as number seven or even nine, thanks to the higher density and deeper penetration these pellets provide. A tight choke is essential for turkey hunting, helping to keep the pattern concentrated at longer distances. Whether you’re using a traditional lead load or one of the modern tungsten options, make sure to pattern your shotgun at various ranges before the season to know exactly how it performs.
BB vs T Shot for Predator Hunting
When hunting predators like coyotes or foxes, choosing the right ammunition, such as BB or T shot, is crucial for effective predator hunting. BB shot is slightly smaller and provides a denser pattern, which can be more forgiving on fast-moving predators at moderate ranges. It’s effective out to around forty yards with the right choke and load, offering solid penetration without overkill. T shot, being larger, hits harder and carries more energy at longer distances. It’s a better choice for open terrain or when taking shots beyond forty yards. It also performs well on larger-bodied predators where deep penetration is needed to anchor the animal quickly. Both shot sizes can be effective, but matching your load to your hunting conditions is key. Using a full choke helps keep patterns tight, especially when targeting small, fast animals that don’t offer much margin for error.
Shot Types for Night Hunting with a Shotgun
Night hunting brings its own set of challenges, from limited visibility to fast target movement. Choosing the right shot type means balancing pattern spread with reliable stopping power at close to moderate ranges. For raccoons, opossums, or small predators, number four to six shot in lead or plated loads offers solid performance. These sizes provide enough penetration without excessive meat damage and work well within thirty yards under artificial light. For larger predators like coyotes hunted at night, BB or T shot in heavier loads is more appropriate. These larger pellets carry more energy for longer distances and improve your odds of anchoring a target that may be moving or partially obscured. Using a light-modified to full choke helps control pattern size while maintaining density. Always test your chosen load and pattern it under low-light conditions to understand how your setup performs when it matters most.
After a night hunt, hunters often gather around a fire to share stories and experiences, creating lasting memories with family and friends.
Shot Size Comparisons for Small Game Hunting
Small game hunting covers a wide range of species, from rabbits and squirrels to upland birds and raccoons. Choosing the right shot size ensures ethical kills and clean harvests. For squirrels and rabbits, number four to number six shot is common, providing enough penetration through fur without causing excessive damage to meat. For upland birds like quail and dove, number seven and a half or eight shot creates dense patterns that increase your odds on fast-moving, small-bodied targets. Pheasants often require a bit more punch, making number five or six shot a popular choice. The smaller the target and closer the range, the finer the shot you can use. Always match your load to the game’s size, expected distance, and habitat cover, as this requires specific hunting skills for the best performance in the field.
Choosing Shot for Youth Hunters: Safety and Effectiveness
When outfitting a youth hunter, the goal is to keep things simple, safe, and comfortable while maintaining effective performance in the field. Recoil is one of the biggest concerns, so lighter gauges like the .410 or 28 gauge are often recommended for smaller-framed or first-time shooters. These gauges produce less kick and help build confidence without overwhelming the shooter. Shot sizes like number six, seven and a half, or eight are ideal for training and most small game situations, offering enough penetration and pattern density at short to moderate distances. Lightweight pump or single-shot shotguns with properly sized stocks and smooth triggers make a big difference. Safety comes first, so ensuring proper eye and ear protection, safe handling practices, and clear communication during hunts will help youth hunters enjoy their early experiences and build good habits for life in the field. Emphasizing safety and training for kids is crucial to instill responsible hunting practices and ensure they develop good habits that will last a lifetime.
Conclusion
Choosing the right gauge and shot size for hunting comes down to understanding the importance of knowing your terrain, your quarry, and your own shooting comfort. For raccoons, a 20 gauge provides a balanced approach, while a 12 gauge adds extra power and versatility. The .410 and 28 gauge give options for lightweight setups when paired with the right loads. For turkeys, tight patterns with size five or six shot from a 12 or 20 gauge remain effective, especially when paired with a quality choke. When predator hunting, BB and T shot both have their place depending on the range and target size. At night, shot choice should reflect your expected range and target type. For small game, fine-tuning shot size to the animal and conditions ensures clean kills and preserved meat. And for youth hunters, combining safety with manageable loads and low recoil helps lay a solid foundation. Just as important as gauge is the shot size and choke combination you use. Practice with your setup before hitting the woods, and know its strengths and limitations. That’s the key to successful and responsible hunting.
FAQs
What gauge is most commonly used for raccoon hunting?
The 20 gauge is a popular choice due to its balance of power, weight, and recoil. It’s effective for typical treed raccoon shots and is also a practical choice for a new hunter.
Is a 12 gauge too much for raccoon hunting?
Not necessarily. A 12 gauge works well and offers a dense pattern, which is often preferred by experienced hunters for its versatility. However, it may be heavier and have more recoil than needed for short-range shots.
Can I use a .410 for raccoon hunting?
Yes, but only at close range and with proper shot placement. The .410 is less forgiving and demands accuracy for a clean kill.
What shot size should I use for raccoons?
Number four, five, or six shot is commonly used for raccoon hunting. It provides a good balance of penetration and pattern size, making it effective for hitting the vital area of raccoons.
Do I need a full choke for raccoon hunting?
No, most hunters use improved cylinder or modified chokes for their firearms when raccoon hunting. Shots are typically close, so a wider pattern is more helpful.
What shot size is best for turkey hunting?
Number five or six shot is a traditional choice for turkeys, offering a strong combination of pattern and penetration. Tungsten loads allow for smaller shot sizes like seven or nine with high performance. Just as with deer hunting, where understanding the vital zone is crucial for a successful shot, knowing the vital zone for turkeys is equally important to ensure a clean and ethical harvest.
Should I use a full choke for turkey hunting?
Yes, a full or extra-full choke is preferred to maintain a tight pattern with the chosen ammunition at extended ranges, which helps ensure clean, effective kills.
Which is better for predator hunting, BB or T shot?
BB offers a denser pattern and works well at moderate ranges, while T shot provides more energy and is better suited for longer shots or larger predators. Choosing the right ammunition, such as BB or T shot, is crucial for predator hunting to ensure ethical and effective kills.
What shot types are best for night hunting?
Use number four to six shot for small game like raccoons and opossums, and BB or T shot for larger predators. Choose a choke that balances spread and pattern density for the conditions.
After a night hunt, hunters often gather around a fire to share stories and experiences, creating lasting memories with family and friends.
What shot size is best for small game hunting?
Number four to six shot works well for squirrels and rabbits. For upland birds like quail or dove, number seven and a half or eight shot provides a tight, effective pattern. Pheasants are often taken with number five or six shot for added punch. Matching your load to the game’s size, expected distance, and habitat cover requires specific hunting skills.
What shot should youth hunters use?
Youth hunters benefit from using lighter gauges like .410 or 28 gauge with number six, seven and a half, or eight shot. These loads offer manageable recoil and effective performance at close ranges while building safe, confident shooting habits. Emphasizing safety and training for kids is crucial to instill good habits for life in the field.