I agree with Mr. Bates on 7 1/2's. I work very hard to be the best shot I can be with a shotgun. We owe that to these birds. I treat a flying bird much the same I do with hunting deer. If I don't have a good , clean shot I won't take it. I don't count on large shot (4's or 5's) to punch through to to vitals. Head shots are the only way (for me) to cleanly kill a rooster. With practice on focusing on the head it can be done. I use tight chokes in my 28's, 20's and 16's and rarely use more than 1oz. of shot. I don't like picking large shot out of the breast and cutting out damaged portions of breast meat. That being said, a good dog or two is essential.
To everyone, have a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year.
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Wag more- Bark less.
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