I seldom shoot woodcock at longer range than typical skeet shots. I think that especially for those using standard 28ga loads when hunting woodcock, using 9's in open chokes will provide better pattern density than larger shot. There are quite a few references to shooting woodcock with 10's in hunting literature. I haven't used them often, but haven't been pleased with the results when I have. Birds knocked down, getting back up and flying off. That's not something that has been a problem for me with 9's. I also like 8 1/2's when I can find them--for both skeet and early season grouse and woodcock hunting.

Re the reference to the late Don Zutz, it's worth remembering that Zutz usually hunted dogless. Anyone who does that, I think, is well advise to use larger shot sizes and tighter chokes than those of us who hunt with dogs.

Last edited by L. Brown; 08/02/21 06:04 AM.