Firearms for Waterfowl Hunting in Canada: The Details

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Article by Guest Contributor: VENKU.com

Firearms for Waterfowl Hunting in Canada: The Details - Guest Contributor Venku.com

Photos Provided by Doyle Weaver of Wild Valley Outfitters

The right firearm can make or break your waterfowl hunt, especially in Canada, where diverse landscapes and unpredictable weather demand equipment that’s both durable and effective. Below, we dive deeper into the most popular firearms used for waterfowl hunting, their brands, and the characteristics that make them ideal for the Canadian wilderness, including valuable input from Doyle Weaver, owner of Wild Valley Outfitters, a premier Canadian waterfowl operation.

Common Shotguns for Waterfowl Hunting

12-Gauge Shotguns

The 12-gauge remains the most versatile and widely used option for waterfowl hunting. Its power and adaptability make it suitable for both ducks and geese, as it provides an effective range and knockdown power even in challenging conditions.

Doyle’s trusted standby is a Benelli M2 12-Gauge. He says, “It’s been an all around work horse for me. The elevated rib on the barrel and it being perfectly balanced make it easy to get on target.”

Top Brands and Models to consider:

Benelli Super Black Eagle 3: Known for its inertia-driven action, the SBE3 is built to perform reliably in extreme conditions like Canada’s cold, wet autumn mornings. Its oversized controls and weather-resistant finishes are key features.
Browning Maxus II: This semi-automatic shotgun is lauded for its gas-operated system, reducing recoil and making follow-up shots quicker and more accurate.
Remington 870 Express: A classic pump-action shotgun favored for its rugged design and affordability. It’s a no-nonsense workhorse for hunters who value reliability over frills.

20-Gauge Shotguns

While less common than the 12-gauge, the 20-gauge is ideal for hunters targeting smaller ducks or those who prefer a lighter firearm. Its reduced recoil also makes it popular among younger or smaller-framed hunters.

Top Brands and Models:

Beretta A400 Xplor Light: Combining lightweight construction with smooth cycling, this semi-automatic is great for marsh and wetland hunts.
Winchester SX4 Compact: A reliable and affordable option for those seeking a lighter firearm with performance matching higher-end models.

Characteristics to Look For in 20-Gauge Shotguns

Action Types

If you’re a beginner, Doyle recommends looking into a pump action shotgun. “The act of manually cycling your shotgun, especially while wing shooting, seems to help beginners reacquire a new target after a shot.”

His top recommendations are The Remington 870 and the Mossberg 500. “These are two affordable pump action shotguns that are great for beginners. In our experience, they’re typically low maintenance and very reliable in the field.”

Semi-Automatic: Offers rapid follow-up shots with reduced recoil, perfect for fast-flying birds like teal or when large flocks come in at once.
Pump-Action: Preferred for its mechanical simplicity, affordability, and ability to handle a wide range of loads.
Over/Under and Side-by-Side: Less common in Canada for waterfowl hunting, these are typically used for upland birds but can appeal to traditionalists.

Weather-Resistant Features

Given Canada’s cold and damp conditions during waterfowl season, hunters prioritize firearms with synthetic stocks and corrosion-resistant finishes, such as Cerakote or stainless steel barrels.

“Guides aren’t typically known for being gentle with their equipment. Unfortunately our guns are no exception,” says Doyle. “My M2 is exposed to the dust, grime, mud, ice and snow that we see every season in the dry fields and potholes of Saskatchewan.”

Maintenance and proper care is key. “After using my gun all season long, I just give it a good cleaning and choke change before spring turkey season.”

Choke Tubes

Interchangeable chokes allow hunters to adjust their shot pattern based on hunting conditions. A modified or improved cylinder choke is common for ducks, while a full choke is often preferred for geese.

Shotgun Ammunition

Canadian law mandates the use of non-toxic shot for waterfowl hunting, which means hunters need to select steel, bismuth, or tungsten loads. Each has its pros and cons:

Steel Shot: Affordable and widely available, but less dense than lead, requiring tighter chokes and closer ranges.
Bismuth: A denser option that offers better performance at longer ranges, ideal for hunters targeting larger birds like geese.
Tungsten: The premium choice for waterfowl hunting due to its superior density and energy, making it effective at long distances and in challenging conditions.

Popular ammunition brands include Federal Premium, Kent Fasteel, and Hevi-Shot, with hunters often selecting loads between 2 and 4 for ducks and BB or BBB for geese.

Key Accessories for Firearms for waterfowl hunting in Canada

Aftermarket Chokes: Brands like Carlson’s or Briley provide specialized chokes that can improve shot performance for specific hunting situations.
Extended Magazine Tubes: In provinces where legal, these are helpful for field hunts where multiple birds may need to be downed quickly.
Sling Attachments: Essential for marsh and field hunters covering long distances or setting up decoy spreads.

Selecting the right firearm for waterfowl hunting in Canada isn’t just about personal preference—it’s about finding a shotgun that matches the challenging conditions and diverse species you’ll encounter. Doyle reiterates this by saying, “Always bring a gun that you’re comfortable with on a hunting trip. It definitely makes a difference.”

Whether you prefer the versatility of a 12-gauge, the finesse of a 20-gauge, or the reliability of specific brands like Benelli and Browning, investing in a quality firearm ensures your Canadian hunting adventure is as successful as it is memorable.

If you’re planning to travel to Canada for a hunting trip, it’s always a good idea to consult with an expert beforehand. Doyle notes that traveling to Canada with your firearm isn’t near as scary as some would have you believe. “All you need is a simple Canadian non-resident gun declaration form filled out and with you as you travel through customs.”

Prepare well, aim true, and experience the thrill of Canadian waterfowling with confidence.