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Concierge Insight

June 15, 2026

Q: choke recs for doves vs ducks what do most people use

AWS EXPERT REPLY
That's an excellent question regarding choke selection for wingshooting! It really depends on the species and the specific hunting situation.

For doves, which are typically fast-flying and often engaged at closer ranges, most hunters prefer more open chokes to achieve a wider pattern. Common recommendations include:
Skeet
Improved Cylinder (IC)
Light Modified (LM)
This allows for a larger margin of error on quick shots and is effective for the high-volume dove shooting we offer.

For ducks, the choice of choke can vary more depending on whether you're shooting over decoys or pass shooting, and the typical range of your shots. Generally, ducks are larger and often shot at greater distances than doves, so tighter patterns are often preferred:
Modified (M)
Improved Modified (IM)
Full (F)
These chokes provide denser patterns needed for ethical long-range shots.

At AWS Lodge, our professional guides are highly experienced and can provide personalized recommendations based on your chosen shotgun and the specific hunting conditions during your trip. We also ensure that if you rent guns from us, they are perfectly suited for the different hunting programs.

AWS Lodge Note: These insights cover recurring topics raised by hunters and travelers and are informed by AWS Lodge’s operational experience. Questions may be edited or modeled for clarity and are not necessarily verbatim guest submissions. While we strive for accuracy, seasons, regulations, field conditions, weather, and specific logistics may vary. Always confirm final details through your written quotation and itinerary. Contact Staff »

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