Georgia Waterfowl Hunting: Shotguns, Chokes, and Non-Toxic Loads

Georgia Waterfowl Season

Duck season runs approximately mid-November through late January with a split season (dates vary annually — check GA DNR). Goose season is slightly longer. Bag limits vary by species (6 ducks daily with 2 per species limit for most; 2 mallard hens).

Top Waterfowl Shotguns

  • Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus — premium gas-op, Kick-Off recoil reduction
  • Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 — inertia-driven, handles 3.5″ loads
  • Browning Maxus II — softer recoil than inertia guns
  • Winchester SX4 Waterfowl — affordable, reliable, Camo finishes
  • Weatherby Element Waterfowler — budget-friendly inertia option

Non-Toxic Shot Requirements

Federal law requires non-toxic shot for waterfowl hunting in the US. Options: steel (cheapest), bismuth (heavier, expensive), tungsten alloys like HeviShot/BOSS/Kent Fasteel (best performance, highest cost). Georgia follows federal non-toxic rules — lead shot is illegal for waterfowl.

Chokes for Waterfowl

For steel shot, use Modified or Improved Cylinder — Full choke with steel can damage barrels and reduce pattern performance. For bismuth or tungsten, you can use tighter chokes safely. Check your shotgun manual for steel-shot compatibility.