If you want an affordable, versatile goose choke – that can deliver tight patterns at longer ranges – look for a ported choke tube that costs around $80. It will work well with most shotguns while hunting over decoys or for passing shots. (The Patternmaster Code Black has been our favorite for this style for many years). But if you’re looking for something different, we’ve also rounded up the best of the rest – from non-ported to ported and even budget chokes – compatible with most shotguns.
What is the best choke for goose hunting? If you’ve ever asked yourself this question, you may be looking for a new choke tube to hunt geese with that can deliver consistent patterns at long ranges and provide knock down power for clean kills.
A good goose hunting choke is one that works well with your shotgun and ammunition which results in even pellet distribution that limits gaps or holes in the pattern a goose could escape through. Light-modified and cylinder chokes are too open for goose hunting, while full chokes can be too restrictive. The best goose chokes tend to be modified or improved modified that can be used for both decoy and pass shooting scenarios.
In this review we’ll discuss some of the best choke tubes for goose hunting that take a lot of the guess work out of finding a great patterning setup for your shotgun.
- Choke Comparison List
- Best Chokes for Goose Hunting
- 1) Patternmaster Code Black Choke Tube
- 2) Carlson's Cremator Choke Tube
- 3) Kicks High Flyer Choke Tube
- 4) JEBS High Voltage Choke Tube
- 5) Hevi-shot Extended Range Choke
- Tips for Finding the Best Load and Choke for Geese
- How to Pattern a Choke Tube for Goose Hunting
- Bottom Line
Choke Comparison List
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
| Patternmaster Code Black Goose 12 Gauge... |
$89.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
| CARLSON'S Choke Tubes 12 Gauge... |
$60.99
$54.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
| Kicks High Flyer 12ga Shotgun Choke Tube | $51.14 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
| JEBS High Voltage Choke Tube 12 ga.... |
$89.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
| HEVI-Shot 12-Gauge Extended Range... | Buy on Amazon |
Best Chokes for Goose Hunting
Below are the top 5 best goose hunting choke tubes that you should consider that can provide exceptional results beyond conventional factory choke tubes.
1) Patternmaster Code Black Choke Tube
The best choke for goose hunting is the Patternmaster Code Black. It’s available in two models – Duck and Goose – but the model that we’re most concerned with is the Code Black Goose.
This choke is designed for long range goose hunting situations of up to 60 yards and produces results in line with a full choke. The extended ported design helps release pressures outward which can reduce felt recoil and muzzle jump resulting in faster follow up shots.
Patternmaster Code Black chokes feature internal rings that slow the wad down in order to control the shot column seperation just before it exits the muzzle. This cuts down on negative effects that the wad and shot column separation can have when separation occurs naturally. This in turn reduces flyer pellets and pellet deformation.
The ports in the Code Black choke tube help create a shorter shot string which means more pellets will reach fast moving targets all at once. If you’re looking for a choke tube that can do it all, both close in decoying and long range passing shots out to 60 yards on geese, this is it. This is the TOP PICK.
Patternmaster Code Black
Current Prices
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Features:
- Performs best with loads less than 1550fps
- Provides shorter shot string and dense patterns out to 60 yards
- Can be used with lead, steel, tungsten pellets
- Non-Reflective Bronze titanium coating for corrosion resistance
- Also available in the Code Black Snow Plow for spring snow goose hunting
- Durable
- 60 yard range
- Wad control
- Louder than conventional chokes
- Expensive
2) Carlson’s Cremator Choke Tube
If steel shot is more your thing, Carlson’s offers up their Cremator lineup of choke tubes that pattern well for goose hunting. They come in close range (.715), mid-range (.705), and long range (.695) constrictions. For goose hunting, the midrange and long range are the two chokes to key in on.
The mid-range choke is close to a light modified (LM) and the long range is closer to an improved modified choke (IM). Both can deliver dense patterns beyond 40 yards. Cremator chokes have a 25% greater parallel section which helps keep patterns together longer, gradually compress the shot column, and reduce flyer pellets compared to standard chokes. It features Triple Shot Technology (TST) which is a series of rings inside the choke that help constrict the wad and shot column gradually to produce better patterns.
Carlson’s Cremator Choke
Current Prices
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Features:
- Triple Shot Technology gradually constricts the wad and shot column for improved patterns
- Available in Close Range (.717), Mid-Range (.707), and Long Range (.697)
- 25% greater parallel section improves pattern density
- Grooved for easy installation and removal
- Gradual shot compression
- 50 yard range
- Inexpensive
- Fewer ports
- No wad control
3) Kicks High Flyer Choke Tube
The Kicks high flyer choke tube is designed to deliver tight patterns at long ranges for goose hunting. It has one of the longest parallel sections of any choke tube which adds up to a 20% increase in pattern density over conventional choke tubes.
The High Flyer choke is an extended ported choke tube which reduces felt recoil and muzzle jump after the shot. The gas vents are diagonally cut to channel pressure outwards, helping to reduce recoil through an enhanced braking system. This decreases the amount flyer pellets, reduces shot deformation, and shortens the shot string for fast moving shots on geese.
Kicks High Flyer Choke
Current Prices
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Features:
- Angled ports for reduced felt recoil and muzzle jump resulting in quick follow up shots
- Modified choke is best for decoying birds inside 40 yards, and the full choke is for shots beyond 50 yards
- Easy to install or remove quickly with handy grip pattern and extended portion
- Can increase pattern density by 20% due to longer parallel section
- Lead and steel compatible
- 60 yard range
- Inexpensive
- Louder than conventional chokes
- Check fitment
4) JEBS High Voltage Choke Tube
JEBS High Voltage Waterfowl Choke Tube is designed to handle a wide range of different loads consisting of steel, lead, bismuth, and hevi-shot. If you switch ammo frequently, this is the choke to have. It features 2 restrictions and 2 stabilizing parallels distributed down the length of the tube that other chokes don’t have. This puts drag on the wad in the first series, then as the shot is starting to free the wad cup, it’s stabilized before it leaves the barrel.
JEBS chokes were designed to produce consistent patterns from a premium choke tube at long ranges with a shortened shot string. Made of high-quality stainless steel, these chokes are nearly indestructible. JEBS High Voltage Choke Tubes feature grooves that increase grip and make installation and removal in the field quick and easy.
JEBS High Voltage Choke
Current Price: $89.98
Features:
- Designed as a pass shooting choke tube
- Available for Browning, Benelli, Beretta, Remington, Mossberg, and Winchester Shotguns
- Ported for reduced recoil and muzzle jump
- Knurled end for added grip
- Durable
- 60 yard range
- Versatile shot compatibility
- Louder than conventional chokes
- Expensive
5) Hevi-shot Extended Range Choke
While most aftermarket choke tubes work with tungsten based non-toxic shot, Hevi-shot Extended Range Choke Tubes were designed specifically for it. If you goose hunt a lot, you know how effective Hevi-shot, Bismuth, TSS, and Kent Impact loads can be on geese.
Hevi-shot extended range chokes feature elongated ports for pressure expansion and are designed for shots exceeding 40 yards. They are constructed out of stainless steel for durability in harsh conditions in the goose pit. It’s also one of the most affordable goose chokes available. This is the BUDGET option.
Hevi-shot Extended Range Choke
Current Price:
Features:
- Ported for reduced felt recoil
- Designed to be used with Hevi-shot ammo (Hevi-steel, Hevi-metal , etc.)
- Knurled front end for easy installation and removal
- Extended range past 40 yards
- Hevi-shot compatible
- 50 yard range
- Inexpensive
- Louder than conventional chokes
- Not for close range shots over decoys
More Chokes to Consider
- Browning Wicked Wing Choke – For Invector DS
- Carlson’s Black Cloud Choke – The Choke for Black Cloud Ammo
- Mojo Fatal Shot Choke – Broad Ammo Compatibility
- Carlson’s Delta Waterfowl Choke – 3 Choke Set for All Ranges
- Muller Waterfowl Choke – Lower Shot-to-Shot Deviation
- Patternmaster Anaconda Choke – Internal Gas System
- Trulock Super Waterfowl Choke – Long Range With Steel
Tips for Finding the Best Load and Choke for Geese
- Modified and Improved Modified chokes are the most versatile chokes for goose hunting since they can be used for both decoying and pass shooting.
- Ported choke tubes can improve patterns by reducing the negative effects from natural wad separation that occurs outside the barrel.
- Finding a goose load that patterns well is a delicate balancing act between your shotgun, choke, and ammo. Pattern as many choke and ammo combinations as you can to find what works the best.
- Tungsten shot is denser than steel shot and can help cleanly harvest geese at long distances. Consider using a choke specifically designed for tungsten to increase your goose harvest totals.
- Purchasing choke tubes in packs is usually cheaper and you can have multiple chokes to switch out in the field depending on how the birds are working.
How to Pattern a Choke Tube for Goose Hunting
Once you receive one of the goose chokes mention in this guide, the next step is patterning it to find out which ammo it works best with. It’s highly likely it will perform well with just about every shotshell, but it’s often the case that some perform better than others.
Choosing a standard steel load in #2 or BB shot is always a good starting point to gauge the effectiveness of a choke tube. These are the most common goose loads and shot sizes you will find, so if you’re ever in a pinch you can find it on a store shelf and not have to special order it.
Patterning at 40 yards can help establish a max effective range. The Birchwood Casey Silhouette targets make for a great pattern testing platform. Once the pellets hit it, the material reacts to show a bright color to make each pellet strike easy to see.
The patterning standard for goose loads is a three shot average in a 30 inch circle. This means when patterning, you should shoot three of the same shotshells, through the same choke and shotgun, at the same range. After each shot, the pellets that strike inside the 30 inch circle should be counted.
The results from the 3 shots are then averaged. The average is divided by the number of pellets in the load to give you a percentage. This percentage can be used to determine the overall effectiveness of the pattern at the ranges you will be hunting. 70-90% is an ideal pattern average for goose hunting loads.
Goose Choke FAQs
What shot size is best for geese?
The best shot size for geese is BBB. BBB shot retains enough energy to cleanly harvest geese at up to 67 yards. This range might not sound like much but can be considerable when it counts for skittish geese on the edge of the decoys.
If you hunt geese exclusively, the knock down power and added range of BBB shot cannot be matched by smaller pellets such as BB. Real world field applications prove this to be true. BBB shot is ballistically superior and with larger birds such as geese, you need all the help you can get.
For late season decoying where geese are skirting the decoys or pass shooting scenarios, BBB is the clear winner for goose hunting. For early season birds feet down in the decoys or conservation snow goose order, dropping pellet sizes to as small as #2’s can be viable.
Read more here on BB vs BBB comparison.
What shotshell for geese?
Choosing a shotshell for goose hunting should be centered around three things: 1) Pellet size, 2) Payload size, and 3) Speed. These three factors are the most important aspects to consider when finding a load that works.
Larger pellet sizes such as #1, BB, BBB, and T are all popular steel shot used for goose hunting. For an all-around shotshell, BB and BBB are the go-to loads. Specialty pellets such as #1 are good for increasing pellet density on decoying birds, while T shot is the choice for maxing out distance for pass shooting.
Payload size for goose hunting operates under the “bigger is better” mantra. 1 ¼ ounce steel loads are the smallest payload typically used for goose hunting. Larger payloads, such as 1 ½ ounce can carry more pellets while still maintaining fast speeds.
The last factor to consider is the feet per second (FPS) of the shotshell. Faster is usually better, and 1300 FPS is the slowest viable option. Faster shotshells up to 1600 FPS are the best choice since they increase range and reduce time to target.
Is number 2 shot good for geese?
Number 2 shot is a good load for goose hunting under the right conditions. It retains enough energy to penetrate a goose out to 42 yards. It’s especially effective on decoying geese.
Most snow goose loads for the spring conservation order contain smaller pellets such as #2 and #1. This is because snow geese require fewer pellets to bring down than larger geese and the pellet density is higher for these loads.
The conditions where number 2 shot wouldn’t be effective are longer shots past 45 yards, hunting in high winds where shot drift is a factor, and if you’re looking for an all-around load.
How far do you lead a goose at 40 yards?
A goose at 40 yards only needs a small lead of 1-2 feet. While this is only an estimate since there are many other factors to consider, leading a goose too much isn’t a bad thing, since shooting behind them will never be successful.
Wind speed and how fast the goose is flying are key aspects to consider when determining the correct lead. Fast flying geese will need 2-3 feet of lead or more at 40 yards, while decoying birds head on will require no lead at all.
As with most shooting sports, practice makes perfect, and keeping shotshell speed and your shotgun the same over a period of time can help dial in the correct lead. Changing loads or guns and never developing a comfortable setup can lead to questioning how much to lead a bird, when the optimal process should rely on split second instinct and muscle memory.
Read more here on how to aim when shooting geese.
Bottom Line
Chokes tubes for goose hunting must be able to deliver dense patterns at long ranges. Conventional choke tubes just don’t accomplish this very well, especially with large steel shot.
Aftermarket chokes tubes for goose hunting are specifically designed for shots up to 60 yards for geese that like to hang up over the decoys. They can also be used for pass shooting birds along a flight line. The best choke tube for goose hunting is the Patternmaster Code Black Choke. It’s an extended ported choke tube that is designed for shots over 60 yards with steel and hevi-shot.
For a budget option, the Carlson’s Cremator Choke is an inexpensive way to test out a premium choke tube with very little investment. Whichever choke you choose for your next goose hunt, patterning it with the ammo you plan to hunt with is the first step before heading out into the field. It’s the only way to know for sure how effective your shots will be at the distances you hunt.
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