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Feb 12th, 2024
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 sand hill crane shot size
#7374832
12/12/18 08:15 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 442
throckmorton_hunter
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 442 |
Heading to Wichita Falls next week to hunt Cranes with Muddy Water Outfitters .
Cranes should be decoying in
Questions -can I shoot a 20 ga with 3 in shells or should I shoot a 12 . 20 is easy to swing in the blind and what I always shoot
Also what size shot are you seeing people using ?
Thanks for the feedback and I will report after the hunt
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Re: sand hill crane shot size
[Re: throckmorton_hunter]
#7374875
12/12/18 08:51 PM
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,532
kmon11
junior
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junior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,532 |
I have had good luck with turkey loads for them. Break their neck and you have a crane. #5 lead or #6 heavy shot have worked quite well.
lf the saying "Liar, Liar your pants on fire" were true
Mainstream news might be fun to watch
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Re: sand hill crane shot size
[Re: kmon11]
#7374886
12/12/18 08:59 PM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,387
john paul
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,387 |
We went out to West Texas in early November I was killing them stone dead with #5 bismuth out of my 28 gauge out to 45 yards.
I'm with GK because I like salty old dudes.
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Re: sand hill crane shot size
[Re: throckmorton_hunter]
#7374957
12/12/18 09:51 PM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 23,830
beaversnipe
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 23,830 |
Last thing u wanne do is swing in that blind, u wont make friends.
12 gauge nr 2 heavy X tungsten or 3 inch kent BB
Most likely u wont shoot over 10 shots
Aim for their nuts when they fly away
bring hearing protection, as all cramped in that blind, it gets real loud.
Smaller calibers and smaller shot size are fine if you shoot em in the head.
Do not use smaller calibers if its windy > 25 mph as you will most likely cripple them on your second shot.
Start to panic if they dont show up by 9:25 am
Last edited by beaversnipe; 12/12/18 10:11 PM.
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Re: sand hill crane shot size
[Re: beaversnipe]
#7375956
12/13/18 07:43 PM
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,934
RLoving1
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,934 |
Shoot what you best with and decent size shot to penatrate and break bone! 6's will give dense pattern, 5's with have little more weight for heavy bone and feather. Best get up front and get some head and neck and everything falls then!
Brayden (Lazy L's Southern Comfort) you will be missed! You were more than a pet you were my reason to rise and return for many days! You were my rock!
12/26/03-10/25/13
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Re: sand hill crane shot size
[Re: throckmorton_hunter]
#7375982
12/13/18 08:19 PM
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,221
Smokey Bear
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,221 |
If they are decoying you will be fine with your 20. Lead is legal for cranes and what I would use. Buffered, copper plated 3" #2 lead out of a 12 guage with a full choke is nasty. That is my preferred crane load.
Smokey Bear---Lone Star State.
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Re: sand hill crane shot size
[Re: throckmorton_hunter]
#7376011
12/13/18 08:39 PM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 6,371
Blank
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 6,371 |
Cranes are tough, think Canada geese on steroids. Large bones and thick feathers make the copper plated shot perfect for them. Dense patterns of #5 or 6 shot is super for head and neck shots, but I prefer #2's for extra range and body shots on smoking hot birds on a high wind.They are so big you don't realize they really are out there 60-80 yards too.
Beer and whiskey, 'cause you can't drink bacon!!
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