Waterfowl shotguns for Michigan
Michigan sits in the Mississippi Flyway with more Great Lakes shoreline than any other state. That makes it serious duck and goose country, and it needs a shotgun that works when it is wet, cold and full of sand.
Home / Waterfowl shotguns
What makes a good duck gun
- 3-inch chamber, minimum. Steel shot is lighter than lead, so you need more of it.
- A synthetic stock and a finish that shrugs off rust. Camo helps in a layout boat on open water.
- Choke tubes rated for steel. Modified or improved-cylinder for decoying ducks, tighter for pass-shooting geese.
- A plug to three shells, required for migratory birds.
Duck and goose shotguns
All shotguns →Ships to FFL
Mossberg
★ 4.9 (143)
$538.19
Gauge: 12 Gauge | Capacity: 5
Ships to FFL
Mossberg
★ 4.9 (107)
$538.19
Gauge: 20 Gauge | Capacity: 5
Ships to FFL
Beretta
★ 4.8 (20)
$1263.85
Gauge: 12 Gauge | Capacity: 7
Ships to FFL
Beretta
★ 4.8 (17)
$1263.85
Gauge: 12 Gauge | Capacity: 7
Ships to FFL
Ships to FFL
Browning
★ 4.4 (5)
$2518.49
Gauge: 12 Gauge | Capacity: 4
Ships to FFL
CZ
★ 3.8 (5)
$1190.81
Gauge: 12 Gauge | Capacity: 2
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Browning
★ 5.0 (3)
$2207.99
Gauge: 12 Gauge | Capacity: 4
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★ 5.0 (2)
$2381.06
Gauge: 12 Gauge | Capacity: 2
Ships to FFL
★ 5.0 (1)
$2330.46
Gauge: 12 Gauge | Capacity: 3
Ships to FFL
Ships to FFL
Non-toxic shells
Search steel shot →
Winchester
★ 5.0 (16)
$28.74
Box Quantity: 25 | Shot Type: Birdshot | Shot Size: BB Shot | Shell Length: 3in
Common questions
What gauge is best for Michigan waterfowl?
A 12-gauge that chambers 3-inch shells covers nearly all Michigan duck and goose hunting. A 3½-inch chamber helps on late-season geese. A 20-gauge works for ducks over decoys if you keep shots close.
Do I need non-toxic shot?
Yes. Federal law requires non-toxic shot for all waterfowl. Steel is the common choice; bismuth and tungsten cost more but hit harder and are safe in older guns.
Semi-auto or pump?
Both work. A semi-auto softens recoil from heavy steel loads; a pump is cheaper and shrugs off cold, sand and neglect. Duck guns have to be plugged to three shells for migratory birds.
Do I need a plug in my shotgun?
Yes. Federal rules limit shotguns to three shells total for migratory birds, so the magazine must be plugged to hold no more than two.
More Michigan guides
Check the current Michigan Waterfowl Digest for season dates, zones and bag limits; they are set each year.