I Started Duck Hunting With An Over-Under: Here’s Why

I recently wrote an article about how much I like the pump-action shotgun for waterfowl hunting. While I understand the sex appeal of a semi-auto, in my experience, it’s just not reliable enough for harsh waterfowl hunting conditions. This is why I use a pump-action shotgun for most of my hunts—well, I used to. I started duck hunting this season with an over-under shotgun, and I’ve really enjoyed it, but it’s definitely not for everyone.

Benefits of an Over-Under Duck Hunting Shotgun

I’ve got to be honest: several years ago, when a buddy told me he primarily duck hunted with an over-under, I nearly laughed in his face. I didn’t understand the benefits, as I thought upland hunters and wealthy clay shooters were the only ones who used this type of shotgun. 

However, after my buddy convinced me to use an over-under on a few hunts, I started to see the benefits. After more than a season of duck hunting with one, I’ve become a full believer in all the following upsides:

• Use less ammo
• It forces you to take better shots
• Reliable & durable
• It’s a new challenge
• It’s lightweight

I’m not one to use a box of shells every single hunt for a few reasons. First, we just don’t have as many birds where I’m from; the flyway tends to split us, as we have less farmland and habitat for waterfowl than a few hours straight east or west. The second is that I’ve never been the one who had to shoot (except for when I saw a Speck for the first time). Countless times, I’ve sat in the blind, watching a flock work to perfection, and not shouldered my shotgun. Lastly, now that I primarily use an over-under, I can’t fire the same number of rounds as others in the blind, so I can’t use as much on a hunt. It sure helps with the ammo budget!

Having fewer shots available also forces me to take better shots. I’m not a Skybuster and am naturally picky when calling the shot (I want them in tight), but using an over-under has only amplified my desire to take the best shots. While this often means I come home with fewer birds, so be it. 

I’ve only had one hunt when my over-under didn’t perform, and it was my fault (I accidentally dunked it while setting up the decoys in freezing temps). Besides that single hunt, my over-under has been highly reliable in harsh conditions. I’m also tough on my gear; I could definitely take better care of it during the season, so I need something that’s going to stand up to the abuse, and so far, the over-under has done just that. I believe this is due to the fewer moving parts than a semi-auto or pump-action, but no matter how much abuse it can take throughout duck season, it’s been impressive.

Maybe it’s because I’ve duck hunted most of my life, but I’m always looking for a new challenge while waterfowl hunting, whether hunting a new species or using a new method, like an over-under. It provides a new excitement and reminds me why I started hunting in the first place. 

Lastly, my over-under reduces the amount of gear I have to carry to the blind. It’s lighter than nearly all semi-autos and many pumps I’ve used. I’m a big fan of reducing the total amount of weight and gear I have to bring on each hunt.

While I love hunting with my over-under, it has downsides, and it’s not for everyone.

Drawbacks of an Over-Under Duck Hunting Shotgun

I was incredibly reluctant to begin using an over-under shotgun. I’d fallen for the trap that semi-autos and pump actions were the only way to go when purchasing a new shotgun for waterfowl hunting because of the following drawbacks:

• Poor choice for goose hunting
• Bringing home fewer birds
• No third shell

One of the most significant downsides is that an over-under is a poor choice for goose hunting because of the two-shot limit. I still refuse to use an over-under if I know there will be a high probability of geese decoying. Geese are tough birds and often require a follow-up shot, and over-under shotguns are not as good as pumps or semi-autos for follow-up shots. The conservation snow goose hunt is another time I refuse to use my over-under because I want as many shells loaded in my gun as possible.

I’ve come to accept that I’ll likely bring home fewer birds unless we just have a ridiculous hunt. This is because I have fewer attempts per flock, making it less likely I’ll shoot as many birds as I would had I brought a different type of shotgun. 

While not having a third shell saves on ammo, it severely limits your opportunities when big flocks decoy. As long as you are decoying singles and pairs, you probably won’t miss that third shell much, but as soon as 10+ birds come in at once and you quickly squeeze off two rounds, you’ll be wishing for that third shell. Many guys will say the third shot is typically a waste anyway, but I’ve had it come in handy on more than one occasion. 

Parting Shots

I don’t believe the over-under is the greatest duck hunting shotgun, but I think more hunters should try using it, especially those struggling to find the joy hunting once brought to their lives. There are several benefits to using an over-under, and while loading only two shells into your pump or semi-auto can provide some of them, it’s just not the same experience. 

Feel free to get out to the blind and try to prove me wrong!

Wes Littlefield

Wes is an avid outdoorsman from Oklahoma always on the hunt for the next adventure. When he’s not writing, he’s probably in his kayak reeling in a fish or trying to trick waterfowl into checking out his spread.