The 12 gauge has the widest selection of shotgun ammunition in the country. Shells come in 2-3/4, 3 and 3-1/2 inch lengths; never fire a shell longer than your gun’s chamber.
Waterfowl hunting requires nontoxic shot such as steel, bismuth or tungsten. Dense tungsten loads have made turkey hunting more effective at longer ranges.
For new hunters sensitive to recoil, a 20 gauge with modern loads is a strong alternative.
Always use only the ammunition marked on your firearm’s barrel or slide, and follow the manufacturer’s guidance.