Bner - I like #3 for ducks and #1 or bb for geese and cranes. But I've killed a lot of geese and cranes with #3 steel over decoys. I like to get 'em in close and personal. I've had deadly results with #6 steel over decoys on big ducks. Don't believe any of the old myths about steel shot not being effective. The stuff works great, won't hurt your gun, is cheap compared to bismuth, tungsten etc., and stops killing birds after it lands in the marsh, unlike lead. There's a lethality table for steel shot produced by Tom Roster, usually available at sporting goods stores. This table lists which shot sizes and chokes are effective for various sized birds at varying ranges. Really handy. You should also pattern your shot gun at 30 or 40 yards using a variety of shot sizes and chokes. My Beretta Pintail throws beautiful patterns with #3 through improved cylinder. Every gun is different. Good luck and have a blast.
