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Step 1
Get ready to hunt with a shotgun by obtaining a hunting license for the type of game you plan to hunt. Sporting goods stores most always have a copy of the latest seasonal dates, fees, rules and regulations. Often, you can purchase your license there, too. If not, they can tell you where to go.
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Step 2
Hunt with a shotgun size appropriate to the type of game you're hunting. For dove, a 12-gauge shotgun is best because dove fly so fast. For quail, because they usually come up close in front of you, a 20- to 28-gauge shotgun works well. A 10 to 12 gauge magnum shotgun is good for turkey hunting. The higher the number of gauge on the shotgun, the lighter the shell it shoots. A 410-gauge shotgun works well for squirrel hunting.
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Step 3
Purchase a plug for your shotgun that modifies a pump or automatic shotgun to only hold 3 shells. Most states have this requirement in their rules and regulations in regard to bird hunting, rabbit hunting and some other kinds of animal hunting. If you hunt with a shotgun not plugged and you are in violation, you can be hit with a hefty fine if the Game Warden comes hunting for you.
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Step 4
Go after deer with a shotgun that's been equipped especially to make it shoot like a rifle. There's a rifle barrel that is manufactured to fit on the end of the barrel of a shotgun. It shoots what is called a "Sabbath" slug. If you hunt with a shotgun like this, it will perform as powerfully as a rifle. A less expensive modification is a rifle choke that screws onto the end of the shotgun barrel. It also shoots a "Sabbath" slug powerfully. A 12-gauge shotgun is good for deer and you can find some that shoot buck shot made especially for deer hunting.
