Early migrating teal typically include a lot of juvenile birds in the fall flight and are just coming off their summer molt.
It’s not until later in the fall when they get that thicker winter plumage and crescent moon shape we all are familiar with on their cheeks.
In short, it doesn’t take a heavy dose of No. 2s or No. 4s to knock down teal.
I recommend No. 6 Winchester Blind Side HEX steel shot, and I didn’t need 3-½-inch long shells on the Hunting Heritage Services trip, either.
Instead, I opted for 3-inch 1 1/8-ounce loads that proved perfect for September blue-winged teal.