Waterfowl hunters in Louisiana face a clear challenge. You need a shotshell that delivers strong patterns, clean kills, and legal compliance on marshes, rice fields, and timber holes. This guide breaks down the best non-toxic loads, how they work, and when to use each one so you leave the blind confident in your setup.

Why Non-Toxic Loads Matter

Lead is illegal for waterfowl hunting. That rule protects wetlands and bird populations. Today’s non-toxic options give you better speed, cleaner patterns, and more consistent results than older steel loads from years ago.

Modern shells use stronger materials, better wad designs, and tighter quality control. Hunters now get reliable performance even at longer ranges.

Top Non-Toxic Shot Materials Explained

Steel

Steel is the most common non-toxic choice

• Fast muzzle velocity
• Affordable
• Works best inside 40 yards

Steel patterns well through most factory chokes. It is a great option for teal, early-season puddle ducks, and close-range shooting in thick cover.

Bismuth

Bismuth is softer than steel and denser

• Hits harder at longer distances
• Works safely in older guns
• Excellent all-season choice

Hunters who want a cleaner pass-through on big ducks or geese often pick bismuth.

Tungsten Loads

Tungsten loads are the densest non-toxic waterfowl option commonly available

• Extremely tight patterns
• Excellent long-range energy
• Ideal for geese or late-season ducks that stay high and flare easily

Tungsten performs well when birds hang up outside the normal steel range and you need added penetration. It is a premium option, but many Louisiana hunters find it effective for specific situations rather than everyday use.

TSS, or Tungsten Super Shot, is a specific tungsten alloy and the densest tungsten-based load available. Because of its very high cost, it is less common and not always stocked by retailers. 

Most hunters achieve excellent results with standard tungsten loads without stepping up to TSS pricing.

Many hunters pair tungsten for longer shots with steel or bismuth for closer work to balance performance and cost.

Shot Size Guide for Louisiana Waterfowl

Teal

• #6 
• Fast, clean patterns for early-season birds at close range

Ducks (Gadwall, Wood Ducks, Mallards)

• #2 or #3 steel
• #4 bismuth 
• Stacked loads like #2/#4 are a strong option for fuller, more even patterns

Geese

• BB or BBB steel 
• #1 or #2 bismuth 
• #7 TSS (deadly at long range)

Stacked loads that combine multiple shot sizes help fill pattern gaps and increase hit probability, especially on mixed-species hunts. A #2/#4 stacked load works well for ducks, while a #4/#6 stacked load is a solid choice for teal.

Match shot size to the distance you expect to shoot. Louisiana marsh hunts often need quicker shots at closer ranges. Timber hunts need loads that punch through branches.

Choosing the Right Load for Your Style of Hunting

Open Marsh

Steel #2 or #3 is a reliable choice. It keeps speed in the wind and delivers consistent patterns.

Stacked loads like #2/#4 are also a solid all-around option when birds vary in size and distance.

Timber

#4 bismuth or #3 steel works well for controlled shots inside 30 yards.

Many hunters prefer stacked loads such as #4/#6 for fuller patterns in tight cover.

Rice Fields

Steel #2 or #1 performs well for mixed duck species and longer cross-shots.

Stacked loads help maintain pattern density as distance increases.

Goose Fields

Bismuth or tungsten loads provide the added penetration needed for tougher birds, especially when shots stretch out.

Choke Selection for Non-Toxic Loads

Most hunters stick with these chokes

• Improved Cylinder: best for close timber shots
• Modified: best all-around option
• Full: commonly used with bismuth or tungsten, depending on the shotgun

Make sure to check chokes for steel or lead ratings. Steel shoots tighter than lead, and some chokes have specific steel restrictions. Always check the manufacturer’s chart before using chokes with non-toxic loads.

If you need to restock before the season, you can browse a full range of non-toxic shotshells in our Ammunition collection, including options for steel, bismuth, and specialty loads:

Budget Picks vs. Premium Picks

Budget (Steel)

• Most affordable 
• Great for teal and mid-range shots

Mid-Tier (Bismuth)

• Best value for mixed hunts
• Softer metal works in all guns

Premium (Tungsten)

• Long-range power 
• Higher cost, but outstanding on geese

Quick Recommendations

• Early teal opener: #6 steel 
• Mixed ducks in marsh: #2 steel
• Timber hunts: #4 bismuth 
• Late-season mallards: #3 steel or #4 bismuth
• Geese: BB steel or #7 TSS

FAQs 

Is steel enough for big ducks? 
Yes, inside 40 yards with good patterns.

Is bismuth worth the cost? 
Yes if you hunt timber or want more consistent lethality.

Is TSS overkill? 
Only if your birds are close. It shines when they stay high.

Do I need special chokes for bismuth? 
No. It is softer than steel, so it is safe in all modern barrels.

Final Tip

Pattern your gun. Every shotgun and load combination behaves differently. A simple pattern test at 30 and 40 yards tells you which shell you trust when the birds commit.