THEIR SEEMS TO BE HUNTERS ON BOTH SIDES. Most agree on IC for the choke. Anyone had exprience with either ?

I've used both. I'd start with the #7 shot on opening day, and go to #6 after that.

One thing I have seen with steel is that different brands can really pattern different. You can end up with big holes in your pattern. Steel is also going to hold a much tighter pattern than lead. So shooting a IC is like shooting a modified. I would go out and pattern the gun in both shot sizes with a few different brands.

Are you required to use steel shot? If not, what is the advantage over regular ol' cheap lead shot?

ic choke and 6's is what I always shot. Just dont shoot them close.

Are you required to use steel shot? If not, what is the advantage over regular ol' cheap lead shot?

Based on his location, I would assume that he's hunting a conservation area that is managed primarily for waterfowl.

Bird dog got it right.I got drawn for a day hunt at Columbia Bottoms in north St. Louis County. It's also a DNR duck hunting area.

6's with a modified choke if your a good shot, 8's with an IC if your not.