Slugs can be used to hunt elk, goats, sheep, and moose using 10-gauge and 12-gauge shotguns. Waterfowl shotguns must use non-toxic shot ammo that has been certified. You can only use slug ammunition for hunting deer with a shotgun. Slug ammunition is designed for shooting targets at long range or for taking large game like elk and moose. It is not recommended for hunting deer because it is too dangerous to use properly. The slug's high velocity will blow apart the skull of the animal without penetrating deep into its body. This makes it excellent for hunting animals that are far away from cover where normal ammunition would have trouble reaching them. Shortening the barrel of a shotgun decreases the gun's power and accuracy. A hunter who shortens his/her barrel does so to make the weapon more maneuverable on the trail or field. This type of modification should never be done by someone who knows nothing about guns. A gunsmith should perform the work on your shotgun so as not to damage other parts of the weapon. A hunter cannot shoot birds with a shotgun. Only firearms designed for this purpose can be used for hunting birds. Shotguns are not meant to hit a small target such as a bird. If you want to shoot birds, use a firearm designed for this purpose.