Long range slug hunting birds

[LRshooter6.5]

I would love to shoot some Sandhill cranes. We got some and grilled them on a Texas trip a few years ago.

I drew a tag this year and desperately want to get one! Season started last Sunday and I've been out as often as I can

 

[LRshooter6.5]

How would 12ga buck shot work for Sandhill cranes and what would the effective range be?

 

[Taylorbok]

I think you will be at a severe disadvantage with slugs and will wreck a ton of meat if you do connect, a slug imo isn't accurate enough for head shots only at any distance.
I regularly shoot all the birds you talk about with a 12 gauge and a UFO choke from Muller Chokes using BB ammo, it's not a problem to kill birds at 60+ yards and have shot them much farther.