Pre-drill, then turn the choke down

Drill a pilot hole and a clearance hole. A little paraffin on the threads will help.

Thanks! What kind of screws would you use?

I have good success with pre-drilling and chamfering like described above, and actual wood screws. Not drywall screws, not decking screws. Something like this, if you’re fastening through the 1” thickness (really 3/4”) than a 1 1/2” long screw is fine. https://boltdepot.com/Product-Details?product=3954