By The Editors
It’s hard to think about fall when you’re mowing the lawn or lounging by the pool, but hunting season is only weeks away. Assuming you’re already getting yourself and your dog in shape, there’s no better time than now to take stock of your hunting gear and replace or acquire equipment you need. With that in mind, we’ve assembled a collection of new-to-market items you might find useful this season.
Beretta Rudy Project Puull Eyeglasses
▲ Developed in partnership with Rudy Project, Beretta’s Puull shooting glasses will protect your eyes and enhance gamebird visibility. Interchangeable lenses offer UV protection and are designed to emphasize contrast and reduce glare. Glasses are engineered for maximum ventilation and fog prevention, and they have adjustable rubber temple tips, an anti-sweat insert in the frame and a nosepiece that is compatible with a clip-on insert. Each set comes cased with three lenses—Scarlet, Light Purple and Light Magenta—and additional colors available separately include: Neutral, Yellow, Coral, Brown and Fume. Price: $269 for the set, $75 for each additional lens.
Avian-X Oversized Mallards & Black Ducks
▲ With Avian-X’s new Oversized Mallards and Black Ducks, your decoy spread will be more attractive to high-flying birds. The 17” blocks are 30 percent larger than the company’s regular Mallards and Black Ducks, and their ultra-realistic paint schemes and weight-forward swim keels make them look lifelike on the water. The Black Ducks have fully flocked bodies for added non-glare realism. Available in a standard version or foam-filled (for increased buoyancy, stability and durability), the decoys are sold in 6-packs that include 2 high-head drakes, 2 low-head drakes, 1 high-head hen and 1 low-head hen. Price: $120 to $170.
Sitka Grar Delta Zip Wader
▲ Sitka’s new Delta Zip Wader is lightweight, comfortable and versatile enough to be used throughout the season. It incorporates a LaCrosse Aeroform insulated boot, a waterproof YKK Aquaseal front zipper, water-resistant zippered storage pockets, handwarmer pockets and an adjustable no-buckle suspension system. Shins and knees are reinforced with foam pads. Available in Gore Optifade Concealment Timber (shown) or Marsh camo. Price: $949.
L.L. Bean Warden Boot
▲ This three-season boot was developed for and tested by Maine Game Wardens, so you know it has to be tough. The 10” boot has a full-leather upper, Gore-Tex waterproof membrane, reinforced toe and heel counter, and 200 grams of PrimaLoft insulation. It has a Vibram outsole with Megagrip compound for superior traction. Open hardware on the forefoot and speed hooks on the upper shaft make for quick, tight lacing, and a “garage” keeps laces dry, clean and tied in the field. Color: Dark Brown. Price: $229.
Peregrine Trekker II Dog Handler’s Vest
▲ The Trekker II Dog Handler’s Vest is made of water-repellent canvas and has all the bells and whistles: chest pockets for e-collar transmitters; a large-front-opening (14”), zippered game pouch; a rear rucksack; large shell pockets with magnetic flaps and zippered bottoms; two water-bottle holders; multiple D rings; interior and handwarmer pockets; an integrated waist belt; and shoulder pads that are compatible with ShockEater recoil pads. It even comes with a “no questions asked” lifetime guarantee. Sizes Small through 4XL. Price: $165 to $175.
Hoppe’s Boresnake Viper
▲ Hoppe’s has built a better mousetrap with the BoreSnake Viper—its updated pull-through, gun-bore cleaner. The Viper has three separate rows of integrated bronze brushes—offering 50 percent more scouring power than the original BoreSnake—and a tail that clears the barrel of loose debris. Other features include a brass weight on the pull cord stamped with the bore size, a cone-shaped bore guide and a lubrication zone. A plastic carrying case has a lid that doubles as a pull handle. Available in 12 and 20 gauge as well as .410. Price: $20.
