With the opening of bird season right around the corner, summer is the time when wingshooters begin getting antsy. Many are anticipating not only getting into the field but also debuting the new gear they’ve accumulated during the off-season. Following are a few items that would be worth premiering this year.

For exercising the dog, taking a trip to the wood pile or hunting in damp conditions, Chêne’s Scout Boot will keep you dry and protected. Built with premium, natural rubber over insulating neoprene, the boot has a quick-drying and moisture-wicking liner. The rubber sole has Chêne’s unique tread pattern for extra traction, and there are two finger loops for easy on-off, a Comfortech innersole and a heal kick-off. Colors: Olive (shown), Brown, Mossy Oak Bottomland, Mossy Oak Original Bottomland, Mossy Oak Original Greenleaf, Mossy Oak Original Shadow Grass, Black/Tan, Dark Blue/Grey, Grey/Dark Blue, White/Dark Blue. Sizes: Whole 6 through 14. Price: $120.
Chêne Gear, chenegear.com.

SMITHEY IRONWARE NO. 12 CAST IRON SKILLET
In the home, lodge or even remote camp, there’s no tool better for cooking vittles than a cast-iron skillet. Smithey Ironware crafts beautifully polished examples, and the No. 12 skillet is the company’s best seller. It is designed to work on all heat sources—from gas and fire to induction and electric—and won’t scratch stovetops. The skillet comes pre-seasoned and has a traditional handle, two pour spouts and holes on both sides for hanging. Even better: The polished interior practically wipes clean. This heirloom skillet will become better with age and be appreciated by future generations. Weight: 8.7 pounds. Dimensions: 12" diameter, 2.2" deep, 10.5" cook surface. Price: $210.
Smithey Ironware, smithey.com.

Leave it to SportDOG to come up with the first e-collar system that not only is a training device but also monitors a dog’s health to help keep the dog safe. The FieldSentinel 1825 incorporates BodyGuard Health Alert technology, which keeps track of a dog’s heart rate, exertion level and activity duration. If any of those metrics get out of a “safety zone,” a red light appears on the handheld transmitter warning the handler to check in with the dog. Training features include tone, vibration and seven static stimulation levels in low, medium and high ranges. The system has a one-mile range (the FieldSentinel 825 has a half-mile range), is waterproof, is expandable to two dogs and has quick-charging lithium-ion batteries. Price: $450.
SportDOG, sportdog.com.

L.L. Bean’s Upland Briar Pant is an updated version of the venerable outfitter’s traditional briar pant. It has a durable nylon shell with 330D reinforced overlays on the lower leg for extra protection. A semi-elastic waist allows for layering. The pant has a button closure, zippered rear pockets and suspender buttons on the inner waistband. Color: Dark Mushroom. Sizes: Even waist 32" through 48"; inseam 29", 31", 33". Price: $119.
L.L. Bean, llbean.com.

BALL AND BUCK WAXED COTTON UPLAND VEST
When the weather doesn’t demand a long-sleeve jacket or coat, Ball and Buck’s Waxed Cotton Upland Vest meets all of a wingshooter’s needs. The vest is made of 8.25-oz Shelter Tent waxed cotton for water repellency and lined with the company’s 6-oz Original Camo twill. It has solid-brass hardware; a heavy-duty zipper; moleskin-lined handwarmer pockets; and a water-resistant, zippered “stash pocket” to protect valuables. There are double-reinforced shoulders for right- or left-handed shooters, front shell pockets and a large rear game pocket with a water-resistant liner. Colors: Dark Oak (shown), Olive. Sizes: S through 3XL. Price: $398.
Ball and Buck, ballandbuck.com.


Dog owners tired of noisy metal bowls that dent easily and slide around on the floor will appreciate the Gunner Dog Bowl. The sturdy bowl is made of ultra-strong nylon similar to that used in the company’s dog-kennel doors, making it rustproof and impact-resistant. It also comes with a leakproof Punchseal lid strong enough to hold in food and water—even when the bowl is upside down. The SteadyGrip base has nonslip rubber feet, and built-in channels release moisture and won’t trap water beneath the bowl. Colors: Black, Gunmetal, Tan, Green. Weight: 1.3 pounds. Capacity: 7 cups food/water. Price: $60.
Gunner, gunner.com.
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