From the early teal opener to spring’s Light Goose Conservation Order, the waterfowl season is a long one. Duck and goose hunters in it for the long haul experience a variety of situations and conditions, and having the right gear to meet different challenges makes hunting more fun and productive. The following selections may help put more birds on your game strap this season.
BERETTA WATERSHIELD GLOVES
For hunting in wet and windy conditions in moderate temperatures, Beretta’s WaterShield Gloves provide protection and a secure grip. The gloves are made of breathable Polartec Windpro material and have a water-resistant membrane. Fingertip inserts allow for using touchscreen devices, and index-finger tabs can be secured open with hook-and-loop fasteners. The gloves have elastic neoprene cuffs and anti-slip inserts on the palms that aid in gripping.
Sizes: S through XXL.
Colors: Green (shown) and Otter.
Price: $79.
DUCK CAMP 3L ULTRALIGHT RAIN JACKET
Duck Camp’s 3L (3-Layer) Ultralight Rain Jacket is waterproof and breathable, offering sweat-free protection from the elements. With a ripstop-nylon facing, a waterproof middle layer and a soft backing, the three-layer system is tough on the outside and comfortable on the inside. The jacket has 6 large pockets, pit vents, a hood with built-in visor, adjustable hook-and-loop wrist closures and a drawcord waist. All zippers are waterproof, and all seams are sealed. The jacket also packs into its own pocket for easy storage.
Color: Early Season Wetland camo.
Sizes: S through XXXL.
Price: $229.
FILSON CAMO SPORTSMAN DRY BAG
For keeping gear dry, organized and protected, Filson’s Camo Sportsman Dry Bag is a watefowler’s best friend. The bag is made of 900D nylon with a TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) coating. Seams are radio-frequency welded. The top opening has a heavy-duty TIZIP waterproof zipper and buckle-secure over-flaps. There also is a top flap that secures with buckles and a snap. Inside there is a padded, removable insert with adjustable dividers as well as a zippered mesh pocket. Other features include zippered end pockets, a clear pocket beneath the top flap, a detachable padded shoulder strap, D-rings for gear attachment, and a top carrying handle.
Dimensions: 12¾" (l) x 10½" (w) x 14" (h).
Color: Mossy Oak Shadow Grass.
Price: $375.
LUCKY DUCK LUCKY HD FLOATER
Pole-mounted spinning-wing decoys are great—until you have to set up in deep water or swift currents. Enter the Lucky HD Floater from Lucky Duck. This oversized decoy sits on the water with the rest of your spread, and its magnetic corrugated wings generate a large duck-attracting flash. It has a weighted keel and a waterproof “brain box” that slides into the top. The Lucky HD Floater will run for 12 to 14 hours on 4 AA batteries and will operate with an HD Remote Kit 2.0 (sold separately). It is available as a Drake Mallard or a Bluebill.
Price: $110.
OVER UNDER WINGMASTER DUCK CAMO FIELD JACKET
Waterfowlers searching for ironclad protection from the elements need look no further than Over Under’s Wingmaster Duck Camo Field Jacket. Made of 8-oz waxed canvas from a 100-plus-year-old Scottish mill, the jacket has gusseted shoulders for easy gun mounting and features expandable front bellows pockets, hand-warmer pockets, interior and exterior cellphone pockets, a “concealed carry” pocket and a rear game bag. It also has brass buttons and fitted wrist cuffs with snap closures. A matching hood, removable blaze orange safety collar and nylon wading belt are included, and the jacket can accommodate the company’s zip-in Quilted Briar Vest (sold separately).
Sizes: S through XXXL.
Price: $389.
ALPS OUTDOORZ WATERPROOF GUN CASE
Transporting a gun to and from a waterfowling spot can be fraught with danger—for the gun. The new Waterproof Gun Case from ALPS OutdoorZ serves to keep a gun dry and safe from harm. The case has an outer shell of 500D welded PVC and an inner shell of high-density closed-cell flotation foam. A padded liner provides extra protection. A buckled roll-top closure ensures a tight seal to keep out water. The case accommodates guns with barrels up to 28” with extended chokes. There is a carrying handle as well as a removable padded shoulder strap, and a D-ring on the end allows for the case to be hung for drying.
Dimensions: 58” (l) x 9” (w). (53” long rolled closed.)
Weight: 1 pound 9 ounces.
Color: Olive Green.
Price: $100.