The Well-Dressed Wingshooter — 2015

“Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society.” 

— Mark Twain

Ed Opening Pic
Even the sarcastic genius of American wit, relaxing in a rumpled linen suit in a deck chair, would have to admit that the look and feel of proper clothing projects much of who we think we are. We may mock that which is fashionable for fashion’s sake, but it is nice to be well turned out. Clothes for the field now offer a perfect marriage of modern materials and traditional designs, so that we may know the fit that is forever fashionable. We look good because we feel good.
Every wingshooter of experience knows the discomfort of a day spent in soggy boots or the disappointment of a jacket that binds when swinging a shotgun. It’s why we seek the best clothing for every endeavor, so that we can enjoy our time afield and success while out there.
The following pages feature some of the best clothing and gear for wingshooters from some of the most innovative and stylish companies in the business. Proof positive that even functional wear can make a statement.
THE SOUTHERN QUAIL HUNTER
Mike S Quail
Mike Romano, SSM Subscriber
Nothing epitomizes the quality and character of quail hunting and the plantation country lifestyle like the collection offered by Kevin’s Fine Outdoor Gear & Apparel.

Country Hat

Finest Fur Felt, croc leather strap (brass shotshell pin sold separately) ($199)

Long Sleeve Single Patch Shooting Shirt

Featherweight 100% cotton poplin, sleeve roll-tabs; also made in left-hand version ($46)

Brass Total Shotshell Plantation Belt

Brass buckle with shotshell detail; made in the US ($49)

Field/Briar Pants

100% lightweight cotton reinforced with 8.5-oz canvas, brass zipper, tartan waistband ($129)

Kevin’s Special Edition Plantation Shotgun

28 gauge, 6 pounds 8 ounces, coin finish, scroll engraving, 28" barrels ($8,495)

Kevin’s Field Bar

Rosewood with brass hardware; canvas & leather cover ($1,350)

www.kevinscatalog.com

Kevin's bar

THE UPLANDER
Ralph Upland
Ralph Stuart, SSM Editor-in-Chief
Veteran outdoorsmen can attest to the vast improvements in gear made possible by innovative designs and modern materials. But this lightweight, technical ensemble from Orvis gives up nothing in traditional appeal while covering serious ground in comfort.

Mesh-Backed Trucker-Style Hunting Hat

Cotton/poly blend, mesh back, adjustable, Orvis shotshell embroidery ($19)

Sling Pack

Poly-nylon blend with messenger strap, weight-bearing hip belt, magnetic-closure shell pouches ($179)

Upland Shell

Three-layer stretch polyester with fleece lining, handwarmer pockets ($198)

New Missouri Breaks Pant

Triple-stitched athletic-fit poplin, shotshell post button, brass zipper, tight-weave brush facing ($129)

Kangaroo Upland Boot

Gum bob sole, Gore-Tex membrane, Cambrelle lining; made in the US ($395)

www.orvis.com

THE ADVENTURER
Jeremy Adventurer
Jeremy Hatch, SSM Senior Account Executive
The Stampeders who climbed Chilkoot Pass in 1898 on their way to the prospects of the Yukon were wearing rugged clothes from Filson. The Seattle-based company still makes clothes that will last the most adventurous outdoorsman a lifetime of wanderlust.

Mackinaw Wool Vest, Alaska Fit

100% virgin US wool, five pockets, naturally water repellent and warm ($135)

Alaskan Guide Shirt

Wind-resistant, breathable cotton flannel, pleated back, cut for mobility ($98)

Guide Chino Pants

Machine washable Shelter Cloth, suspender buttons, dry finish ($130)

11/4" Leather Belt

American bridle leather, rust-proof roller buckle ($56)

Field Bag

Buckle closure storm flaps, adjustable bridle-leather strap ($248)

Dry Duffle, Medium

Vinyl-coated; roll-top; protects contents from water, dust and sand ($160)

Uplander Boot

Full-grain, heavyweight, oil-tanned, water-repellent leather; removable, foot-conforming cork insole ($410)

The Journeyman GMT Watch

Journeyman GMT Watch

Stainless-steel case, brass plating, scratch-resistant crystal, bridle-leather strap ($800)

www.filson.com

THE CONTINENTAL SPORT
Meg Continental
Meaghan McLaughlin, SSM Production Representative
With a European flair and high-function design, Gaston Glock Style offers a line of women’s hunting clothing that combines technical versatility, rustic elegance and a traditional look in the most modern fabrics.

Ladies’ Rough GTX Coat

100% polymide shell, Gore-Tex Z-Liner, handwarmer pockets ($689)

Ladies’ Plaid Poplin Blouse

100% eco-friendly cotton, tapered patch breast pocket, roll-tab sleeves ($78)

Ladies’ Rough GTX Pants

Light outer fabric, elasticized waist, mesh liner, Gore-Tex membrane, adjustable strap closure at hem ($459)

Safari Boot

Water resistant, breathable Sympatex HighH2Out Climate System insulation ($197)

Bison Leather Hunting Bag

Hand stitched, traditional Native American tanning process ($267)

Old Style Tirpitz Pocket Knife

Glock knife21/2" blade, 320-layer Damascus steel, mammoth-tooth scales ($590)

www.gastonglockstyle.com

THE DRIVEN SHOOTER

Ed Driven
Ed Carroll, SSM Associate Editor
In the highly ritualized social setting of driven-game shooting, clothes do, indeed, make the man. These tweeds from London gunmaker William Evans combine field-proven elegance with the best modern touches. Ready to address high pheasants in high style in the damp and drear.

Tweed Flat Cap

William Evans House Tweed ($70)

Pall Mall Tweed Shooting Coat

Waterproof, fleece-lined handwarmer pockets, cartridge pocket tabs, storm cuffs, soft felt collar ($940)

Pall Mall Shooting Vest

Fully lined, green shoulder patches, double back vents ($466)

Lambswool V-Neck Sweater

100% lambswool, machine washable ($103)

Pall Mall Breeks

William Evans House Tweed, single pleat, Velcro strap on leg cuff ($395)

Gamesman Gloves

Leather, silk lining, trigger-finger slit, Velcro tabs, left- or right-hand version ($126)

Canvas 75-Cartridge Bag

Lightweight, suede lined, leather accents & shoulder strap, oval for embossed initials ($134)

www.williamevans.com

THE CASUAL SPORTSMAN
Terry Casual
Thierry Bombeke, SSM Associate Publisher
Nothing beats an active traveling life when you can look countrysport casual in clothes of the finest materials. Dubarry of Ireland combines the best in traditional textiles from its home in Galway with styles inspired by the Irish countryside.

Castleknock Check Shirt

100% cotton poplin, four-hole rimless buttons, chest pocket with Dubarry shield logo ($99)

Millar Blazer

Linen & silk blend, double back vent, horn buttons, felt under collar, chain hang loop ($799)

Corsica Loafer

Water-resistant suede leather, removable padded insole, non-slip & non-marking rubber outsole ($199)

Belvedere Leather Briefcase

Smooth & crushed leathers, multi-pocket interior, adjustable shoulder strap, fits 15" laptop ($399)

Durrow Leather Weekend Bag

Smooth & crushed leathers, internal zip & side accessories pockets, leather handles & shoulder strap ($499)

www.dubarry.us

THE SPORTING GENTLEMAN
Ry B&B
Ry Sterling, Ball and Buck Guest Model
Ball and Buck began in Boston in 2008 outfitting sporting gentlemen in rugged style with a line of its own clothing and other brands made entirely in the US. From signature shirts and cotton-duck pants to waxed-cotton jackets, footwear and accessories, this is sportswear built with the durability of field gear.

America Hunter’s Shirt

6-oz Oxford cloth, reinforced shooting shoulder, Stay Strong button-down collar ($168)

The Upland Jacket

Brown waxed-cotton shell, 6-oz cotton camo lining, game pocket, storm-cuff system, antique brass hardware, moleskin handwarmer pockets, removable hood ($598)

The Last Belt You’ll Ever Buy

11/2" wide, ¼" thick, full-grain leather, brass hardware ($118)

The 6 Point Duck Cotton Pant

9-oz organic duck cotton, camo lining trim, shotshell brass hardware, orange accents ($148)

Danner Light Boot

Full-grain leather upper, 1,000-Denier nylon panels, Gore-Tex liner, Vibram Kletterlift outsole ($330)

www.ballandbuck.com


Written By
More from Ed Carroll

Duck! Goose!

Whether in a duck blind or a dove field, many of us...
Read More

2 Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *