There are all kinds of waterfowlers—from minimalists who jump-shoot creeks to those who haul trailers full of decoys and set up over huge spreads. Hunters who pursue ducks and geese run the gamut in terms of preferred methods and equipment. What they all have in common, however, is a passion for the sport and an appreciation for gear that works and will stand up to harsh conditions. The following items are designed to help hunters remain comfortable in the field and provide more action while they’re out there.
TOM BECKBE CLASSIC CAMO TENSAW JACKET
Designed to keep ’fowlers comfortable and hidden when temperatures dip below 50°, Tom Beckbe’s Classic Camo Tensaw Jacket is made of 8-oz waxed shelter cloth with a cotton lining and a stand-up collar lined with Bedford corduroy. A bi-swing back and gusseted underarms allow for freedom of movement, and there are large front bellows pockets, concealed handwarmer pockets and a hidden storage pocket. The Classic Camo is based on vintage patterns and colored to blend with hardwood bottoms and marshes. The cotton lining is inspired by Alabama clay. Sizes: S through XXL. Price: $495. Tom Beckbe.
ALPS OUTDOORZ DELUXE WETLAND SEAT
For those who don’t want to remain on their feet in wet environs, the Deluxe Wetland Seat from ALPS OutdoorZ helps take a load off. The seat perches on an aluminum monopod, which is rustproof and lightweight and has three feet for stability. The seat itself is made of a durable tech mesh that drains and dries easily, and the backrest is removable. Height can be adjusted from 24” to 34”, and the seat swivels 360°, allowing for maximum visibility with minimum movement. A carry bag has mesh on the bottom for drainage. Weight: 6 pounds. Folded dimensions: 49" (l) x 8" (w) x 8" (d). Color: tan. Price: $90. ALPS OutdoorZ.
CUPPED WATERFOWL BACKPACK
Allowing a hunter to carry plenty of gear while keeping his or her hands free for toting a gun or holding a dog lead, the Cupped Waterfowl Backpack is a large-capacity pack with an EVA waterproof bottom and 6 outside pockets with MOLLE loops. It also has a duck strap with a heavy-duty carabiner, a pocket for shooting glasses and a padded laptop pocket (should you want to Google “duck calls” in the blind). Weight: 3.1 pounds. Dimensions: 18" (h) x 13" (w) x 9" (d). Color: Realtree Timber. Price: $120. Cupped Waterfowl.
BERETTA B-XTREME GTX JACKET & BIB
Designed especially for waterfowlers, Beretta’s new B-Xtreme GTX Jacket and Bibs are waterproof, windproof, breathable and durable, thanks to their Gore-Tex 3L Tricot material. Critical areas are reinforced with a fabric containing 16% Kevlar for extra durability. The Jacket has underarm vent zips, Gore-Tex stretch cuffs, a waterproof YKK zipper, 2 zippered chest pockets, 2 front storage pockets and a hood. The Bib has adjustable elastic suspenders, a YKK waterproof front zipper, 2 zippered front pockets, 2 front cargo pockets, a handwarmer pocket, an adjustable waist, pleats on the knees for freedom of movement, and zippered leg openings. Colors: tan and Veil Avayde (a camo designed for reed and marsh environments—shown). Weights: Jacket, 1.9 pounds; Bib, 2.1 pounds. Prices: Jacket, $499; Bib, $579. Beretta USA.
MOJO MINI FLAGS
Large, hand-operated flags are great at attracting geese from a distance, but they must be abandoned as birds approach. Enter MOJO’s Mini Flags—designed to impart motion to a decoy spread and “finish” birds once they are close. These smaller versions of the large flags are rotated by a motorized housing and can be distributed throughout the spread. They are sold in 4-packs, with each unit having a different on-off time, to simulate real movement. Each pack comes with 4 dark and 4 white flags. Mini Flags will operate for more than 12 hours on 4 AA batteries. Base dimensions: 7" (l) x 5" (w) x 4¾" (h). Height with flag attached: 15". Wingspan: 9½". Price: $150. MOJO Outdoors.
LUCKY DUCK LUCKY AGITATOR HDi
Nothing looks more boring—or less attractive to ducks—than stationary decoys sitting on still water. But you can add lifelike motion to your spread with the Lucky Agitator HDi from Lucky Duck. The Agitator is a realistic-looking duck butt that throws water into the air to simulate an aggressively feeding mallard. It runs on a 12V lithium-ion battery (included along with a charger) for 6 to 8 hours. Three timer settings can vary the look of multiple Agitators. (An HD remote kit is sold separately.) The exhaust tube is removable for transport. Price: $140. Lucky Duck.
