Bird season is fast approaching, and now is the time to stock up on what you need. To aid in your preseason shopping, we’ve put together a list of items that are both useful and built to last. From Georgia quail plantations to the Western mountains and everywhere in between, this must-have wingshooting gear will serve you well in the field and beyond. Check out these upland essentials, and get the jump on fall hunting!
CHIEF UPLAND OVER/UNDER VEST
Chief Upland builds gear that goes beyond. The patent-pending Over/Under Vest System is a fully customizable, modular system that is ergonomically built for ideal load-carrying. Optional attachments (customizable to your needs) include a game-changing Quick Grab Ammo Pouch, Waterproof Ammo Box, Gun Stock Rest, Waterproof Electronics Pouch, Water Bottle Pouch, D-Ring and more—all interchangeable via the MOLLE system. The 1000D Cordura vest has breathable ribbed padding in the back and a load-bearing belt that can be adjusted in four directions. The shoulder straps are lightly padded only at the top, so there is no interference for a consistent gun mount. Numerous mesh pockets, a hydration-bladder pouch and zippered backpack storage will hold lots of gear. The front-loading game bag is unique and comfortably holds up to 5+ roosters while carrying the weight on your hips, not your shoulders.
Weight: 2 pounds 9 ounces (Vest only).
Sizes: S/M, L/XL (new for 2023), 2XL & Up.
Color: Blaze/Olive (shown), Earth Tone, Blaze/Coyote Brown, Full Blaze Orange, Blaze Pink/Olive (new for 2023).
Price: From $197.
KUIU PRO BRUSH PANT
Hunters who brave extreme terrain and thorny places will appreciate KUIU’s PRO Brush Pant. The pant’s upper features lightweight, four-way-stretch Primeflex fabric for mobility and breathability, and high-contact areas in the lower legs, knees and thighs have high-density, double-weave Primeflex panels for protection and durability. Pocketing includes open hand pockets and zippered cargo and back pockets. Zippered hip and inner-thigh vents are mesh lined for air circulation. Additional features include adjustable and removable suspenders; articulated knees; a gusseted crotch; wraparound gaiter cuffs; and bootlace hooks, to keep the lower pantlegs in place.
Weight: 1 pound 4 ounces (without suspenders).
Colors: Ash, Gunmetal, Valo (shown), Verde, Vias.
Sizes: Even waist sizes 30 through 42. Inseams: short, regular, tall.
Price: $199.
KEVIN’S BOBWHITE QUAIL PATTERNED SHOOTING SHIRT
The best field shirts are a perfect blend of comfort, style, durability and visibility. Kevin’s has checked all the boxes with its Bobwhite Quail Patterned Shooting Shirt. Specially cut for shooting, this performance shirt is fashioned from lightweight moisture-wicking fabric and offers UVA and SPF protection. Its bi-swing back, recoil-pad pocket and safety-orange accents give shooters extra mobility, protection and visibility. Plus the shirt is wrinkle-free, so you’ll never have to worry about looking sharp! Available in both right- and left-hand versions.
Sizes: S–XXXL.
Price: $109.
STIL CRIN SPORTING LEATHER WOOD SHOTGUN CLEANING KIT
Any wingshooter worth his salt knows to clean his gun after a day in the field, and the Stil Crin Leather Wood Shotgun Cleaning Kit makes the chore downright enjoyable. For more than 40 years Stil Crin has served gunmakers, clay shooters and bird hunters throughout the world with luxury kits made with the finest materials to assure the highest possible quality and lasting durability. The kit features brass-wire barrel and hurricane brushes; a four-piece, hand-stained-wood cleaning rod (cleans 30" – 34" barrels); a chamber brush; a nylon brush; white hinge-pin grease; oil lubricant and a wool mop neatly tucked into a premium leather mat for easy storage and travel. Made to fit American 5/16” threads and available in 12, 16, 20 and 28 gauges, these 100% Italian-made cleaning kits are now available for purchase in the US through Negrini Cases.
Price: $139.
THE GOKEY SUPER LIGHT UPLAND BOOT
Put your best foot forward this season in The Gokey Super Light Upland Boot. Gokey has brought back an old classic with the lightest 8" upland boot the maker has ever offered. Weighing in at just a pound and a half each, these boots are constructed from a durable-but-lightweight olive-green leather that is formulated specifically for this design. The construction, which includes a removable leather in-sole and self-cleaning, lightweight Vibram outer-sole, reduces foot and lower-leg fatigue on all-day hunts while still providing support and protection. Three pairs of antique brass eyelets, three pairs of brass speed hooks plus top eyelets and a full-length glove leather tongue complete The Gokey Super Light Upland Boot design for providing ultimate adjustability and comfort.
Sizes: 8-13.
Price: $580.
WESTLEY RICHARDS PERFECTA CARTRIDGE BAG
Discerning wingshooters need look no further than the Westley Richards Perfecta Cartridge Bag for the quintessential heirloom field bag. For more than 100 years this elegant design has been the preferred choice among experienced hunters. The handcrafted bag holds 75 12-gauge cartridges and is made of fine, vegetable-tanned leather. Its structured open mouth gives shooters easy access to shells, and the solid-brass buckle and fittings securely fasten the lightweight-but-durable bag closed during travel. The slim profile and adjustable strap ensure that the bag sits just right, and an oval patch allows for personalization with initials. Choose between Mid Tan and Dark Tan, and invest in a legacy piece that will endure for generations.
Colors: Mid Tan (shown) and Dark Tan.
Price: $870.
TOM BECKBE TIDEWATER SHIRT
Beat the heat during your warm-weather hunts in Tom Beckbe’s new summer Tidewater Shirt. Made with a Tom Beckbe-exclusive breathable cotton-and-nylon blend, this classic-fitting shirt weighs in at just 2.85 ounces and provides UPF 30+ sun protection. The soft, easy-care fabric dries quickly so you can stay cool whether in the field, on the water or around town. Additional features include adjustable two-button cuffs, pleated chest pockets with button closures and a variety of outdoor-inspired solid colors and patterns. The Tidewater is also available with short sleeves.
Color: Canopy Plaid, Field Tan (Shown), Grey, Horizon Blue, Olive/Ecru, Red/Blue, White.
Sizes: S–XXL.
Price: $145.
