A healthy mix of must-haves that you may want to grab before heading out this spring. (Photo By: Charles_Ellingson/Shutterstock.com)
February 14, 2022
By Jace Bauserman
MOJO Elite Backpack A backpack designed to hold one full-size spinning wing decoy, pole, and extra six-volt rechargeable batteries, along with that cold ham sandwich, MOJO's Elite Backpack is worth a look. This pack is fully water-resistant and cloaked in stylish Mossy Oak Blades camo. The pack is fitted with cooling back pads, padded shoulder straps, and zippered mesh interior pockets.
$99 | mojooutdoors.com
Winchester Xpert Snow Goose A nightmare for migrating flocks of white, Winchester’s Xpert Snow Goose blends tried-and-true Xpert Steel Shot with the tight patterning Diamond Cut Wad used in Winchester’s Blind Side ammo. This marriage of shot and wad improves long-range pattern density, and the shotshell’s high velocity (up to 1,550 fps) packs more energy into each pellet. The low-visibility gray hull blends easily into empty or snow-covered fields. In 3" or 3 1/2", we can testify, this stuff simply works.
$190 per case | winchester.com
Zink Snow Storm Snow Goose Call A white acrylic short-reed snow goose call that promises volume, the Snow Storm was created by legendary snow goose killer Scott Butz and has been tested and refined over multiple seasons. We have run one for years. Fitted with a ported end piece that allows you to spread tones over a large area and create the quick, short barks of yelping juvenile birds as well as the low-pitched clucks and moans of adult birds, this call needs to be in your arsenal.
$128 | zinkcalls.com
Stoeger M3500 Snow Goose Shotgun Make it rain white with Stoeger’s new-for-2021 M3500 Snow Goose. Optimized for high-volume shooting when Mother Nature is at her worst, this Inertia Driven semi-auto features only three moving parts in the bolt to ensure rapid cycling and season after season of absolute reliability. This shooter is fitted with oversized controls that provide operation even when the hands are cloaked in bulky gloves. The shotgun’s distressed-white weather-resistant Cerakote finish is too cool, and the 10+1 shotshell capacity is sure to make you smile.
$899 | stoegerindustries.com
Carlson’s Cremator Choke Tubes Ready for wetlands and fields and offered in ported and non-ported models, Carlson’s Cremator choke tubes have been the demise of countless ducks and geese. Triple Shot Technology (TST) reduces pellet deformation, eliminates flyers and promises denser patterns. A 25 percent longer parallel section and no-wrench-needed installation and removal sweeten the pot. Choke options for 12- and 20-gauge shotguns come in three models: Close, Mid and Long Range. Carlson’s all-new 3-Pack set includes all three options.
$51-$159 | choketube.com
Blind Spot Outdoors Floating Skid Blind Built to fit your specific hunt needs, Blind Spot Outdoors’ Floating Skids come in sizes of 8’X5’, 10’x6’, and 12’x6’. All feature a single walk-through door for easy in/out access, and each is light enough for a single person to maneuver and set up in the water. All you need to do is move it to your destination, drop the Marsh Feet in all four corners, and go to work. The 10’x6’ and 12’x6’ models feature dog boxes, and all come with top flips or front gates.
Call for a free estimate | blindspotoutdoors.com
Gunner G1 Medium Dog Kennel Say hello to the last kennel you will buy. Built with a double-wall rotomolded design, the G1 Medium is Fort Knox for your pup. This build means two-times the impact protection and a 5 Star Crash Test Rating. Made in the USA, this crate comes with a lifetime warranty and is offered in colors of Tan and Gunmetal. Payment plans are available for those looking to give their best in-the-field buddy a combination of safety and comfort.
$500 | gunner.com
HEVI-Shot HEVI-Bismuth Waterfowl When HEVI-Shot does something, they do it right. For this reason, this shotshell manufacturer has amassed a cult-like following, and many members choose HEVI-Bismuth for their waterfowl hunts. Offered in 10, 12, 16, and 20 gauge, as well as .410, these 22-percent denser-than-steel loads deliver incredible downrange lethality in a price that doesn’t break the bank. Safe for old fixed-choke models and fine classic doubles, this load should have a place in the gear bag.
About $50 per 25 | hevishot.com
FoxPro Super Snow Crow Pro Caller Designed to help you up your snow goose body count, FoxPro’s Super Snow Crow Pro comes with 100 quality FoxPro sounds and can store and access up to 1,000 sounds. The unit is powered by a pair of 12-volt gel cell batteries and comes with two 30-watt external speakers. For maximum volume, FoxPro specially engineered this caller to connect with a maximum of four external speakers, which will help you gain the attention of migrating masses. The proven TX-1000 remote features a full-color graphic LCD screen and ensures ease of operation.
$989 | gofoxpro.com
Mossberg 940 Pro Snow Goose Shotgun A 12-gauge snow goose wrecker that cycles 2 ¾- and 3-inch shotshells with ease and efficiency, Mossberg’s 940 Pro Snow Goose sports a 12 + 1 capacity and comes fitted with a HIVIZ TriComp fiber optic front sight and extended X-Factor ported choke tube. The chrome-lined 28-inch barrel lets you reach out and touch some feathers, and the Battleship Gray Cerakote finish on the receiver, barrel, and stock ups concealment and gives this shotgun a racy appeal. Mossberg’s legendary texturing on the stock and forend sweeten the package. Sling swivel stud and a drilled and tapped receiver round out the shotgun's features.
$1,120 | mossberg.com
Rig’Em Right Outdoors Panel Blind A take-anywhere blind that sets up in seconds and tips the scale at just 20-pounds, Rig’Em Right’s Panel Blind uses a unique crossbar to provide maximum blind stability without the need for added poles and the like. The included adjustable gun rests keep your shooter secure, and the removable weight bags come in extremely handy when the wind is whipping. Naturally, in true Rig’Em Right fashion, lots of thought went into this portable field blind, and it is equipped with stubble straps and ammo pockets.
$349 | rigemright.com
Sitka Nodak Jacket Perfect for a snow-cloaked field and those times when you’re in a layout surrounded by thousands of snow goose decoys, Sitka’s Nodak Jacket is fitted with a flap to prevent mud and other debris from jamming the zipper up and leaving it inoperable. Taking design and functionality to the next level, the Nodak’s color mimics the UV reflectance profile of snow goose feathers to help you beat those beady black eyes. The Gore-Tex 3-layer fabric is waterproof and breathable, and the jacket is fitted with a fully adjustable hood.
$299 | sitkagear.com
Fiocchi Golden Goose The Golden Goose from the innovative minds at Fiocchi blends zinc-plated steel with heavy-duty wads, no-fail primers, and premium powder to give you a stone-cold goose killer. Over the years, Fiocchi has been relentless in testing this load, and serious waterfowlers herald it as one that ups accuracy, ensures dense patterns, and is branded with a muzzle velocity of 1,430 fps. The Golden Goose is offered in 12- and many shot sizes.
$16 per 25 | fiocchiusa.com