November 16, 2016
By Joe Genzel
Waterfowlers are probably some of the most demanding hunters around, which also makes us some of the hardest to shop for. Year in and year out, we expect our gear to hold up to the worst of elements.
After all, most of us can't afford to replace every piece of gear annually. But with the holiday season fast approaching, now is the perfect time to make your wish list or start shopping for the waterfowler on your list this year.
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Dakota Decoys Signature Series Honkers
Realism just met its match, with the introduction of Dakota Decoys' new Signature Series Honkers. A one-piece body design, EVA-plastic construction, and unique Wind Walker Motion Base — no stakes or rings! — means this is the simplest, yet deadliest full-body Canada decoy available. Comes in flocked heads only and fully-flocked versions, with five lifelike body postures. MSRP $229/per 6 | DakotaDecoy.com
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Dokken Dog Supply Deadfowl Trainer Mallard
The best kind of training is the kind where you don't have to do a thing. Enter the Deadfowl Trainer Mallard, which is designed with a soft, scent-injectable body that looks and feels real. A hard, free-swinging head on one end will smack the jowls of any dog that takes to shaking the DFT, thereby teaching him a lesson every time his form slips. DFTs are invaluable when working with not only established duck dogs, but for youngsters just learning the ropes. MSRP $25 | DeadfowlTrainer.com
Hevi-Steel
A great value for the money, Hevi-Steel is gaining popularity as a hard hitting no-nonsense load. Speed kills and steel pellets exiting your bore at up to 1,550 fps will add more birds to you strap in a hurry (no pun intended). Now the big bore crowd can join in on the fun with the addition of a 10 gauge 1 ¾ oz offering in BBB, BB, 2, 3, and 4. For those who have never tried a 10, maybe you shouldn't. It will only give you a case of justification syndrome. MSRP $15-$30 | HeviShot.com
Field Proven Single Shot
The Single Shot is a versatile single reed that rattles cuts and feeding chatter like a hen mallard holding a Tommy gun, but with the control and ease of a double reed. Made from polycarbonate for durability, each is hand tuned and comes with a lifetime warranty. MSRP $30 | FieldProvenCalls.com
Fabarm XLR5 Waterfowler
Fabarm's XL series of semi autos is the trend-setter for gas guns. The XLR5 Waterfowl's trigger guard and safety are extra-large for gloved hands, and the sculpted ejection and loading ports make for fast loading. Clad in Kryptek Banshee camo and Soft Touch on the stock and fore end, the vent rib is left black in the camoing process, leading your eye to that greenhead or Canada. MSRP $1,650 $1,825 L.H. | FabarmUSA.com
Heavy Hauler Slotted Decoy Bag
You paid all that money for fully-flocked mallards, so don't throw those pricey decoys in an old mesh sack. Try a six- or 12-slot bag from Heavy Hauler, which separates field or floating fakes so they don't rub against one another, stripping off that gorgeous flocking. Made of 600D polyester, there's a convenient front pocket for extras like zipties and duct tape — two items no core fowler should ever go afield without. MSRP $55-$100 | HeavyhaulerOutdoorgear.com
Realtree Hoodie
Remember the original Realtree pattern? It still works, and this hoodie is just right for cool early mornings during teal season or just bumming around the house after filling limits of greenheads. MSRP $33 | Realtree.com
