February 08, 2016
By Joe Genzel
Admit it, your waterfowl gear obsession is out of hand. That's OK, you're a duck hunter. From guns to blind bags and every gadget in between — we need it ALL.
Check out the must-have waterfowl gear our staff here at WILDFOWL put to the test, build a second garage and add it to your collection.
Committed Custom Calls | Stubble Bum Goose Call
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Just south of Illinois I-80 is where some of the baddest goose callers on the planet play. Guides like Brian Malone, Cody Fink and Committed Custom Calls guru Gary Perinar chase stubborn January honkers with the Stubble Bum short-reed.
At peak times upwards of 250,000 Canadas run a gauntlet of Big Foot spreads , and you better offer up the true tones a call like this can. It runs fast for migrators, and has unbelievable low end for finishing 747s.
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Sitka Gear | Timber Camo
If you hug trees to kill drake mallards, then we hope you're sitting down for this: The ultimate in green timber camo is here. Sitka's Timber was born for the dark, leafy pools of Arkansas. Available this summer, the line includes base layers, mid layers and outerwear, as well as hats, gloves, neck gaiters and bags. The greenheads will never see you coming.
Lacrosse Footwear | AeroTuffs
Our blind buddies are always crabbing about water-filled waders. Well fellas, you get what ya pay for. So if you're interested in dry feet, try the AeroTuffs from LaCrosse with molded poly boots.
They're also comfortable as heck with a neoprene sock that offers the same level of warmth as standard 800-gram insulation. A more streamlined fit makes the marsh march easier.
Zink Calls | Call of Death
It's hard to beat the low end you get from a wooden call for finishing Canadas in tight. Zink's Call of Death has the true sound we've come to expect from one the world's best callers. It's a competition caliber short-reed that won't intimidate beginners or intermediate hunters.
Banded | Electronic Jerk Flag System
Core Canada Goose hunters never leave the big black flag behind. But, what if you could add another set of flapping wings and grab the attention of honkers coming off the roost? Banded's electronic jerk flag is remote-controlled, operating off a 12-volt battery with any goose flag on the market.
Simply hit the remote button with one hand while you flag manually with the other.
Hevi-Shot | Hevi-Steel
Hevi-Shot is a proven killer, but you pay for that performance. An effective (and cheaper) alternative we've turned to is Hevi-Steel , an all-steel load that provides plenty of knockdown power. Available in 10-, 12- and 20-gauge from No. 4s to BBBs, it travels up to 1,550 fps. For those who want to test themselves in the timber or on teal, the line has expanded to include 23/4", No. 4s in 28-gauge.
DOA Decoys | Migration Series
Try filling those snow rig holes with DOA's Migration Series . Each sock is screen-printed with UV-resistant inks, standing up to the harsh and unpredictable spring weather. The 28'' fiberglass stake couples with the Power Grip handle to make setting up easy, even in frozen fields.
A heavy-gauge spring wire backbone keeps the socks inflated without the wind. Comes in 50-packs (40 snows, 10 blues).
Conquer the call | Duck Call Version
Learning to speak the language of the birds we love to pursue is no easy task. But with duck calling champion Kelley Powers and the godfather of goose, Tim Grounds, you'll be well on your way to fooling greenheads and ganders into the decoys.
Kelley and Tim will take you from quacks and honks to high-balls and double clucks through this advanced interactive software .
