December 08, 2011
By Joe Genzel
How's that song go? It's beginning to look a lot like flooded cornfields, ground blinds€¦ OK, we know, it's Christmas. But here at Wildfowl , we're waterfowlers first and foremost. And what better way to bring a little cheer and glad tidings to the hunter in your family than with a brand new Benelli under the tree? If you're thinking about buying your duck hunter a bowling ball for Christmas, stop right there. We've got some great waterfowl products, from duck and goose calls, gadgets and guns, to blinds, clothing and kayaks.
If you're feeling generous with that Christmas bonus check, get your hunter some new weapons to fuel his passion.
Want more outdoor gift ideas? Check out more Holidays Gift Guides for the bowhunter , fisherman , dog lover , big game hunter and gun nut on your list.
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Benelli Super Vinci Benelli USA launched its modular Vinci in 2010. Now, the Italian gunmaker has expanded the model to chamber 3½-inch shells, and calls it the Super Vinci. The inertia-driven in-line receiver and action-return spring make cleaning easy. It allows extended shooting without cleaning. Benelli's ComforTech Plus stock makes recoil virtually negligible. In addition, the Quadra-Fit stock allows drop and cast adjustment to tweak the stock to fit most shooters. The Super Vinci shoots 2¾-inch, 3-inch and 3½-inch shells interchangeably without adjustment. [imo-slideshow gallery=8],379;
Benelli Flyway Digital 3-D Camo Netting CamoSystems Flyway Digital 3-D camo netting offers coverage for any waterfowling need. The netting realistically imitates life-like foliage, standing up to rough environments via UV treatment, waterproofing and rot/mold-resistant formulas. CamoSystems uses reversible, shine-free colors that are lightweight and durable, remaining rustle-free and pliable in temperatures from minus 40 to 140 degrees. Flyway comes in two sizes. 8x10: $40; 8x20: $70;
CamoSystems AquaPod Explorer Equally at home on a backwater mud flat or while gunning goldeneyes in open water, the AquaPod Explorer is the company's strongest and lightest line of boats. Available in 8-foot, 10-foot and 12-foot models, weighing from 40 to 60 pounds, these boats offer the portability to use about anywhere while being stable enough for you to hunt comfortably with a retriever. Each boat features four handles, two cleats, shock cords and an eyebolt for towing. [imo-slideshow gallery=8],600-[imo-slideshow gallery=8],900;
AquaPod Foxpro Electronic Callers Foxpro electronic callers are ideal for spring snow goose hunting. The Snow Crow Pro 2 is designed to help snow goose and crow hunters alike attract distant birds and keep their attention until they put their feet down in the decoys. The system comes with the TX-500 transmitter, 12-volt gel-cell battery and two external, 30-watt speakers. Two more speakers can be added for surround-sound effect. With 4 GB of internal memory, the system can store up to 500 sounds. It comes with 100 programmed. [imo-slideshow gallery=8],000;
Foxpro Big Foot Decoys Catching a greenhead's gaze is a given with the new mallard decoys from Big Foot. Both the floating and field dekes use a durable, bright paint that birds are sure to zero in on from afar. The floater rocks a new pliable body design and a weighted keel, and the field mallards include a new motion system for spectacular realism. Sack 'em all up in the new-lidded bag that's included with every dozen decoys. Floaters (six-pack): $75; Field (12-pack): $240
Bigfoot Decoys Skysweeper Extreme Parka Under Armour has created the Skysweeper Extreme Parka, which features 100 percent polyester construction to make it waterproof and breathable to block out the most persistent elements. A three-layer lamination starts with complete coverage in a super lightweight and durable ripstop material that is also wind and water resistant, adding a breathable membrane for more weather-proof insulation. The coat has a super-soft fleece lining for superior warmth and comfort when the temperatures drop fast. A six-shell-loop shell holder helps keep you prepared to reload quickly. $230;
Under Armour Zink Call of Death High school language courses never worked this well. Zink Calls' Call of Death enables you to speak goose fluently to draw in distant honkers and keep them riveted until the shot is made. Made especially for finishing wary birds that are close enough to finalize their landing decisions, the COD has a straight-bore mouthpiece and slender end piece for a call that blows loud and fast. Comes complete with extra reeds, instructional DVD, leg band and hard case. $160;
Zink Calls FastGrass Blind Mud Buddy and Camo Outfitters teamed up five years ago and developed the FastGrass Blind. This blind will attach to the boat with removable wire ties and mounts, and can be taken off easily for off-season storage in less than 10 minutes. FastGrass will work for any kind of boat 14 to 22 feet long and comes with a kit that includes a frame, hardware, mesh backing and easy-to-follow photo instructions. Covered in woven palm trees, the blind can be used in open water, or park it next to shore as an extension of natural cover. $580;
Mud Buddy Bill Collector Duck Call Hunter's Specialties put a new tone board in the Bill Collector duck call that allows callers to generate volume, but still make the quiet, raspy calls needed to finish ducks in the decoys. The tone board is angled so it's virtually stick-proof. Bill Collector is offered in both double- and single-reed models. Editor Skip Knowles wore out the double reed in Alberta in late September, and sucked many dumb early season birds in range. $25;
Hunter's Specialties DeLorme inReach Sometimes, being able to keep in touch allows you to stay out there longer. Your favorite honey hole may be inundated with ducks, but bars on your cell phone may be lacking. Stay connected with a DeLorme inReach. The two-way communication system features GPS, emergency SOS and the capability to send text messages to just about anyone in the world. Paired with an Android smartphone for improved signal, the system becomes even more advanced with capabilities to send to e-mail, Twitter and Facebook. $250;
DeLorme