WILDFOWL Magazine's Best of SHOT Show 2026

SHOT Show is always an exciting event. Manufacturers from around the world come to show off their newest products, upgrades, and additions to their line-ups. This year showcased much for waterfowlers to look forward to for this year. Here are WILDFOWL’s top picks from the show!

Browning A5 20-gauge camo

You asked, they listened! The team at Browning released the A5 in a 20-gauge two years ago and became a fan favorite, but the outcry for the gun to be cloaked in camo was deafening (we also wanted to see the shiny hardware dipped in some camo patterns). So, Browning did just that—they took their A5 20 and decked it out in camo options which include: Browning Auric, Browning Vintage Tan, Mossy Oak Bottomland, Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Habitat, and Realtree Max-7. Now duck hunters can get all their favorite features of the sub-gauge A5, now offered in some of the best camo patterns in the game!

Winchester Waterfowl Hunter SX4 Distressed Timber & Marsh Cerakote

We love the SX4. It’s a bulletproof workhorse that keeps going strong hunt after hunt. While Winchester hasn’t released any new shotguns to the lineup, we can’t argue with the logic of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, and nothing in their line-up is broken—quite the opposite. However, one thing they did do, which we were big fans of is introduced two new cerakote patterns to the SX4 line. A distressed marsh cerakote and a timber cerakote. Each cerakote job is done by hand, so no two guns are the same. The Marsh is a lighter color to blend into the tules and other grass, while the Timber is a darker color. We personally love both.

Zink Calls Paralyzer SR-2

Yes, you read that right. New for 2026 is the return of the Paralyzer goose call from Zink Calls. Designed by Fred himself, the new SR-2 has a shorter barrel and insert for easy operation, as well as some absolutely killer colors. Zink is going back to the more traditional look that they used back in the 2000s, and we love it! We had the chance to give this call a run, and can tell you firsthand, this call rips!

Zink Calls Paralyzer XR-1

Also in the new Paralyzer line is Zink’s new duck call, the XR-1. Another absolute ripper. A J-frame, timber-style call that has a sticky, clunky bottom end, but you can also make it sing if needed. From long, singing hails to soft feeding chatter and even the fancy trick notes that no one really needs, this call has it all.

Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 Advanced Impact 28-gauge

It might not be new, per se, but it’s a favorite of ours—the Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 Advanced Impact 28-gauge. It’s slim, fits well, and with the Advanced Impact (A.I.) technology, this 28-gauge sends pellets downrange that hit like a train! When the 12-gauge was released, we were blown away during testing, now the 28 is providing the same excitement and duck killing power! This sub-gauge is ready to help you fill limits this coming season, without the weight, or the recoil.

Mud River Dog Products Standard Maynard Reece Blind Bag

We’re suckers for cool gear, we’re also suckers for cool blind bags to carry our cool gear, and Mud River has come to party with a great looking blind bag decorated in old school Maynard Reece camouflage. If you don’t know the history behind Maynard Reece, we suggest you do quick google search (we don’t have enough time to conduct the history lesson here). The bag has a protected main compartment with a zipper, Velcro and buckle opening. Two side compartments, and a zippered pocket on the back. It’s big enough to carry anything you may need, and small enough to hide easily in a layout or simply set it aside in the blind without taking up much space. What really impressed us is the water resistance and floating capabilities. This blind bag will definitely be with us in the field this season.

Apex Ammunition S3 Stratified Steel

Blended loads are lethal. We’re passed the point of questioning it now, it’s been proven. Apex Ammo’s Stratified Steel is a blended load of zinc plated steel that wreaked havoc on ducks during its R&D phase and is ready for hunters to take to the blind and do the same. We can attest to its hard-hitting nature—we saw it work on ducks and geese multiple times; you can’t get any deader than dead, but these shells come close to doing something of that sort.

GForce Two Burnt Bronze Old School Camo 20-Gauge

This gun might look like it costs as much as the big-name brands, but coming in just over $500, the GForce Two is a budget friendly gun made to keep firing each time you pull the trigger. New for this year is their Burnt Bronze Cerakote receiver and barrel, with old school waterfowl camo—in a 20-gauge! And the gun shoots just as good as it looks. The fit in the shoulder is fantastic, and the inertia driven system operates smooth. If you’re looking for a new 20-gauge that your significant other won’t notice on the bank statement, or just simply want a good, solid, dependable sub-gauge, this is the way to go!

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