The Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 pursuit of 43 waterfowl species was a once in a lifetime adventure that many hunters dream about but few have the privilege of living. With all the challenges we faced (Covid travel restrictions, unseasonably warm temperatures, and effects on migration….to name a few), the only thing we could directly influence was our state of mind and gear.
The old outfitter cliché, “Control what you can control”, is sometimes thought of as being over-used. However, it is a true fundamental whether you are hunting for a day, a week, a month or in this case, 110+ days. You CAN mentally prepare yourself for situations when “uncontrollables” are not in your favor. A positive attitude and confident state of mind brings good karma. Trusting guides and your gear influences confidence especially when conditions limit your in-field opportunities. Dad and I found this to be true on our adventure which is why we wanted to pass along some the top gear choices that instilled confidence and helped us to achieve the pinnacle of waterfowl hunting. Check out the links to see detailed features and benefits.
Quality Firearm/Ammo – Dad and I used two different models of Browning shotguns. Simple advice: find a gun you feel comfortable and confident shooting. Also take into consideration every type of weather condition you may experience. Like a fine piece of art, the classic A5 handled everything from saltwater seas to open field hunting. Browning Wicked Wing shot shells worked perfect in every setup (Most likely the only brand that has ever taken all 43 species in a single year….field tested and approved!) . The steel/bismuth mix was a deadly combination.
Firearm Cases – Traveling in boats, wading through swamps, lying in fields can expose your shotgun to a variety of hazards that can render you out of commission with a sunken gun, clogged barrel, or sub-par cycling performance. Let us face it, mechanical parts and water/mud do not mix well. A hunt can be ruined if you lose your shotgun or if you must spend the precious “prime time minutes” unclogging a barrel….Again, “Control the Uncontrollable”. A floating case provides a great insurance policy!
Comfortable Waders/Wader Pants– Waterfowlers know that early season and late season call for vastly different warmth and breathability needs. Cabela’s has been a leader in the wader category for many years and they know comfort can mean the difference between picking up dekes early or holding out for the final flight. In the unseasonably warm conditions light weight breathability played a huge role while insulation and warmth were important factors in cold conditions as well as mild conditions when we were standing in marshes for long periods. Air temperatures do not necessarily have to be frigid for a person to become chilled. If water temperatures are 55F-65F degrees, a tremendous amount of body heat loss can result from standing in open water. Wader pants offer an additional warmth barrier.
Warm/Dry Gloves- Cold, wet fingers and hands can be crippling (literally) and make it more difficult to call, shoot accurately and hold out for the final flight. I used 3 pairs of gloves depending on weather conditions. It is a good idea to have a mix of gloves to accommodate warmth, shield against water as well as a pair of wool gloves as a spare in case you find yourself sopping wet.
Apparel – Wearing waders much of the time calls for a quality parka/coat to keep your body core insulated. As I mentioned before, even though the air temperatures might be warm, the properties of water can pull a significant amount of heat away from your body especially if you are standing in water for hours at a time. Do not fool yourself into thinking that just because it is not freezing that you will not get cold. A combination parka can give you all-season versatility without having to pack multiple early/mid/late season jackets. You will need a coat that keeps you warm and dry, but also one that is comfortable and affords mobility for those crossing and perpendicular shot angles.
Stay Prepared & Organized – A good blind bag is as important for the gear you need as well as for what you “might need.” Spare gloves, calls, ammunition, tools, water, snacks, decoy hardware and dog accessories always come in handy. I carried the walk-in blind bag which gave me the freedom to backpack if we need to carry other items or the terrain necessitated “hands-free”. A good mix of pocket sizes is important for keeping gear secure and organized.
Eyes and Ears – Two essential senses of hunting are sight and sound. If you cannot see, you have a hard time shooting. If you cannot hear, well, you can still hunt but perhaps not as effectively, and plus, there is nothing like the sound of waterfowl vocals or the song of wing beats. We protect our eyes with sunglasses no matter the journey. Sunrise and water glare make shooting difficult. In addition, performance eyewear provides protection from willow/cattail swatting, decoy weights (basically anything you can think of that will either poke out your eye or ruin a flight because of not being able to see. Hearing protection is equally as important. Although hearing loss occurs over a period, among waterfowlers it can be accelerated due to group hunting and multiple shots fired in close proximity (crossing shots can be the worst). Custom fit/high decibel cancelling hearing protection provide great ear protection while allowing normal conversation and sounds of the hunt to be enjoyed.
Field Vision – A great pair of binoculars is very helpful when scouting waterfowl and locating birds coming from a distance to a blind area. From marsh and field hunting to the open ocean, a great pair of durable binos was a must. As much time can be spent glassing for waterfowl as big game in certain instances! I used the Leupold BX-5 Santiam binos all year. Great field of view and low eye fatigue.
Vehicle Protection/Organization – Transportation to and from the lodge or between fields can waste valuable time changing in an out of gear. Protecting your vehicle with seat covers gives piece of mind by protecting your investment while giving you the flexibility to move quickly between destinations. Wet/muddy boots, dogs and gear can wreck a vehicles’ interior. I use quality seat covers and floor mats to protect and organize my rig. Ruff Tuff has since launched an upgraded version of their Special OPS™ Package and a Flex OPS™ Package for increased storage versatility.
