Diehard waterfowlers, pay attention. We've got the scoop on the gear you need for the cold late season.
Rig’Em Right Flashpoint Floating Gun Case
The perfect gun case for brown waters, early-morning boat rides and gumbo-like fields, the Flashpoint will protect your shotgun in just about any situation. Made with thick and buoyant foam with a waterproof shell, this case will float, should it be required, and the full-length Velcro opening will aid in drying it out afterward. A 53-inch interior means it will fit all but your longest shotguns. Built with metal hardware, and available in multiple camo patterns. MSRP: $84.99; rigemright.com.
Drake MST Waterfowl Fleece-Lined ¼ Zip 2.0 Jacket
This pullover was made with bad weather in mind. A 100 percent wind and waterproof, breathable polyester shell will protect you from wind, snow and rain thanks to its HyperShield 2.0 coating, and a thick fleece lining will ensure you stay warm enough to finish out your limit. Taped seams, elastic cuffs and slash pockets out front round out the package. Available if Mossy Oak Bottomland, Shadow Grass Habitat and Drake’s Green Timber. MSRP: $169.99; drakewaterfowl.com.
ALPS OutdoorZ Vault Blind Bag
Pairing design with ultimate utility, the Vault is ideally suited for flooded timber and wet blinds. A backpack-style bag built with a hard, weatherproof bottom so it’ll stand on its own, it also includes tree straps for use in flooded timber. A large interior houses multiple zippered and elastic pockets and a fold-down shelf that doubles as a divider and workstation. Additional features include a large thermos pocket, drop-down gun boot and padded straps. MSRP: $229.99; alpsoutdoorz.com.
LaCrosse Alpha Agility Select Waders
Be it the standard chest wader or the front-zip model, the Alpha Agility Select Waders are packed full of features hardcore waterfowlers have been searching for. Sporting a breathable nylon outer shell, a removeable quilted liner for colder hunts and a lightweight boot that fits and feels like an athletic shoe. Shell holders, pockets and a waterproof phone pouch are attached out front. Available in Realtree Max-5 and Mossy Oak Original Bottomland camo. MSRP: $590-$690; lacrossefootwear.com.
Winchester SX4 Universal Hunter
The SX4 semi-auto, with its slimmed-down ergonomics, chrome-plated chamber and bore, and its fast and reliable active-valve gas system, has received the universal treatment, meaning it’ll play just as nice with ducks and geese as it will with turkeys and big bucks. Its Mossy Oak DNA camo is well-suited to any hunting scenario, and with a complete set of Invector Plus choke tubes you’ll be ready to tackle it all. Available in 12- and 20-gauge, in multiple barrel lengths. MSRP: $1,169.99-$1,199.99; winchesterguns.com.
Browning Wicked Blend Shotshells
Packed with a layer of high-density bismuth pellets atop a deadly load of precision round steel pellets, this blended payload from Browning provides wicked results on ducks and geese. With two different shot materials and two shot sizes corralled in flight by the Wicked Wad, the result is incredible spread density and lethal energy you’d normally think were out of your range. Twelve- and 20-gauge loads available in multiple shot sizes. MSRP: $37.99-$54.99; browningammo.com.
Nomad 3LI Bibs
Waterfowl is a new pursuit for Nomad, and its 3LI Bib is a standout for field hunting from a layout blind or pit. Designed to allow a full range of motion while keeping a hunter warm and dry, the 3LI Bib is 100 percent wind and waterproof and is packed with PrimaLoft 100-gram insulation. Adjustable suspender straps and waistline allow you to perfect the fit, and full-zip legs help you get them on and off with ease. Reinforced with Kevlar in the knees and seat. MSRP: $300-$310; nomadoutdoor.com.
