| | | | | | Gearing Up for the 2003 Waterfowl Seasonby John Dean, Jr.
Drake Waterfowl Systems
Drake Waterfowl Systems specialty clothing is designed by waterfowlers for waterfowlers. Their line of clothing is well thought out and integrates years of practical hunting experience into every product.
WaderTec™ Guide Bib
The first product we have field tested for Drake Waterfowl Systems was the “WaderTec Guide Bib”. This Guide Bib Long Underwear System is designed for maximum comfort on the coldest days. The union suit design is made of soft low-pile micro-fleece that holds tight to the body to maximize warmth, yet offers exceptional mobility with minimal bulk.
The one-piece suit will never come untucked like its predecessor – two-piece long johns. Step-in, zip-up and you will immediately feel warmth. The micro-fleece lining functions as a moisture control layer which wicks sweat away from your body keeping you dry and warm even during high activity periods. A feature men will like (not found on many of the union suits we tested) is the double zipper construction. This feature allows you to “cut back a layer up top” if necessary and while offering the convenience of a lower zipper when Mother Nature calls. The Pro Staff at GundogsOnline.com found the Drake Waterfowl System Guide Bib to be the perfect replacement for the traditional two-piece long johns.
WaderTec Full and Quarter Zip Fleece Jackets
One of our favorite products offered by Drake Waterfowl Systems is the WaderTec Full or Quarter Zip Fleece Jacket. This fleece jacket is like no other. The WaderTec Jacket is constructed of fleece and a breathable 100% waterproof shell that protects the areas not covered by your waders. There are very few garments that take specialty equipment like waders into consideration. The WaderTec fleece tapered design minimizes bulk under waders but is cut full enough in the shoulders to swing on those passing birds.
The most innovative features we found in waterfowl clothing this year was the call pocket with magnetic closure and the neoprene cuffs of the WaderTec Fleece Jacket. No more fussing with zippers or Velcro, just reach into your call pocket, pull out your call and draw those ducks into your rig. The neoprene cuffs not only do a great job of preventing the arms of the garment from riding up but also keep a snug fit to stop debris and rain from seeping in.
As far as camo choices go, Drake Waterfowl offers most of the major patterns such as: New Break-up, Original Break-up, Shadowgrass , ADVANTAGE Wetlands Camo, and ADVANTAGE Max4 Camo. What else can you ask for!
The Stand Up Decoy Bag
Have you ever struggled with those nylon mesh bags in the dark or when your hands are too cold to work properly? The Drake Waterfowl Stand Up Decoy Bag makes these problems a thing of the past. The 24-inch wide by 30-inch tall bag can hold two to three dozen standard size decoys. When empty, the bag compresses flat to easily hide away under a boat seat, just “unspring” the empty bag and it will pop right into shape.
The Stand Up Decoy Bag is equipped with two-inch wide shoulder straps, which makes it comfortable on that long walk to the blind or boat. This is a truly a functional decoy bag that will save you time in the field.
Columbia Sportswear Company
Since 1938, Columbia has been the manufacturer of some of the most extreme outerwear in waterfowling. Year after year they make improvements starting with OmniTech breathable membrane in 2002 and now Columbia has a new versatile camo called Silent Hunter. Silent Hunter has been designed to work in many different environments but excels in flooded timber and your favorite fresh water potholes.
Columbia Duck Club Widgeon – Silent Hunter
The Columbia Duck Club Widgeon Series provides an entry-level version of the Quickloader Omni Quad Parka, which retails for $200. But do not let the price fool you. The Duck Club Widgeon is packed with features that every hunter looks for, everything from a zip out liner which doubles as a lightweight jacket to fleece lined pockets. The Duck Club Widgeon Is fully water-resistant and windproof and built to perform but not break the bank.
Do you Yazoo? I know I do and you should, too. The Omni-Tech Yazoo hat from Columbia is one of the finest specialty hats for waterfowling. The short bill construction will not impair those overhead shots and the fold down earflaps will keep you warm even in the coldest gusts. The inside of the hat is lined with soft fleece pile and Omni-Tech fabric makes this hat 100% breathable and waterproof.
The Omni-Tech High Brass Gloves are a high gauntlet style glove that is perfect for working in your decoys. The glove uses the same Omni-Tech technology yet combines that with a leather palm and trigger finger. You have the warmth and breathability from OmniTech and the touch and flexibility of leather.
Final Approach Eliminator Blinds
Final Approach never seems to let up when it comes to improving on a good thing. The recent release of two of their new models, “Top Gun Eliminator” and “X-Landr” blinds are prime examples of improving on a good thing.
Final Approach Top Gun Eliminator Blind
The Top Gun Eliminator Blind has the same great features of last year’s popular model, the Pro Guide Blind, but boasts about a completely waterproof bottom for hunting in standing water. This double ply waterproof floor extends up every side six inches to protect even on the wettest of fields. Now you can set up where the birds are and pay no mind to the puddles. The Top Gun blind sets up in minutes and weights 22 lbs. measuring 36”w x 85”L x 18H with an interior cockpit dimension of 26.5” W x 50” L. There is enough room to pack a gear bag, flags, and extra ammunition. In action, the Eliminator Top Gun Blind is equipped with spring-loaded doors and fast access flagging holes for when the birds are coming in. The combination of comfort and camouflage makes this the ultimate “Top of the Line” blind.
Final Approach X-Landr Blind
Even though the X-Landr Blind is the smallest ground blind in the Eliminator family don’t discount its versatility and effectiveness. With competition for hunting in public areas, increasing mobility has become more and more important to escape the hunting pressure. Weighing only 15 lbs., this hybrid is a combination backpack and layout blind rolled into one. For the hunter on the move, this backpack will hold up to four-dozen silhouettes or over 200 rag decoys plus a built in scabbard to hold your shotgun and/or flags.
The X-Landr has the same rust free aluminum lightweight frame, padded seat and headrest, as well as a body design made from ¾ inch closed cell foam. Not only does this make the blind even more comfortable but it also works as insulation against the extreme element in late season.
As the weather starts to change and snow beings to fly, Final Approach offers a solution in a snow cover for the perfect camouflage mix. These blinds are super simple to use and go on in only a couple minutes. It’s almost like having two blinds in one. Now you can afford that early season blind in Advantage MAX4 as well as White Snow Camo.
Final Approach Hide-a-Pooch Blind
Final Approach has designed the Hide-a-Pooch Blind to camouflage and hide your dog in the field. This blind is fully collapsible for storage/travel and opens to a low profile blind measuring 30” W x 44”L x 18” H. It’s the perfect place to hide a pooch in the field especially if you have weary birds that bounce out of your rig with the slightest movement. The blind comes with the same rust free aluminum frame, waterproof exterior and the interior floor has built-in grommets for draining.
Final Approach Floating All Season Floating Gear Bag
In addition to the blinds, Final Approach has designed some truly functional accessories to make the hunt more productive and convenient. The Floating All Season Floating Gear Bag is one of the finest bags you can take into the field. There is enough room for shells, calls, extra gloves, hats and your most important lunch plus a thermos. The internal dividing panels allow you to customize the storage bag as well as utilize the many special purpose pockets. The outside measurements of this bag are 10” H x 15” W x 12” D which give you a whooping 2050 cubic inches of storage. There are pockets for extra choke tube and a wrench, cell phone pockets as well as an ergonomically designed shoulder strap that makes even the heaviest loads bearable at the end of the day. One of the best features of this bag that all waterfowlers can appreciate that it will still float even with 6 boxes of 3” magnum waterfowl loads in the bag.
Final Approach Tri-Tips
Anyone that hunts Snows, Speckles or Canada Geese knows a big part of the game is the number of decoys you can set out in your rig. Geese like the confidence of numbers and one way to quickly set your silhouettes is via the Final Approach Tri-Tips. A spread can quickly be set up in half the time; you simply attach the decoy body, fan out the 3 arms and place it on the ground. No more drilling in frozen dirt or rock to get your decoys ready for the morning hunt. Setting up a decoy goes from 3 steps to 1 which means you can lay out more decoys quicker or have a little extra time for that early morning cup of coffee before shooting hours.
Tri-Tips are made on a painted steel frame with an easy lift handle, which allows the hunter to pick up or relocate decoys quickly to rearrange the spread. Each Tri-Tip holds 3 geese decoys and 3 Tri-Tips come in one package. This is one of the fastest ways to lay out birds in the field environment.
Pick up a couple Tri-Tips for your next field hunt and you will be amazed how much time you save setting up your rig.
Renzo Silhouette Goose Decoys
Although Renzo Decoys are known for their life-like, large game decoys, they have thrown their hat into the waterfowl arena. This year Renzo has added Canada and Snow Goose Silhouette Decoys to their product line.
The key to Renzo’s success is their lightweight design, photo realistic images and their compact size. You can easily stack several dozen in with your current gear and hardly notice a difference. The decoy is made from corrugated plastic, which is lightweight and can be folded for storage when not in use. Renzo Silhouette Goose Decoys currently sell in packs of six and comes with standing stakes. Each package contains silhouettes in three life-like positions; sentry, feeder and standing goose.
Silhouettes have long been used as a cost effective means for increasing the size and draw of your decoy rig. With the introduction of Renzo’s Canada and Snow Goose Silhouettes, you can quickly and affordably add several dozen silhouettes to your existing shells, rags and full bodies and give your rig a more life-like appearance.
For the dog trainers out there, the Renzo Decoys are perfect for setting up quick hunt test concepts. The ease of use and packability make this fit right in with the other training gear. Get your dog used to working in a decoy spread before the season. It will make the hunt more enjoyable for the both of you.
Dynamic Decoys
Hunters around the country know the power of motion in a decoy spread. Even the most skittish birds feel more comfortable with a life-like decoy spread with movement. Dynamic Decoys redefines movement for the goose hunter. Dynamic Decoys transform your full body decoys into moving geese. Dynamic Decoys operates by rotating a platform back and forth giving the appearance of a goose feeding or walking in the middle of your spread.
The platform works with many of the top brand full body decoy manufacturers and only takes a few seconds to install. Once in the field, it is important not to submerge the unit. Even though they are designed as waterfowling equipment, it is best if you take the precaution of keeping them dry and protected from the elements.
Each Dynamic Decoy will run an average of six hours on a full charge. All of the units come with rechargeable battery and charger, as well as a camouflage bag to conceal the battery from oncoming birds.
Flambeau
Flambeau has been part of waterfowling for as long as we can remember. Their products have filled many SUV’s, trucks and boats with everything from decoys to carry boxes to hard gun cases. This year, Flambeau has launched a new accessory line to include a Wader Bag and Floating Gun Case.
The Flambeau Floating Gun Case
The Flambeau Floating Gun case is one of the only bags that contain Zerust 5-year corrosion protection. Zerust is an anti-corrosion/rust compound that has been added to this floating gun case. This is an odorless, non-toxic; non-reactive chemical formula that coats and protects your firearm by just placing it in the case. Of course, this does not mean you should give up on cleaning your firearm but rather Zerust will help protect your firearm during storage.
The Flambeau Floating Gun Case will accommodate most firearms for the field. The over-sized opening makes removing/sheathing your gun a snap. The Flambeau Floating Gun Case has oversized storage pocket on the outside of the case that is a great place to keep a mini gun cleaning kit or extra choke tubes.
Flambeau’s Wader Bag
Flambeau’s Wader Bag is designed to keeping your waders and/or hip boots properly stowed while traveling to and from the field. The Flambeau Wader bag even offers you a convenient pull out changing mat giving you a dry place to change into and out of your waders. Once the hunt is done, step onto the bag to remove your waders, the changing mat quickly becomes a bag by simple pulling the drawstring. No mess…no worries… now you can keep your muddy waders in the cab with you instead of in the back of the truck.
Hunter Specialties / HS Waterfowl
The Custom Series “Ringer” polished acrylic call is designed for close working ducks over timber or a tidal marsh. This call is extremely easy run and gives true tones to pull those ducks into your rig. If you are looking for a competition call or open/big water call you might want to look at the Custom Series Loudmouth call.
Carlson Championship Calls
If you are serious about become a better duck caller you need to invest in the Carlson Championship Calls suite of products. No other instructional program has produced so many state and regional duck calling champions. Carlson’s instructional system has produced over 220 men’s division world sanctioned state and regional duck calling championships, as well as, the only call to hold both 1st and 2nd place in both the World and Canadian National Duck Calling Contest. So whether you want to improve your calling for personal gain or to put more birds in your bag Carlson Championship Call numbers speak for themselves.
Currently Carlson has two main tools to teach you proper duck calling operation:
The Carlson Pro Duck Calling Video walks through the traditional Duck Calling mimicking but if you continue to watch this 90-minute long video you will me amazed at how technical calling can be. According to Jim James, the 1996 World Duck Calling Champion and CEO of Carlson Championship calls it takes some up to 2 years to learn the system. If you are set in your calling ways this is going to be a hard process to relearn and kick some bad habits.
If you are more of a computer CD-ROM and audio person, Carlson Championship Calls has come out with a new product to help you improve your calling techniques. Duck Calling A to Z is a 2 CD set that is FULL of over 30 years worth of championship calling and over 100 minutes of instruction. Whether you are sitting at your computer or practicing in your car, this CD ROM has all the information you need in a very portable format.
Duck Calling A to Z has been broken down by tracks so it is easy to skip or review certain lessons, and trust me you will practice with a purpose once you start your training program. The path is not easy but soon you will be on your way to improving your calling and pulling in more ducks.
Second, the CD contains the Carlson Computer program which is full of 9 lessons of information. This program is an interactive training tool to help you visualized proper gating, back and forward pressure, the “9 Mandatories of Effective Duck Calling” and much, much more. If you are on the go and need a method of training that needs to go with you, this CD is the way to go.
Quality calls do not only come in acrylic as proven by the Carlson VoloChoke. The VoloChoke is the ONLY mass-produced injected molded call to win the World Duck Calling Contest. The beauty of the VoloChoke is much like the screw in chokes that we use to customize our shot pattern when hunting. The VoloChoke system really works like 4 calls in 1. The insert is threaded to fit 4 different chokes, which will customize the volume and performance in the field. The Volochoke has everything from a tight working timber choke to an open water competition choke.
The Equalizer is Carlson’s entry-level call but do not let the $19.95 price tag fool you. This is no inexpensive bucket call! During a demonstration we could not tell the difference between the VoloChoke, handcrafted call or the Equalizer and I am sure the ducks won’t be able to either.
Pro Ears Predator 300
Hearing protection is one of the hottest topics in the outdoor industry. With such attention, manufacturers have been working quickly to provide solutions that are practical in the field. The forerunner in this field is Ridgeline with their Pro Ears Predator 300 Series of Electronic Hearing Protection. Electronic hearing protection is a must for the field as it allows the hunter the ability to hear the soundings and protect against the close quarter gunning from a boat or blind.
The Pro Ears Predator 300 model utilizes a technology called Dynamic Level Sound Compression or DLSC™. DLSC is unlike other units on the market today that utilize “Peak Clipping” technology and react to loud noises by shutting off the amplification system, leaving dead spots in your hearing. Instead, Pro Ears simply “compresses” harmful noises to a safe level (below 70 dB) and leaves you free to hear all the sounds at a comfortable level. The Pro Ears DLC™ technology works fast too, reducing harmful sounds in less than 5.5 milliseconds.
The Pro Ears Predator 300 comes in Natural Gear Camo utilizes Dynamic Sound Compression. Compression technology takes unsafe sounds, such as shotgun blasts, and compresses it down to a safe level of hearing. In turn, you always have the ability to hear what’s going on around you, whether it’s ducks, or your hunting partner whispering, “take em”.
The combination of amplifying hearing and protection makes this a must especially if you are putting your time in the field. Protect your hearing!
Winchester High Velocity Steel
When it comes to shot be extremely selective in your choices. Yes, there are less expensive shot shells on the market but few that perform to Winchester High Velocity Steel standards. Winchester High Velocity Steel travel at 1450 fps which packs enough zip to knock ducks and geese down at extended yardages, as well as the patterning ability for close working decoying birds.
Many hunters frown on the use of steel and have opted to go with substitute shot or stop waterfowl hunting all together after many shooting disappointments. In comparison to non-toxic shot, Winchester Supreme High Velocity Steel was not only a huge savings but has the premium performance that we demand in the duck blind.
Currently Winchester is offering a rebate on their steel shot shells. If you are already a Winchester customer please take advantage of up to $30.00 in savings. Click Here for your rebate form and information.
For those of you that only hunt upland game, Winchester has not forgotten about you and the performance you demand. Winchester High Velocity Field Loads travel at a crushing 1400fps and come in a variety of shot size ranging from 4 – 7˝.
If you are looking for the right combination of shells for hunting please click here to review all that Winchester has to offer.
Camo Outfitters Inc. Fast Grass
Everyone who duck hunts knows of Fast Grass and the ability it has to transform your boat into a marshland hummock or melt away into the natural backdrop. Fast Grass is the ultimate in natural camouflage to hide your boat or blind in just about any type of terrain you are going to hunt. The 4 x 4 palm leave sheets are woven together and then dried to make a tight weave of material which can be cut or tied together.
Before unboxing your Fast Grass plan out the pattern for the boat or blind. You can safely cut the sheets without fear of unraveling which make this product highly customizable. So whether you are hunting out of a TDB or johnboat you have a blind built to fit your application. When combining sheets together, plastic “zip” ties do the trick. Just make sure you grab a couple of inches on each side of the piece you are looking to combine.
Before you head out to the hunt make sure you give your new Fast Grass a chance to age. Once the blind is together it can be hung outside to weather naturally. In about a week you will see the grass darken and become a little more pliable. Each time you go out in the field, Fast Grass will continue to weather and become more and more natural in appearance.
Flyway Specialties Easy-Up Duck Blind
If you are looking for a quick up, versatile blind that will fit virtually any boat, look no further. The “Easy Up Duck Blind” from Flyway Specialties folds flat for easy trailoring and offers the quickest set-up we have found for a duck blind. The Flyway Specialties blind can be set up in the field in a whooping 10 seconds.
The Easy-Up Duck Blind is easy to install and comes with a step-by-step installation video. This blind comes with all the material needed to install a complete blind system on your duck boat. The 3-D leafy-cut camouflage material gives your duck blind a three dimensional look and can be cut to fit your specific boat. The Easy-Up Blind is available in two sizes; standard size for boats 12 to 15 feet and large size for boat 16 to 18 feet in length.
Currently, the Easy Up Duck Blind comes in all the popular camo patterns: New Advantage Max4, Mossy Oak Shadow Grass and Natural Gear to name a few.
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